Alarm systems for a secure home: purpose - costs - possibilities

Security within your own four walls is an important issue for many households. Many know someone whose home has been burglarized or at least attempted to be burglarized. The idea of ​​someone unnoticed clearing out your house at night while you're sound asleep is almost terrifying. However, this can be prevented. In this article, we'll explain exactly how to do it. 

Good basic protection of doors and windows is a prerequisite for a safe home 

Burglars primarily break in at night, as this is when the risk of being caught is lowest. Additionally, most will only break in if they can get a door or window opened quickly. If that doesn't work, they'll move on to the next property, which may be easier to access. So, this is where you should start: Secure windows and doors with good locking systems that deter potential burglars in advance . 

When does an alarm system make sense and what options are there? 

An alarm system is therefore considered more of an add-on to enhance basic security . An outdoor alarm system with a motion detector and siren is a sensible option . This system is triggered as soon as someone enters the property, increasing the thief's nervousness. There's also the risk that neighbors will react to the loud outdoor siren. This makes it all the more difficult for the burglar to act quickly before someone catches him in the act. He won't have to linger at the door or window for long and will quickly realize he's in the wrong place. 

If, despite all precautions, the intruder does break in, the next step should be to install an alarm system in the house. This can vary depending on the property. There are several options here, too. You can have a professional alarm system installed by experts, but you'll have to dig deep into your pockets. Depending on the size of the house and your needs, you can expect to pay between €1,500 and €5,000, and in extreme cases, even up to €10,000. 

DIY alarm systems – the cost-effective alternative to expensive professional systems 

If you're happy with simpler alarm systems in addition to well-secured entrances, there are also many DIY systems that boast numerous advantages, such as easy installation, reliable and secure app operation, and integration into your own smart home network . You can usually get such systems for €300-600, again depending on your preference. 

There are alarm system starter packages that already include the main sensors, such as door/window sensors and motion detectors. Door/window sensors, which are attached to doors and windows, are a great way to secure the entrance area. As soon as they are opened, the connected siren is activated. In the hallway, however, a motion detector is useful; it triggers an alarm when it detects movement. 

There are also additional alarm sensors to meet the individual needs of homeowners. If, for example, you want to be 100% sure that your apartment has actually been broken into and not just your neighbor, an indoor camera with motion detection, tracking, and push notifications is recommended. With these functions, the burglar is caught in the act and can be identified immediately. You immediately receive a push notification via the app on your smartphone and can thus see directly who has entered your apartment. The camera should be mounted as high as possible in a corner of the room to be monitored to ensure the camera's optimal field of vision. 

Flashing sirens, signal amplifiers, IR beam sensors for balconies or terraces, or even vibration detectors for safes can also be useful. This always depends on the owner's priorities and the size of the building to be secured. 

Additionally, you can take a closer look at your neighborhood. If you live in a densely populated city or a socially disadvantaged area, the likelihood of burglary is significantly higher than in a rural area, and therefore, you should have better security. 

Here is a small individual example of protecting a single-family home with a DIY alarm system from Chuango: 

Starter package	190€
3 additional door/window sensors	40€
Outdoor motion detector	110€
Outdoor siren	60€
Water detector	25€
surveillance camera	40€
Total costs	465€

Conclusion 

Alarm systems are an important component of a secure home, second only to good locking systems for doors and windows. Alarm systems don't have to be expensive. Alarm systems vary in price depending on the number of windows and doors to be secured, the desired level of security with additional sensors, outdoor systems, and the number of surveillance cameras. However, DIY systems usually cost well under €1,000. If you value a professional system, the price can easily reach four or even five figures.