How to cut through the B.S. about Home Security Companies & Choices, Part 3

Welcome back to our three part series on how to cut through the B.S. about home security companies & choices!

In part one, we discussed some considerations around choosing a company, equipment and services. Click here to read part 1.

In part two, we discussed the differences between hard wired and wireless system, whether you should have your system monitored or not and what you need to know about system connections. Click here to read part 2

In part three we’re discussing what areas of your house you want protection for, whether you should install the system yourself or have it professionally installed and we’ll discuss cable companies and phone companies.

We’ll wrap up with a discussion on how one chooses between the many options.

We’re picking up with deciding what coverage is best for you:

7) What coverage should you do: Full perimeter or partial system? Should we do all the doors and windows or should we just do the doors and a couple of motions?

If this is your main house then this is a question you need to ask yourself and the best way for you to make a decision it to ask this question: is the system to be used when we are home or when we are not home?

If it’s when you are home then a full perimeter system is best. Why? Because when all the windows and doors are armed it provides protection when you’re in the house and any attempted entry around the “perimeter” of the house will activate the alarm. There are “STAY” modes on the systems that will shunt the interior devices (motion detectors), but still have all the doors and windows armed. These systems will typically cost more because of the number of door and window contacts and control panel upgrades.

If you just want protection when you’re gone then you can probably get away with putting contacts on your doors and, depending on the size of the house, some well-placed motion detectors for interior traps and protection. These will also hopefully compensate for the lack of window contacts if the intrusion happens to be through a window.

8) Self Installed (DIY) or Professionally Installed: If you’re reading this you are probably not a DIY type of guy because the DIY guy/gal usually already has it all figured out. They know pretty much about everything and either have some agenda about not being monitored or tied into any contracts.

There are two areas that need to be addressed and the first is the fact that the equipment usually offered for DIY is almost always wireless. This makes sense because it is easier to install and pretty much anyone can do it. (Please see my commentary regarding wireless #4). Again, it is marketed for only one reason - the fact that it is easy to install - and that it makes it easier to sell.

Second - quite frankly if you take into account the time it takes and in most instances the frustration, it’s simply not worth it. For most professionally installed systems, the companies will underwrite the cost (or most of) of the initial installation for the reoccurring revenue stream. This also keeps the company “engaged” in your continued happiness and will usually maintain the account during your tenure with them. By simply taking into account the monitoring over a period of time along with the equipment and installation, and with the system being maintained, it’s easy to look at the numbers and see that it is a good value (or not).

9) Cable Companies/ Telco Companies: Ever since these companies have lost their almost 100% monopoly power they have had to look at other revenue sources. These companies have been sticking it to us for years and now they want to install security systems.

Generally they will offer some promotion that is for 12 months for a discounted price (which has been their general practice for years) on other services, and then after the promotion period the rate gets jacked up and you’re stuck with the wonderful service that cable/telco companies have been famously known for. Almost without exception cable/telco companies have always had the worst customer service rating in all of businesse. Just be aware and remember in most instances it’s not worth the grief and aggravation.

So, how does one choose the options and company?

I have been installing home security systems for 25 years and have seen the industry grow and change significantly during that time. The most technological advances have happened in the last 5-10 years with the advent of the internet and the advancements in networking technology.

It used to be that a home security system was mainly used for intrusion protection. When the alarm was triggered the alarm would send a signal via your telephone line to the central station and they would alert authorities and the homeowner. Today people want the ability to control the alarm system as well as other devices such as lights, locks, thermostats and other appliances, from their smart phone, tablet or any web browser. That technology is great and there may be value in it for some and maybe not for others.

The features may be appealing on the sales visit and I’m sure “everyone” is getting it, but is it right for you? Will you really need to arm your system from your phone, or will the old fashion keypad still work for you? Do you really need to have cameras at your house? Will you ever look at them after a few months and the novelty wears off?

Don’t get me wrong; there can be benefits from these features. You just need to step back for a moment and really think if you will use them. Remember that most of the additional features can be added later, but you can’t send this stuff back after it’s installed.

Just like anything else, check your emotions at the door and really consider if you will use the features. And remember you will always be able to add them later.

To pick the right company try to pick one that has been in business around 10 years and a good source for background investigation is the BBB in your area. The BBB will generally provide reliable insight to the companies and will get involved and mediate with their members to bring a fair result.

Most review/referral sites (Yelp, Angie’s List, Home Advisors, etc.) are not reliable and the reviews are never screened or verified. These reviews are either contrived, vengeful, or paid placements, so please use any information from the internet with a certain degree of skepticism.

Give us a call for a consultation; we can design a custom system to meet your unique needs and budget.

We are looking forward to talking with you! 1-800–988–2378 or sales@bestsecurityproducts.com