7 DIY Home Security Projects

*Updated on September 30th, 2025

Every year, the United States experiences nearly 1.6 million burglaries, translating to a burglary occurring every 20 seconds. While every home carries some risk of being targeted, there are effective ways to bolster your home security through simple DIY security projects. By implementing a few strategic measures, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of a break-in and create a safer environment for you and your loved ones. This guide shows how to build a DIY approach that mirrors the protection of many home security systems—without the hassle of full professionally installed setups.

Top DIY Home Security Tips

1. Brighten Your Exterior with Smart Lighting & Cameras
   Protect your home from unwanted visitors with a floodlight security camera or motion-activated lights. This simple DIY home security system upgrade helps deter intruders by increasing visibility around your home. Set lights on a schedule via your smart home app for added protection when you’re away. Pairing outdoor security cameras with a basic alarm or siren adds an extra layer of security.

2. Reconsider Your Key Hiding Spot
   Avoid common hiding places (under mats, in planters). Instead, hand a spare to a trusted neighbor or use a smart lock that integrates with home automation. This small change strengthens home security without adding hardware.

3. Install a Starter Home Security System (DIY, Wireless)
   Modern security systems are easy to install and typically wireless, making them ideal DIY options. A basic diy system can be up and running in ~30 minutes. Visible cameras and stickers warn any would-be intruder, while hidden indoor cameras provide backup footage. If you want emergency dispatch, add an optional professional monitoring subscription—many DIY systems often make this an add-on with a lower monthly fee than professionally installed systems.

4. Invest in Grade-1 Deadbolts
   For exterior doors, install at least one-inch thick Grade-1 deadbolts. Stronger hardware is a proven home security upgrade and a classic diy project that takes less than an hour per door.

5. Install Door and Window Sensors
   A contact sensor is one of the simplest ways to create a secure perimeter. Add window sensors and door contacts to receive alerts when an entry point opens. Combine with a motion detector in key hallways to catch movement inside your home when you’re away.

6. Team Up with Neighbors
   When you’re out of town, ask a neighbor to collect mail and packages. This reduces telltale signs of vacancy and helps keep your home looking lived-in—an underrated home security tactic.

7. Take Precautions with Your Garage
   Keep the garage closed when not in use and remove the opener from your car visor. Consider a sensor on the overhead door that alerts your smart devices if it’s left open—great smart security automation.

8. Secure Sliding Doors
   Sliding doors are common weak points. Use a security bar or dowel in the track and add a secondary lock. Many home security devices include dedicated security sensors for sliders—quick additions to a wireless security kit.

9. Use Smart Home Technology
   Integrate smart home devices like smart locks, a doorbell camera, and camera systems that work with alexa and google home/google home. Seamless smart home integration lets you check feeds, arm your alarm system, and receive instant alerts from anywhere.

10. Reinforce Entry Points
    Apply security film to sidelights and patio doors, add door jammers, and upgrade strike plates. These installing security steps slow entry attempts on the exterior of your home and pair well with cameras and sensors.

11. Create a Nightly Security Checklist
    Build a routine: lock doors/windows, arm your diy security system, confirm wireless cameras are online, and ensure the system is installed and armed before bed. This is an easy DIY habit that pays off.

Choosing the Right Setup: DIY vs. Pro

• DIY home security systems: Flexible, easy setup, lower upfront costs, optional monitoring, and bundles tailored to your security needs. Ideal if you want to set up a system fast and avoid contracts.

• Professional systems: Turnkey installation and robust support, but higher costs and a required monthly fee.

If you’re deciding between kits, look for the best DIY home security system that offers DIY installation, wireless security systems, solid security sensors, and a system that fits your needs (expandable cameras, local + cloud storage, and smart-assistant support). Our roundup of the home security systems of 2025 highlights top DIY picks with strong security solutions and security bundles.

Installing Your DIY Home Security System (Quick Checklist)

• Plan your security setup: Map entry points outside your home and key zones inside your home.

• Start with a hub, door and window sensors, at least one outdoor camera, an indoor camera, and a doorbell/doorbell camera.

• Add a motion detector to main hallways and a siren.

• Connect to smart home platforms; confirm routines trigger your alarm and lights.

• Test alerts and verify remote access on all phones.

Final Take: Keep Your Home Secure with DIY Security

Improving home security doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. By combining lighting, security cameras, strategic sensors, and diy home security system tools, you can protect your home effectively—often in a single afternoon. Whether you go fully DIY or mix with limited pro help, choose a system that offers reliable alerts, strong wireless connectivity, and smart security automations that fit your lifestyle. With the right plan, you’ll make your home safer—no contract required.

Additional Home Security Resources

• Does a Home Security System Increase Home Value?
• 7 Questions to Ask a Home Security Company
• 7 Smart Home Trends