Feeling secure in your own home is a basic human need. With crime rates fluctuating year to year, diy home security projects can offer homeowners extra peace of mind by deterring intruders and alerting them to suspicious activity. The great news is you don’t have to break the bank to boost your home’s security. There are many budget-friendly projects you can take on yourself.
This article will walk you through assessing your home’s vulnerabilities, outline both basic and advanced diy home security projects, provide estimated costs and timelines, and offer tips on maintaining your system. Read on to discover how easy and affordable it can be to implement home security measures on your own.
Protecting your home and family should be a top priority for any homeowner. While no security system can prevent all crime, taking proactive measures can significantly reduce risks. DIY home security projects allow you to customize your setup based on your budget, abilities, and vulnerabilities.
Diy home security projects can take many forms including outdoor lighting, security cameras, fence installation, smart locks, a Monitored system, window and door sensors, neighborhood watch programs, video doorbells, and home automation. The options are vast, and many projects can be completed in a weekend with basic DIY skills.
This guide will outline numerous diy home security projects ranging from beginner to advanced. We will provide detailed instructions, cost estimates, and maintenance tips so you can find the best ways to boost security that fit your unique situation. Read on to take control of protecting your castle.
Assessing Your Home Security Needs
Not all homes and neighborhoods require the same level of security. What’s right for your situation depends on factors like crime rates, layout and visibility of your property, and existing security measures already in place. Before undertaking any new projects, conduct a home security assessment to identify vulnerabilities.
Conducting a Home Security Assessment
Walk through your home and property with fresh eyes to spot potential weak spots. Note any areas lacking visibility due to trees, sheds, or fences as blind spots put you at greater risk. Pay special attention to entry points like doors and windows. Could any be easily broken or lifted open? Are existing locks sturdy enough?
Also examine outdoor lighting. Well-lit exteriors often deter nighttime intruders. Take an outdoor walk after sunset to determine if certain areas become shrouded in darkness.
While assessing, imagine yourself as an intruder trying to break in. What areas would be easiest to access undetected? Use these vulnerabilities to prioritize the order of security projects.
Identifying Potential Security Vulnerabilities
As you conduct your assessment, watch for these common household vulnerabilities that could enable a break-in:
- Poor outdoor visibility
- Weak doors or door frames
- Low quality locks on doors and windows
- Unlocked doors and windows
- Large, uncovered windows especially at ground level
- Landscaping blocking doors or windows
- Areas lacking sufficient outdoor lighting
- Absence of a security system
- Lack of perimeter fencing
Pay special attention to entry points that cannot be viewed from the street or neighbors. These offer intruders greater freedom to work undetected.
Determining Your Level of Security Needed
Realistically evaluate your risk factors based on:
- Crime level in your area
- Layout and proximity of homes in your neighborhood
- Frequency of times home sits vacant
- Visibility and accessibility of your home
- Value of items in the home
- Presence of dogs or existing security measures
Are you an obvious target with a remote property and vacation home left unattended for weeks? Or is your risk relatively low in a populous area with vigilant neighbors? Match security upgrades to actual vulnerabilities so you avoid over or under protecting.
Now that you’ve analyzed where your home is exposed, continue reading to discover a full range of do-it-yourself home security projects.
DIY Home Security Projects
A variety of straightforward projects can significantly boost exterior and interior security. The following sections detail multiple diy home security measures ranging from effortless to more complex.
Review costs, time investments, tools required, and difficulty ratings to gauge which upgrades align with your budget, schedule, and skill level. Many only require a few common tools and one leisurely weekend to complete.
Overview of Various DIY Home Security Projects
- Outdoor Lighting – Install lighting around entry points and dark corners to eliminate nighttime blind spots intruders could exploit.
- Security Cameras – Position cameras covering driveway, patio, porch, and yard to capture and record suspicious activity.
- Fences/Gates – Perimeter fencing with locked gates defines property lines while limiting access from unwanted visitors.
- Landscaping – Keep bushes trimmed away from entry points for clearer visibility removing hiding spots.
- Smart Locks – Keyless locks offer convenient access for residents while tracking identities for added accountability.
- Home Security Systems – Monitored systems with window/door sensors trigger alerts to unauthorized entry attempts.
- Safe Rooms – Convert a closet or bathroom into a family safe room as an on-site emergency bunker.
- Window/Door Sensors – Receive mobile alerts anytime a secured entry point is opened unexpectedly.
- Video Doorbells – See and speak with visitors trying to gain entry without opening the door first.
- Neighborhood Watch – Join forces with nearby residents to increase security awareness community-wide.
- Home Automation – Control security remotely and make your home look lived-in while away with smart home hubs.
Now let’s explore popular projects in more detail.
A. Outdoor Security Projects
Start by fortifying your exterior entry points and property perimeter which aim to deter would-be intruders from targeting your home altogether.
Installing Outdoor Lighting
- Cost: $100-$300
- Time: 3-6 hours
- Difficulty: Beginner
What You Need: Exterior electrical outlet, Dusk-to-dawn light fixtures ($20-75 each), light bulbs, mounting hardware, basic tools
Outdoor lighting eliminates nighttime shadows thieves exploit when scouting properties. Position light fixtures covering exterior doors plus darker corners of yard and driveways prone to conceal trespassers.
For easiest DIY install:
- Choose motion-activated, dusk-to-dawn LED light fixtures that automatically turn on at night and off at sunrise. Overdoors lights and spotlights work well.
- Determine optimal mounting locations eliminating shadows along property edges and hiding spots like alcoves or dense vegetation.
- Purchase all materials including weather-resistant light fixtures, LED bulbs, mounting brackets, and hardware.
- Turn off power at circuit breaker before installing.
- Follow manufacturer instructions to securely mount each light fixture.
- Restore power and test functionality of motion sensor using light switches.
- Enjoy well-lit property all night long without needing to turn lights on/off manually.
Maintaining visibility of your entire grounds at night removes obstructive darkness intruders rely on when casing properties, breaking-and-entering unseen, or hauling away stolen goods under the coverage of shadows. Bright consistent lighting acts as an obvious crime deterrent.
Installing Security Cameras
- Cost: $100-$500
- Time: 2-4 hours per camera
- Difficulty: Intermediate
What You Need: Security cameras ($50-300 each), electrical outlets, ethernet cables/wifi router, DVR recording storage unit, basic tools
Adding security cameras boosts monitoring capabilities by providing video evidence of any activity occurring on your property. Systems can range from a single camera to 8 or more covering every angle.
For easiest DIY install:
- Decide if wired or wireless cameras best suit needs based on installer effort, video quality, and utility access.
- Choose camera resolution with night vision capabilities ensuring clear footage even in low light.
- Determine optimal mounting locations covering valuables like vehicles while eliminating visibility gaps intruders could leverage to go undetected.
- For wired systems, run ethernet cables from cameras to DVR unit. For wireless, position cameras within wifi signal range.
- Follow manufacturer instructions for securely mounting cameras using included hardware.
- Access DVR to view live camera feeds using app or browser portal via secure login credentials.
- Position monitor displaying feeds for convenient surveillance.
- Configure motion sensor alerts to receive notifications when camera detects activities.
Reviewing camera footage allows you to monitor property anytime. Saved recordings also provide visual evidence for identifying criminals or unusual events for sharing with neighbors and authorities.
Building a Fence or Gate
- Cost: $1500+
- Time: 1-6 days
- Difficulty: Advanced
What You Need: Post hole digger, fence posts, fencing material (wood, chain link), fence panels or boards, gate fixtures, gravel, concrete, nails, screws, bolts, post caps, paint/stain, tools
Installing a privacy fence or gate clearly defines property lines while limiting access points into your yard for added security and privacy.
Creating a Landscaping Plan for Security
- Cost: $100+
- Time: Ongoing
- Difficulty: Beginner
What You Need: Trees, bushes, gravel, gardening tools
Your landscaping design can work in your favor to enhance security. Follow these tips:
- Trim back tree branches and bushes to eliminate hiding spots near doors and windows.
- Avoid planting unruly hedges attackers could hide behind especially under windows.
- Remove fences or structures intruders could climb to access second story windows.
- Add thorny plants like rose bushes under accessible windows.
- Place decorative gravel walkways around homes to amplify sounds of footsteps.
- Plant prickly cacti and plants along frequently accessed areas.
Updating landscaping eliminates places prowlers can leverage to break in unseen while increasing odds of detecting intruders early.
B. Indoor Security Projects
Now let’s explore popular diy home security projects designed to protect interior living spaces once an intruder has entered your home starting with entry points.
Installing Smart Locks
- Cost: $160-$500
- Time: 1-3 hours
- Difficulty: Intermediate
What You Need: Smart lock system, drill, screwdriver, router, basic tools
Smart locks offer convenient keyless entry for frequent residents while tracking identities for added accountability. Many systems integrate with existing deadbolts and door hardware.
For easiest DIY install:
- Select a WiFi-enabled smart lock allowing you to monitor activity and grant virtual entry keys remotely from an app.
- Ensure compatibility with your existing deadbolt and door type before purchasing lock system.
- Create user credentials for each member needing access.
- Remove existing deadbolt lock hardware preserving current aesthetics.
- Follow manufacturer instructions for installing smart lock. This usually involves securing an adapter plate connected to an interior switch communicating wirelessly with the lock.
- Download and setup app to enroll each credential, monitor activity notifications, and assign virtual keys remotely.
Granting custom virtual keys on a temporary or recurring basis makes securely sharing access with visitors simple without needing to track spare metal keys. Integration with smart home platforms allows doors to automatically lock/unlock based on your location.
Installing a Home Security System
- Cost: $350+
- Time: 4-8 hours
- Difficulty: Intermediate
What You Need: Security control panel ( Alarm Panel) ($150+), door/window sensors ($30-40 each), motion detectors, keypads, siren, yard signs/window decals, ethernet cables, basic tools
Home security systems offer reliable monitored protection by triggering real-time notifications of suspicious activity. DIY installations allow you to customize components securing entry points based on layout and needs.
For easiest DIY setup:
- Determine if you prefer a wired or wireless setup based on ease of installation, utility access, WiFi connectivity, and wall penetration requirements.
- Purchase all components like hub panel, battery-powered sensors for doors/windows/motions, indoor/outdoor sirens, yard signs, and window decals.
- Position sensors on all exterior doors/windows for breach detection alerts. Place motion sensors in key interior rooms.
- Run ethernet cables connecting devices to the panel if installing a wired system.
- Follow manufacturer instructions to securely mount the panel in an interior closet or basement with reliable WiFi connectivity for app access.
- Enroll/test all devices and connectivity implementing full system functionality.
- Configure monitoring preferences and notification settings via mobile app dashboard.
- Display window decals/yard signage to advertise secured premises.
Monitored systems provide 24/7 professional surveillance with police dispatch capabilities making break-in attempts extremely high risk for would-be-intruders. Instant alerts offer added reaction time to protect family and assets.
Creating a Safe Room
- Cost: $250+
- Time: 1 day
- Difficulty: Intermediate
What You Need: Solid core door with deadbolt lock, security monitoring devices, cell signal booster, first aid kit, flashlight, batteries, protein bars, bottled water, blanket, radio
Converting an interior room like a bathroom or closet into a private bunker offers a secure place for your family to take shelter in during emergency situations.
To DIY your own safe room:
- Choose an interior room with no windows and only one door for easier securing. Bathrooms often work well.
- Replace standard interior door and lockset with a steel door having a heavy duty deadbolt lock for added security.
- Outfit room with video camera, alarm trigger, and cell signal booster allowing occupants to monitor threats, trigger property-wide alarms remotely, and call for help.
- Stock room with emergency provisions like a first aid kit, protein bars, batteries, flashlight, radio, bottled water, and blankets.
- Teach family protocols for emergency evacuation into secured safe room and calling emergency services when inside.
Having an emergency stronghold away from exterior accessibility gives your family added reaction time, security, and peace of mind during critical situations.
Installing Window and Door Sensors
- Cost: $30-$50 per sensor ($150+ for full system)
- Time: 1 hour
- Difficulty: Beginner
What You Need: Bluetooth/Wifi window/door sensors ($20-40 each), smartphone
Adding small wireless sensors on doors and ground floor windows triggers alerts on your phone anytime one of these entry points is opened unexpectedly. This offers real-time unauthorized access detection.
For DIY installation:
- Purchase wireless sensors with long battery life (5-10 years) and strong adhesive backing for removable mounting on frames.
- Clean installation site (window/door trim) ensuring surface does not have dirt, grease, etc. compromising adhesive strength.
- Follow manufacturer instructions to pair each sensor with your smartphone so you receive instant alerts when events occur.
- Position sensors in optimal inconspicuous locations high up on door frames and trim. Stick firmly applying heavy pressure for 60 seconds to secure adhesive mounting.
- Receive notifications on phone and sound optional chimes anytime secured access points are opened.
- Replace adhesive pads or entire sensors as needed in the future to maintain functionality longterm.
This affordable system provides baseline unauthorized entry detection ideal for renters and budget-focused homeowners looking for minimal viable monitoring. Sensors allow you to pinpoint odd or concerning activities meriting further investigation.
C. Miscellaneous Security Projects
Round out protection of your property and family with these final do-it-yourself home security projects. Think outside the box for extra safety nets.
Creating a Neighborhood Watch Program
- Cost: $0
- Time: 1-4 weeks to launch
- Difficulty: Beginner
What You Need: Neighborhood communication channel (social media group, email list etc), Neighborhood Watch signs and decals
Develop an active watch community by teaming up with nearby residents. Agree to keep eyes peeled for suspicious activities, people, or vehicles around the area. Share noteworthy observations and useful safety tips often. Strong participation increases security awareness neighborhood-wide.
To launch your own program:
- Inform immediate neighbors of interest and invite them to participate.
- Organize a kickoff meeting allowing residents to meet each other, voice concerns, identify neighborhood vulnerabilities, and agree to terms.
- Establish communication system residents can use to relay observations or warnings (ie. Facebook group, email chain etc.)
- Display Neighborhood Watch signs/window decals to warn against criminal activity.
- Develop protocol for when and how to contact authorities regarding concering events.
- Maintain active participation through ongoing promotinal efforts.
Having an extra dozen eyes in neighboring homes and yards leads to earlier detection of security threats before they intensify. Present a strong, united front against neighborhood crime through collaboration.
Installing a Video Doorbell
- Cost: $100-$250
- Time: 1 hour
- Difficulty: Beginner
What You Need: Video doorbell unit ($100-250), drill, screwdriver, screws/anchors, WiFi router, mobile device
Video doorbells empower homeowners to see and speak with visitors trying to gain entry without needing to physically open the door first. Units integrate existing doorbell wiring while capturing video recordings viewable remotely from a mobile device.
For easiest DIY install:
- Select unit with wide field of view lens, night vision, two-way talk, and smartphone connectivity with an app for notifications.
- Turn off power at circuit breaker before removing existing doorbell fixture.
- Follow manufacturer instructions for hardwiring video doorbell unit into place connecting existing low voltage wiring. Use anchors for securing mounting bracket to surface.
- Restore circuit power and connect device to home WiFi network.
- Download app to finish configuring doorbell and user account for accessing video feed in realtime.
- Customize motion detection settings and test system functionality.
Now anytime movement or ringing is detected at your door, you automatically receive notifications you can respond to in real time eliminating the uncertainty of mysterious visitors. Video evidence also helps identify suspects.
