How to build your own smart home security system

Shawn Varughese

Shawn Varughese

Building a smart home security system offers numerous benefits such as monitoring your home from your smartphone, receiving real-time alerts when someone approaches your property, remotely locking your doors, and much more. To help you understand the process of creating your own smart home security system, here is a step-by-step guide to selecting the best smart home tech devices.

Step 1: Video Doorbell

To create an affordable smart home security system, starting with a video doorbell is a great option. It notifies you when someone approaches your door and allows you to communicate with visitors in real-time. According to ADT, the majority of burglars enter through the front or back door, making the installation of a video doorbell a useful way to capture footage of these common points of entry. When motion is detected, most video doorbells will record a brief video that is stored in the cloud, enabling you to view and share it with family members or authorities as needed.

Some of the best Video Doorbells on the market today include:


Step 2: Smart Cameras

Smart security cameras offer comprehensive home monitoring capabilities. Similar to video doorbells, these devices have motion detectors that will alert you whenever someone enters your property. You can communicate with visitors from your smartphone in real-time.

Smart cameras, however, typically provide higher resolution video, better night vision, built-in sirens, and some models even include automatic floodlights. Additionally, a recent survey of convicted burglars revealed that over a third (37%) would be deterred from breaking into a home just by seeing the presence of a security camera.

There are two types of smart cameras: indoor and outdoor. Outdoor cameras are usually wireless and waterproof, making them versatile to mount anywhere. However, the batteries may need to be recharged every few months. On the other hand, indoor cameras typically require a power source and often feature a screen that can be used to block the camera for privacy.

Check out these Smart Home Camera Systems:


Step 3: Keyless Smart Locks

According to a survey of 500 convicted burglars, more than a third (39%) entered homes through unlocked doors. A smart lock can alert you whenever your door is unlocked, enabling you to lock it remotely from your smartphone and protect your home when you're away.

ADT reports that most burglaries occur between 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM, when people are typically at work. With a smart lock, you can create "digital keys" for guests such as house cleaners or dog walkers to access your home at designated times without giving them physical keys.

Smart locks are available that work with existing keys, or you can opt for a keyless model. Some smart locks feature keypads or fingerprint recognition, allowing you to enter your home with a code or fingerprint. Others can even detect when you approach with your smartphone or Apple Watch and automatically unlock your door.

We’ve compiled some of the top Keyless Smart Lock systems below:

If you're uncertain about installing your smart lock, TekDash can provide assistance. Our team can dispatch a professional to your home to handle the installation, connecting it to WiFi, configuring the app, and demonstrating how to use it.

Step 4: Explore a whole home Smart Home Security System

A smart home security system shares similarities with traditional security systems, but it is generally more affordable, customizable, and does not require long-term contracts. These systems typically include several window and door sensors, a keypad, and a base station.

The base station serves as the central hub, connecting all devices, sounding the alarm, and offering 24/7 professional monitoring, provided you sign up for the appropriate smart home security membership plan.

The keypad allows you to disarm the alarm, adjust settings, and more. Additionally, the window, door, and motion sensors that come with these kits are highly beneficial. A survey of 500 convicted burglars revealed that nearly half (42%) entered homes through unlocked windows, making contact sensors ideal for detecting break-ins. These sensors can be affixed to any window, sounding the alarm when two halves are separated. One of the most significant benefits of smart alarm systems is their expandability.

You can add various sensors, such as flood and fire detectors, motion detectors, and more. Additionally, you can integrate compatible smart home devices, including video doorbells and smart cameras.

For whole-home coverage, you might want to look into:


Need to upgrade your Smart Home Security?

Schedule an in-home walkthrough with a professional Tek today to receive a quote. Factors like number of device units, materials (e.g. brick walls) and other details may incur additional costs. Your Tek will determine these during your walkthrough.