Building a Smart Home? Start with Security

Building an Automated Smart Home? Start with Security.

00:06 02 May 2022

Smart homes have become exceptionally popular in recent years now that smart devices and appliances are more mainstream and affordable. It’s common for people to have convenient smart devices like speakers and thermostats, and there’s also a market for smart home security.

 

If you’re looking at creating a smart home, and you’re wondering where to start, consider starting with security. Your home is your castle, and you deserve to feel comfortable, protected, and secure. 

 

A smart home security system can create that for you.

 

You don’t need to know anything about smart security

Are you hesitant to get a smart home security system installed because you don’t know anything about smart security? The good news is you don’t have to be an expert – you can have a professional set up your entire system. 

 

For instance, companies like Your Security Connection employ licensed electricians, technicians, and designers to install home security for clients. You don’t even need to know what devices to buy – a professional can assess your needs and make recommendations.

 

When you hand over the job to a team of professionals, you won’t need to be concerned with learning new technical skills, and you won’t harm yourself trying to hardwire your components.

 

Security is a priority

Perhaps the best reason to start with security when building a smart home is to prioritize security. Whether you live alone or have a family, security should always come first.

 

There are several types of threats you’ll want to protect your home against, including:

 

• Porch pirates
• Burglars
• Intruders intending to cause harm
• Snoopers and nosy neighbors
• Attackers

 

Some people have gone to great lengths to deter porch pirates with smart home security systems. They yell at them through their Ring doorbell and sometimes play loud music to scare them away. 

 

Sometimes that’s not enough and people set up traps with boxes full of paint or glitter that explode when they’re opened. Others even put decoy boxes out with a GPS inside to track the thief down and confront them.

 

There’s actually an official product you can buy to scare off potential porch pirates. It’s called “Blank Box” and it engages a blank 12 gauge shotgun shell when someone moves the box.

 

You can protect yourself and your family from just about any type of threat by installing a smart home security system.

 

Smart home security components work together

Although you can buy individual devices separately, they can all be connected to create an integrated monitoring system for your home. The following smart security components can be connected to work together:

 

• An outdoor CCTV security camera system
• An indoor CCTV security camera system
• A microphone that records audio from your cameras
• A two-way speaker that allows you to speak to people you see on camera
• Door locks
• Window sensors
• An alarm system
• Smart lights in the home

 

All of these smart devices and systems can work together to create the ultimate security for your home. For example, you can program your smart lights to turn on whenever your home alarm is triggered. You can also have your lights turn on and off at set times when you’re on vacation to make it look like someone is home.

 

Another cool feature is that some companies, like Ring, allow neighbors to share their videos with the entire neighborhood. This feature is designed to alert others in the area to potential threats that might come to their doorstep next. 

 

For example, many people share their videos to Facebook in community groups to alert others to the existence of potential thieves or people destroying property.

 

Smart home security might save you money on insurance

Although the average savings is 5-10%, some insurance companies will lower your premium by up to 20% when you install a smart security system. This isn’t a new phenomenon, since some insurance companies have always lowered premiums for homeowners with a security system. However, this discount is now also applicable to smart security systems.

 

Saving 20% on your homeowners insurance premium is a big deal. On a $250,000 home, most people pay $1,383 per year. With a 20% discount, you’ll save $276.60 per year. That doesn’t seem like much, but there’s plenty you can do with that money, especially when you’re also saving money in other ways because every dollar counts.

 

Smart homes are great, but invest in your security first

Before you start collecting smart gadgets like refrigerators and coffee pots, build your smart home security system first. Prioritize your family’s security for peace of mind and then start creating more convenience in your home.