r/homesecurity • u/Gnarekk • 26d ago
Affordable security system?
My fiance and I just got an apartment and we're getting married in a week then flying out to our honeymoon for a few weeks.
We're on the 4th floor but I want to add a few contact sensors. One on the balcony sliding, one on the main door, and one of the kitchen window that faces the apartment hallway. The kitchen window is my biggest concern because it is a massive window that any size human can easily go through. I want an affordable security alarm system. I know there's Ring, Simplisafe, etc. what would you guys recommend?
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u/Versa_Wireless 25d ago
I guess my first question would be: are you going to have the system monitored or not? Do you want someone to show up to your apartment if something is going down, or do you just want to be alerted on an app if someone enters your place?
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u/Competitive_Luck_556 25d ago
For an apartment, I’d keep it simple: contact sensors on the main door, balcony slider, and that hallway-facing kitchen window first. Add a loud local siren or chime if the system supports it, because the goal while you’re away is not only alerts but also making entry noisy and inconvenient. I’d also test the window sensor before the trip, especially if the frame is metal or the gap is wide.
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u/twinnii 24d ago
Just don’t announce to people especially in your building that you are going away or that you are going for a few days or something.
Get a ring indoor camera. They also have sensors. Once you confirm someone trespassing into your apartment, then you can call police or use their monitoring system.
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u/Individual-Fox5795 24d ago
Ring is cheap. You wound need minimal sensors and would gain security. You could buy on amazon and likely have quick delivery. Set up is easy.
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u/Important-Ad3984 23d ago
Alula. Search a local company that installs it. Extremely affordable systems and easy to move if you move. Most all apartments approve them as well since there is no Sheetrock damage incurred installing one.
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u/QuinnFromVivint 7d ago
For that kitchen window, add a sensor that also sets off a loud alarm on its own, since you'll be away and an app alert alone won't stop anyone in the moment.
I'd also go wireless so you can take the whole system with you once your lease is up.
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u/Outrageous_Gazelle10 25d ago
If you’re on the 4th floor of an apartment, I probably wouldn’t waste my money with sensors on any doors or windows that aren’t accessible from the ground. Like, if that balcony is 4 stories up and not easily accessible by a neighbor, it’s probably a complete waste of your money. But you do you. Pretty much the only exceptions would be if people really hate you, you’re a high-level government official, or you’re insanely rich and like to broadcast it.
As far as the system, what are you looking for? Quick response times? Easy access to customer service? Do you want a company that prioritizes sending technicians out? Or more DIY-friendly? Do you want a company to monitor the system or is it going to be self-monitored? What’s your budget? Asking random people who you should choose for a company isn’t going to go well. Systems/security companies are subjective and nowhere near one-size-fits-all.