The time has come — all those months of toiling away, planning, designing, building your brand new custom home — it's now time to move in.

This home is your pride and joy, and you're emotionally invested in the process it took to get here. You want to ensure your home, and everything in it, is safe, and a security system is your next step to feeling like your home is your sanctuary.

Consider the following when making your choice. 

DIY or Professionally Installed? 

This one may be no contest in your mind, but there are options available whether you install a security system yourself or whether you hire the professionals. 

Installing your own system means you need to work with the electrical wiring in your home, which could void your new custom home warranty if you are not familiar with how to do this properly. However, if you or someone you know is an electrician, this could be an option.

A professionally installed system should meet your builder's warranty, and will also likely come with its own warranty from the security company who installed it. If you hire a professional, you'll also be able to call them if anything ever goes wrong with your system. If you install it on your own, you'll be on the hook to repair it yourself.

It's best to consult with your builder about your new home warranty options prior to installing any security system to ensure you won't void your new home's warranty by doing so. They will be able to guide you on the best plan of action for your home. Alternatively, if you have not yet moved into your home, you may be able to have your builder add it in during construction so it's ready for you to use when you move in.

Monitoring Contract 

Most monitoring companies will require you to sign a contract for a period of time to monitor your security system. Avoid anything over a one-year contract, as you may find you're not satisfied with their level of service, or you may wish to change something about your service and don't want to be locked in for a long period of time. Signing a contract may lower the initial cost of the equipment and installation, but be wary of long-term commitments to one company.

Also be sure to read the fine print and determine the cancellation fee on your contract. Don't sign if the fee to get out is outrageous. There are plenty of businesses who will provide great service but won't ask you to sacrifice your first born if you want out.

Determine How Much Coverage You Need 

With security systems today, there are a wide variety of options available depending on what you would like covered. The traditional systems include window and door alarms, as well as motion detection cameras. However, today's technology has improved this service tenfold with new products and services.

Today, you can get security cameras for all sorts of places for your home. Most commonly installed are doorbell cameras, which capture whoever is at your front door. Smartphone apps are connected to these cameras so you can see who's at your door without having to be there, which is a safer option for you and your family. 

Some doorbell camera systems also include a speaker and microphone so you can communicate with the visitor from wherever you are. This could be a theft deterrent as your mobile app can notify you if someone is at your door even if they don't push the doorbell.

Don't Forget About the Basement 

Most security breaches can happen via your basement windows, as there is far less likelihood of someone being down there at night. Burglars can enter your home undetected and unheard if your family is sleeping two floors up. By installing security in all points of entry in your basement, you'll ensure this type of break-in doesn't happen without your knowledge.

Your main floor should also have every point of entry covered as access is still easier on the main floor than on the second. By having all points of entry covered in your basement and main floor, you may be able to save on costs by opting out of second storey coverage. It's highly unlikely a burglar will carry a ladder around to reach that second floor.

Your brand new home is the one place you expect to feel safe and secure with your family. A security system is the best defence against break-ins, and by having the right system in place, you'll be able to relax and enjoy your new home, knowing your family is fully protected.

Despite having a security system, when you're going to be away from your home for an extended period of time, you may feel safest if someone is around to keep a natural eye on things. Here's what you need to know about hiring a house sitter.

Photo credits: installer, setting alarm, security app