What are the pros and cons of a DIY video surveillance system?

<div>With the popularity of <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-to-install-security-cameras.htm">DIY security cameras</a> and video surveillance systems, it’s important to understand the benefits and potential drawbacks to decide if it’s the right choice for you. Advantages and disadvantages include:Pros<ul><li>Video footage readily available</li><li>Reduced home insurance</li><li>Save on labor costs by installing security cameras yourself</li><li>Wireless systems are easy to move and set up</li><li>Monitor from your smartphone</li><li>Avoid false alarms</li></ul>Cons<ul><li>Features may be vulnerable to hackers</li><li>No direct link to authorities</li><li>Risk of installing the system improperly, reducing its effectiveness</li></ul></div>

What are the pros and cons of a security system?

<div>Understanding the pros and cons of installing a home security system is the first step to deciding which one is right for you. A few of the advantages and disadvantages include:Pros<ul><li>Added security for your household</li><li>Reduced home insurance premiums</li><li>Many smart home integrations available</li><li>Security companies can monitor your home </li></ul>Cons<ul><li>Expensive setup costs </li><li>Subscription costs can add up quickly</li><li>Features may be vulnerable to hackers</li><li>Weak signal reduces the security of a wireless system</li></ul></div>

Get matched with top home security system pros in Garfield, NJ

There are 13 highly-rated local home security system pros.

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Electrical Switches, Outlets & Fixtures Install or Repair

4.7

(537)

Alarm or Security System Installation

4.4

(188)

Surveillance Cameras Install or Repair

4.4

(191)

TRUSTED BY GARFIELD, NJ HOMEOWNERS

4.1

Average homeowner rating

Verified home security system services reviews

Verified Reviews for Home Security System Service pros in Garfield, NJ

*The Angi rating for Home Security System Service companies in Garfield, NJ is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Home Security System Service needs.

*The HomeAdvisor rating for Home Security System Service companies in Garfield, NJ is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Home Security System Service needs.

Last update on August 03, 2025

Reviewed in March 2005
OUR OVERALL EXPERIENCE WAS GOOD. THE SECURITY SPECIALIST WAS KNOWLEDGEABLE AND OUTFITTED OUR HOUSE WITH A SUITABLE SECURITY SYSTEM. THEY DID CHIP THE PAINT ON OUR WALL WHEN INSTALLING THE KEY PAD.
Standard Security Systems
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Reviewed in August 2007
Professional good company. About $26 a month. They are THE security company. The A1 of security companies.
ADT Security Services Inc - New York
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Reviewed in May 2024
Extremely professional and knowledgeable company. Luis was very easy to deal with and was able to answer all my questions and concerns. Would highly recommend and will be using them again for my other properties. Thanks Luis and team, great job!
Levetronics Security Integrations LLC.
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Reviewed in September 2020
Their sales reps were available immediately and were very helpful. They provided tips to help prevent burglaries and created an entire state-of-the-art system that fit our needs. We have ADT in our main home and in our vacation home. Their price is great for the service you are receiving. The...
ADT
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Reviewed in October 2020
We are longtime customers with ADT and recently needed to expand our service with them. Eric Frankman, the Account Representative met us in the morning, on time with a friendly smile. He took a look at what we already had setup in our house and told us where we could make upgrades. We now have 2...
ADT
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Reviewed in December 2020
Thank you for your help ADT Premier Provider, I now sleep peacefully! We have the ADT app constantly open on our iPad so we can always see a live shot of our newly mounted cameras. Always nice to take a quick peek to make sure everything is OK around the house.
ADT
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Reviewed in November 2020
I have been an ADT customer for over 10 years and have always been pleased with their service and their alarm solutions. We recently moved, so I worked through Protect Your Home locally to get things setup at the new house. Got the latest version of their control keypad and their hard to notice...
ADT
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Reviewed in October 2020
ADT is awesome! They arrived on time, which seems to rarely happen these days when scheduling services and installations. Never felt that their sales team was pushy. I definitely will use them again when we eventually move to a new house when we downsize.
ADT
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Reviewed in September 2020
I HIGHLY recommend PYH/ADT. Their team was very knowledgeable and didn't try to oversell products. I now know that my house has excellent protection at a great price. Everyone that I dealt with at the company was very helpful and great to work with. The system is very user friendly. If you are...
ADT
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Reviewed in December 2020
Worked with a very friendly rep at ADT Premier Provider. They are also known as Protect Your Home and are the biggest dealer for ADT across the country. Spent about a week researching home security companies, but in the end are glad that we went with this company. Many thanks!
ADT
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Home security system pros in Garfield

2Link Electrical & Data Corp

1755 W 7th St

No reviews

2Link Electrical & Data Corp

1755 W 7th St

No reviews

Free onsite estimate

I offer electrical and data services such as but not limited to - ⁃ New construction ⁃ Service update ⁃ Maintenance service called and troubleshooting ⁃ Fire security and Alarms ⁃ Telephone and Data wiring ⁃ Remodels ⁃ Surveillance installation

CCTV, electrical, Sheetrock, painting

Customers say: Quick response

Recommended by 100% of Angi customers

Fitchett Group LLC is an owner operated company lisenced and insured in the state of NY to install and repair security camera, alarm, and access control systems. As a one man company we aim to keep costs low and provide effective security solutions. We also do low voltage electrical, smart home setups, audio visual and point of sale systems.

"Brandon was excellent. Courteous, knowledgeable, and thorough. Highly recommend!"

Cathy T on June 2021

"Brandon was excellent. Courteous, knowledgeable, and thorough. Highly recommend!"

Cathy T on June 2021

With over 25 years of experience in the electrical field, AF Electric LLC offers a full range of residential and commercial electrical services. Servicing New Jersey, AF Electric is fully licensed and insured - NJ License #34EB01801300. From new electrical installations, repairs, and maintenance - the AF team does it all! Commercial/residential services include: Communications New Electrical Installations Electrical Service Repairs Security Alarm Systems Fire Alarm Systems Electrical Panels Boiler Installation & Repair HVAC Units Lighting Installation Electrical Switch Experts 220 Line Appliance Experts Generator Installation & Repair Industrial Maintenance

Recommended by 100% of Angi customers

Providing best in class home and business technology solutions since 1991. ONLINE holds dozens of industry certifications and designations including Certified Control4 Integrator providing smart home solutions. - low voltage cabling - Wifi & computer networks - computers, tablets & other mobile technologies - smart home systems by Control4 - automated lighting - Nest thermostats - Ring video doorbell - Sonos music streaming systems - professional design, installation & support - no cost, no obligation estimates - virtual tour and estimates are available

"They were really good. They were great. They were very helpful and very nice. They did a good job. They have a reasonable price among the companies in our area."

Alexandra S on August 2020

"They were really good. They were great. They were very helpful and very nice. They did a good job. They have a reasonable price among the companies in our area."

Alexandra S on August 2020

Scotchtown Technology

7 Rondack Rd

No reviews

Scotchtown Technology

7 Rondack Rd

No reviews

6 years of experience

Located in the heart of the Hudson Valley, Scotchtown Technology boast the power of global IT solutions to resolve your individual needs from our suburban hub located a short drive from New York City. We provide services to businesses and residential customers. Our services include internet & phone installation and repair, wireless internet installation and repair, home theater installation and repair, smart home installation and repair, security system & security camera installation and repair, thermostat installation, TV mounting, IT Network design and implementation, cloud, SD-WAN, security, backup, network connectivity, X-As-A-Service, web presence, door access control, automation technologies, POS, surveillance, server management, Office 365, and more . Find out why to work with Scotchtown Technology. We provide solutions for some of the nations largest names including Wal-Mart, Home Depot, Starbucks, McDonalds, and more. We also work for small businesses in the Hudson Valley and have many sites that we have serviced in Poughkeepsie, Newburgh, Middletown, West Point, Monroe, and beyond.

Customers say: Quick response

Recommended by 100% of Angi customers

EasyAccessPro's does Automation of your driveway gates. We have been in business for 20 years but recently joined Angies List Team. We hope to lead the industry in automatic gate installations. We also do, Networking, Telephone systems, Cable wiring, Camera and Alarm Systems.There is no problem we cant fix. We SPECIALIZE in Automatic Gates call us today for an Estimate!

"These men were experts and professional. Communication with them was exceptional. They were on time coming to install my auto fencing and informative on how it works. I would advise other customers on hiring them."

Miguel C on June 2020

Security Headquarters, Inc.

20 Elm St

No reviews

Security Headquarters, Inc.

20 Elm St

No reviews

56 years of experience

We offer a free in home security survey. Our professional evaluation will provide invaluable guidance on protecting you, your family, and your home

Hughes Media Group, LLC

25 Broadway

No reviews

Hughes Media Group, LLC

25 Broadway

No reviews

Hughes Media Group is a creative company that specializes in media technology and fabricated designs. We have the ability to design, install and do general contractor work along with implement smart home technology and entertainment systems. We have been in business for over 8 years, we operated with a four-man staff and as needed hire independent contractors. A simple fix or a unique remodelling request for your home or office we are able to accommodate you.

Customers say: Quick response

Recommended by 100% of Angi customers

We are Punctual, Reliable, Affordable, Respectful, and Flexible to work around your schedule. Are you buying, upgrading, remodeling, automating, or just have trouble with something? Call us! We install/setup/retrofit/troubleshoot your TV, Cable, Receiver, Home Theater, Sound System, Wifi/Network, Computer, CCTV/Camera System, Motorized/Automated Blinds, Lighting Control Systems, Wireless Doorbell, Smart Locks, etc. We also do full-home smart system design. We are there for you every step of the way from the early stages of planning/design, up to-, and beyond the moment when you sit down on your couch and turn on your home cinema experience with the press of a button.

"This is the second review I've written in my life / so it must be good! Tamas is a keeper. I have a 30K entertainment system that the last company botched installation on and then kept charging me for call outs but still never fixed their work. So we brought in Tamas. He has incredible integrity (advising the right equipment vs. the equipment he would earn the best kick back on). He has amazing work ethic (answering my questions and refining things after other companies would be finished and long gone). Can't recommend him more highly and already plan on hiring him to do everything when I move into my new apartment."

Paul B on January 2020

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FAQs for home security system service projects in Garfield, NJ

The average cost of a home security system is about $700, ranging from $280 to $1,150. Costs to consider include equipment, surveillance fees, and other additional features. Cost factors that determine your system’s price include the type of security system, materials, labor, activation fees, monthly fees, and permits. Additional features and upgrades may include:

Video surveillance monitoring: $40–$65 per month
Smart home locks: $150
Smart home lighting: $15–$90
Smart smoke, fire, and carbon monoxide alarms: $35–$100
Smart thermostat: $130–$500

Yes, a home security system can be worth it for your peace of mind alone, but it can also save you up to 20% on your home insurance. The insurance savings will help defray the initial setup costs and subscription costs over time. Locations with higher crime rates also make home security systems a valuable investment, but it ultimately depends on your personal preferences and asset values.

With the popularity of DIY security cameras and video surveillance systems, it’s important to understand the benefits and potential drawbacks to decide if it’s the right choice for you. Advantages and disadvantages include:

Pros

Video footage readily available
Reduced home insurance
Save on labor costs by installing security cameras yourself
Wireless systems are easy to move and set up
Monitor from your smartphone
Avoid false alarms

Cons

Features may be vulnerable to hackers
No direct link to authorities
Risk of installing the system improperly, reducing its effectiveness

Whether a security system or security cameras is a better choice for you depends on your needs and preferred comfort level. A security system can cost more depending on the features you choose, but it’s a more proactive and protective approach to home security by alerting you and authorities of any emergencies. Using a security camera system is a more reactive approach because while you can monitor the camera footage, it does not alert the proper authorities for you.

Understanding the pros and cons of installing a home security system is the first step to deciding which one is right for you. A few of the advantages and disadvantages include:

Pros

Added security for your household
Reduced home insurance premiums
Many smart home integrations available
Security companies can monitor your home

Cons

Expensive setup costs
Subscription costs can add up quickly
Features may be vulnerable to hackers
Weak signal reduces the security of a wireless system

The Garfield, NJ homeowners’ guide to home security system services

From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.

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From warding off intruders to protecting from falls, bars on windows can make a home much more secure. Here’s how much it costs to install bars on windows.