How to Choose a Full-Service Home Alarm Company

When you want to secure your home with a little bit more than door and window locks, you might want to consider an electronic security system. Most systems are sold and installed by specialty companies that have a staff of employees specially trained for the work. However, not all companies are equal in the quality and skill they offer.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Monitoring Company

Conducting Preliminary Research

1. Contact the National Burglar & Fire Alarm Association (alarm.org). Ask the staff to provide you with a copy of the brochure "Safe and Sound: Your Guide to Home Security," and ask for a list of member companies in your area.

2. Read the brochure and check out the Related eHows listed here. Check search engines such as Google or Yahoo for sites and familiarize yourself with some basics about home security and terms used by the industry.

3. Ask your insurance agent, friends and neighbors for referrals.

4. Call several companies on the list that the National Burglar & Fire Alarm Association provides, as well as the companies recommended by your insurance agent, friends and neighbors. Ask if their employees are trained and certified by the National Burglar & Fire Alarm Association and whether they have the appropriate state and/or local licenses.

5. Contact your local police department's crime prevention department, state licensing agencies, consumer protection agencies and the Better Business Bureau. Inquire about the status of the companies you are considering.

6. Narrow your selections down to about three or four companies.

7. Call the companies and arrange for a visit by a representative at a time when all members of your family can be present. The representative needs to know lifestyle habits to determine what components to use in the system, and you want to be certain that all members of the family fully understand how to work the system the representative will recommend.

Meeting the Company's Representative

1. Insist that the representative inspect your home and write down his or her recommendations and price quote.

2. Challenge the representative about the recommendations he or she makes. Ask the representative to explain the recommendation. A good explanation makes it more likely that you're dealing with a quality firm.

3. Evaluate all the information you gathered during your preliminary research and select the company with which you are most comfortable.