How to Shop for a home security alarm

There are lots of home security alarms out on the market. Many security systems are affordable and many are effective, but it's hard to tell which security system or burglar alarm system is the best for your home. Also, the home security system is a highly exploitable market—hundreds of consumers get scammed every year by “trunk slammers” and other wily dealers.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• phone book or internet access
• patience
• an open mind and a shrewd eye that can see through scams

1. Know the basic components. And what they do. You’ll definitely need: a control panel, door and window contacts, and sirens or alarms. You might want: motion detectors, cameras, glassbreak sensors and additional security keypads.

2. Survey your home. Walk around the perimeter of your home as if you were a burglar. Take note of any likely entry points and what you need to invest in to secure them. Look for low windows, exterior man doors and second story windows that can be reached by climbing.

3. Shop for a company. The next couple of steps will deal with what you need to do to survey the home security providers in your area. Getting good service is equal or greater importance to the hardware you are getting.

4. Talk to several companies. See if they will come to your home and take a look at your home and do some risk assessment. Ask them where they see problems and what they would do about it.

5. Get quotes. Get an estimate in writing. Make sure they include costs for equipment, setup, responses, monthly monitoring fees and warranties.

6. Get some references. A good company will have some customers willing to be contacted as references (or you can ask a friend). Ask if the system was installed in the quoted timeframe, if contracts were clear and explained well, if the customer service is courteous and readily available, if they’ve ever had a break-in and how quickly the company responded.

7. Research the equipment. Most companies get their hardware from a certain company. Ask what they’ll be installing and go on the internet and find some reviews. Read about specific units. Gather opinions from several different websites.

8. Sleep on it. Representatives may seem very excited and that can get infectious. But be firm and mull it over for awhile. Don’t sign anything on the spot. At least talk it over with your spouse or a rational friend.

9. Sign up. Go ahead and sign the contract when you feel confident. A good company will walk you through the rest of the process. Good luck!

Tips & Warnings

• The current standard for monthly fees is about a dollar a day, which usually ends up being about $28 to $40 dollars a month.
• The more you get, the more you pay for. Complex systems cost more to setup but will protect you better.
• Get quotes from about three or four companies before making your decision.
• Find out about permits—some fire departments require a special license to have an alarm system.
• Read the contract carefully. Look for hidden fees and pricing discrepancies from what you were quoted.
• Consider an extended warranty or service agreement. Calling in a service crew post-warranty can get pretty pricey after parts and labor.
• You may be able to get a discount on your home owner’s insurance with a home security system installed.
• If a company won’t meet you face-to-face to talk about your options then don’t do business with them.
• Make sure you are actually buying your equipment—some companies lease it to you and take it back when your contract is up.
• Ask about the companies policy regarding selling your contract—many consumers get ripped off when their contract is sold to a larger company with higher rates.
• If the person that comes to meet you seems to be working straight out of his car (doesn’t have an office) then steer clear!
• Setting up your system to call 911 automatically is illegal.