New research shows the number of people choosing a DIY home security system is on the rise. In fact, by the end of 2018, nearly 28% of U.S. households equipped with a broadband connection reported having an active security system. Even more, around 52% of U.S. households plan on investing in a DIY home security system within the next 12 months. Those are big numbers.
And while a professional home security installation still dominates the market, the numbers certainly point to a rise in DIY. Self-installed security systems easily make their mark provided they are easy to install and provide an adequate level of protection. One of the primary drivers of home security self-installation remains the lower cost. Most people who invest in self-installed systems have dollars and cents on their mind.
Self-installation might also turn some homeowners off. The average amount of time a consumer spends on self installation is around 4 hours. For some, that may just be too long a time to spend trying to install something, especially something they could get wrong. DIY installations that are too complex or overly burdensome may push buyers into the arms of professional installers.
Big Players Get in on the Game
Many home security system providers and manufacturers have been moving in the direction of incorporating adjacent devices into their service offerings. From networked cameras to video doorbells and more, expect to see big home security providers sweetening up products and services. They have even been getting more into DIY. Helping people self-install additional smart home devices into existing systems keeps traditional companies integrated.
In fact, many traditional home security companies are making the transition from install to self-install, connected technology and IoT. Nearly two-thirds of traditional home security companies surveyed in a recent poll stated that the biggest benefit to getting into the DIY market are the new revenue streams. As more people transition to self install, these companies don’t want to get left behind.
From Next, Ring, Samsung, and Honeywell, all the big names in home security and automation have announced their entrance into the market. Nearly half of all homeowners purchase a connected system for the home security benefit. DIY provides innovation through on-demand, no-contract monitoring options that could expand the market for device makers. And they are taking notice.
Avoiding a transition into assisting homeowners with their DIY home security needs could risk the relevance of the home security system market. Manufacturers all over the world are responding to consumers’ needs. And companies that don’t heed the call can expect a big challenge within the marketplace. Above all, home security companies need to embrace, rather than shun DIY solutions. In order to capture more market share and remain relevant in a competitive industry.