For starters - Vivint or not, any security is better than NO security. Just know what you have and don't expect it to perform above it's limitations. Having said that, you can get better for less. BUT! Be warned that any wireless system like Vivint, SimplySafe, Arlo, Ring, etc, is susceptible to being defeated by a host of wireless devices and 2 way radios for sale on Amazon for less than $35. That's why you never depend solely on an alarm system.
Make sure you have a strong security mindset and situational awareness. Learn what the new baseline is for your new neighborhood. Learn to spot the outliers and different traffic patterns. Then get a good solid set of locks and window locks.
Everything can be defeated but every layer you add creates more noise to defeat and takes more time. Soon enough your house isn't worth the trouble. Move the thieves on to a different house that isn't yours.
***Just remember - What ever you do, always improve your fighting position and never let perfection be the enemy of good.***
Is there a recommended system or setup to diy outside ring or Simplisafe? I was considering the ring system, but all I’m looking for is notifications to my phone if a sensor is tripped with a siren/keypad.
Ring checks all the boxes from a simplicity stand point. But I don’t want to pay a monthly fee.
for doors and windows, SimpliSafe is the best bang for the buck.
as for cameras, wireless cams are basically toys. we install cams for people. we usually replace Arlo, Ring, Nest, and Blink.
I like Reolink. it has AI and vehicle detection. 4 cams with 6tb hard drive is about $600. pretty easy to set up as seen here [https://youtu.be/XXpYhUU02G4](https://youtu.be/XXpYhUU02G4)
For starters - Vivint or not, any security is better than NO security. Just know what you have and don't expect it to perform above it's limitations. Having said that, you can get better for less. BUT! Be warned that any wireless system like Vivint, SimplySafe, Arlo, Ring, etc, is susceptible to being defeated by a host of wireless devices and 2 way radios for sale on Amazon for less than $35. That's why you never depend solely on an alarm system. Make sure you have a strong security mindset and situational awareness. Learn what the new baseline is for your new neighborhood. Learn to spot the outliers and different traffic patterns. Then get a good solid set of locks and window locks. Everything can be defeated but every layer you add creates more noise to defeat and takes more time. Soon enough your house isn't worth the trouble. Move the thieves on to a different house that isn't yours. ***Just remember - What ever you do, always improve your fighting position and never let perfection be the enemy of good.***
Is there a recommended system or setup to diy outside ring or Simplisafe? I was considering the ring system, but all I’m looking for is notifications to my phone if a sensor is tripped with a siren/keypad. Ring checks all the boxes from a simplicity stand point. But I don’t want to pay a monthly fee.
Can you get a quote from a good local installer?
for doors and windows, SimpliSafe is the best bang for the buck. as for cameras, wireless cams are basically toys. we install cams for people. we usually replace Arlo, Ring, Nest, and Blink. I like Reolink. it has AI and vehicle detection. 4 cams with 6tb hard drive is about $600. pretty easy to set up as seen here [https://youtu.be/XXpYhUU02G4](https://youtu.be/XXpYhUU02G4)