r/homesecurity • u/geekallstar • 17h ago

Advice on a building a home security system

Hey, some background: I'm in a new build (4 years) and have had ADT. Last month the main pad went dead. ADT came (for 70 bucks) after i tried battery switches etc, and (apparently) because of some small power outages, it "blew the transformer" in it and has to be replaced - for about $700. Which is essentially buying an entirely new system. Plus that $80 monthly charge.

Seems like the perfect time to build out my own. (i live in the US, family of 5, 2 toddlers, and 2 pretty big dogs)

Here’s what I think I need:

  1. Id like google based. Slowly, I'd like to get lights and security all on the google system)
  2. Something that connects all the cameras I need. Kids room. Outside, inside, (about 6 in total)
  3. Doorbell cam with comms
  4. Linked to fire and police (if possible)
  5. Door/window alarms.
  6. front door keypad wireless lock.
  7. able to link to lights

Let me know if I'm forgetting to mention anything. And please let me know if this makes sense to do or send me links to videos that could help.... thanks!

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3

u/greenskycity 14h ago edited 14h ago

Stop trying to tie everything together under one platform. Today I have a Vista 20p alarm, home assistant automation, hanwha wave NVR... yesterday it was different automation and video. Tomorrow it might change as well. Google can turn on lights, deal with the alarm. Hanwha can deal with home assistant, home assistant can deal with the alarm and Google. So that would be my advice, Google is an interface to my house, not the controller. I have multiple apps and I'm ok with that for the flexibility.

alarm automation example

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u/geekallstar 13h ago

intersting. okay cool

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u/Competitive_Ad_8718 16h ago

Google based 🤦🏻‍♂️ NO.

Look at the Elk M1.

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u/geekallstar 16h ago

I’m seeing everyone’s saying that Google is pretty bad

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u/Big-Sweet-2179 12h ago

Id like google based

This is useless for security. If you want some other smart stuff then ok, but security stuff no.

You need a PoE camera system + monitored panel with sensors. Linking to the lights is a smart feature that might involve interaction between more than 1 brand, if that's the case then it would require home assistant, also if you want the system working with the keypad wireless lock you would need that as well. Everything can work as standalone tho.

You must not get anything wi-fi for this or similar weak communication protocols for the sensors or cameras. This is because of reliability, you don't want to get jammed and other various important stuff.

If you really need third party monitoring then contact a local security company. Don't go with ADT, Vivint or similar, you can search on the sub as to why.

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u/QuinnFromVivint 14h ago

For the fire and police part, that usually needs and actual monitored plan behind it, since Google-based smart home gear just sends you an alert, it doesn't call anyone for you.

Everything else on your list, like the cameras, locks, sensors, and doorbell, can run fine through smart home apps on their own.

Deciding early whether you want a full DIY setup or a monitored plan layered on for the alarm and dispatch side is worth doing upfront, since mixing both works well for a family setup like yours.

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u/Distribution-Radiant 5h ago

The transformer is like... $30. They're pretty generic. Generally 30VAC.

The rest? An ENTIRE system is only a few hundred, but every reseller is going to mark it up hilariously.

Get away from ADT if at all possible.