The market for do-it-yourself smart home security systems reached 55% in the second quarter of 2020, up from 40% in 2018, according to new research from Parks Associates.
The rise in DIY installations was accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, lower prices and new smart home solutions that have garnered the interest of consumers.
How security systems for the smart home might received support in the future. Source: Parks Associates"The installation method for newly acquired security systems and smart home devices has trended towards self-installation for several years, and COVID-19 has hastened that transition," said Amanda Kung, researcher at Parks Associates. "About one-third of security system owners and intenders report COVID-19 concerns caused them to avoid professional installers due to the discomfort of having a stranger in the home."
About two-thirds of security system owners, or about 20 million homeowners, have an interactive security system and consumers expect their security systems to provide basic interactivity that enables them to receive notifications and access and control the systems remotely. DIY and pro installations offer basic interactive features that are now considered necessary among security providers.
"Security dealers must continue to develop more tools to support customers who want to install and troubleshoot on their own but may still need professional guidance," Kung said. "Some of the innovations we are seeing among dealers and installers include YouTube video tutorials and do-it-with-me installation help via video, phone, or chat that are available on-demand to security owners."
The full research can be found in Parks Associates’ white paper Home Security: A Redefined Market.