If you are considering purchasing a home security alarm system for your home, there are a lot of details that will need to be considered. What is your budget? How do you find the best alarm company? What features should you look for? What questions should you ask? The following home security alarm buying guide will help you to make the best decision for you and your home.
What do you want in a system?
With the advanced technology of today, home owners have many options for a home security alarm system. While fire and burglar systems are the most common, you can extend your needs to carbon monoxide detection, propane/gas leak detection, water sensors, and even video surveillance systems. Discuss your needs with an alarm expert and you will find they will be more than helpful in recommending components for home security that will protect you and your family.
What are some of the features you want?
While the home security company you choose will be able to go over some of the features they offer, you should have a detailed list of some of the features you require. Some of these features may include a back up system in case the power goes out or the telephone lines go out, a direct line of communication between the monitoring company and your home, and an immunity system so that your pets will not set off motion detectors.
What is your budget?
A home security alarm system can vary in cost from state-to-state. However, you should be able to get a basic system installed for under five-hundred dollars. You will need to know what your budget is for this project when you start your search for an alarm company. When you interview each company, they should set up a time to come to your home so they may provide to you a complete and detailed estimate of the cost of the system, as well as what the system would include. This estimate should be provided to you at no cost.
When you first start searching for alarm companies to set up a home security alarm system, you may find it somewhat confusing as there are a lot of different alarm companies and each claims to be the best. One of the best things you can do is ask your friends and family member what alarm company they use. Set up interviews with each one so you can make the best decision possible.
What questions should you ask?
Once you have set up an interview with each of the home security companies, you will want to make a list of questions you should ask them. The following are some examples for you to get started with.
Can you give me any references? While you already have a reference from a friend or family member, it is always best to see how many of their customers would recommend them.
What type of certification do you require your employees to have? You will find most states require alarm system installers to have electrical licensing, however, you may want to ask if the company requires any further certifications from their employees.
Is your company UL certified? UL Certification is a certification from Underwriter’s Laboratory. If a company is listed as UL Certified, it means they have met all of the qualification necessary. If a company is UL Certified, it may offer you further discounts on your homeowner’s insurance.
How long will it take to get a security alarm set up in my home? Generally, you want a company to be available, but if they state they can install the next day, you may want to be weary of the company. You also do not want to enlist the assistance of a company that will take months.
Do you currently offer any discounts? Many alarm system companies will offer discounts if you use their monitoring services. Find out what type of discount they offer to their customers.
Will you provide me a letter for my insurance company? Most companies will automatically assume you will need a certificate for your insurance company, however, always ask if they will supply this to you.
What is your employee turnover rate? Generally, most people do not think this question necessary. However, if you are going to have someone come to your home to set up a security system, you want to make sure they are safe and have been with the company for a while.
Why should I have your company install a security system in my home? Take the time and listen to why they feel they should be the company you choose. If you get any sense at all that they are simply telling you what you want to hear, it is time to move on to another company.
What type of warranty do you offer and do you have an extended warranty plan? Most companies will offer the standard warranty on the parts. However, many will often offer an extended warranty for both parts and services. Find out the cost and what would be covered under their different plans.
Are there any disadvantages of owning a security alarm system?
While a security alarm can offer many benefits, it can offer many disadvantages, as well. Many cities and towns will often charge the homeowner a fee if there are too many false alarms reported from your home. You may find yourself setting off the alarm by accident and disturbing the neighbors with the sirens that are installed. Only you can judge for yourself whether or not the benefits outweigh the disadvantages.
What else should I know before I put an alarm system in my home?
The most important thing you should understand is that a home security system can save your family’s life in an emergency situation. When you set up your system, you will want to make sure it is monitored through a central monitoring station and provide them with a list of contacts they can reach in an emergency situation when you can not be contacted. Just make certain you provide at least one person on your contact list with a key to your home, as well as a security code to get in.
