Buying a home security system

Buying and installing a home security system yourself helps you to cut down on the costs of professional installation. However, do ensure that you buy your system from an authorized dealer, even if you’re planning to install it yourself. Unauthorized systems may be cheaper at first glance, but most of these do not guarantee you service and replacements. 

The first thing you need to do before buying your burglar alarm is to decide what kind of system you want to purchase. To do this, you need to perform a risk assessment. Large properties are best left to the experts, because the scale of work required would probably be too much for you to handle by yourself. However, regardless of whether you’re installing your system yourself or having the job done professionally, do a personal check on the areas of your house (and grounds, if you have them) to decide where you need sensors. Nobody knows your house like you do!

Many services ask for a monthly fee, especially if you need them to monitor your system for burglar and fire alarms. While it’s a good idea to opt for such monitoring, choose a service that does not require you to be tied to a contract for a lengthy period of time (for example, two or more years). Services like ADT and Brink, for instance, ask for a hefty monthly fee as well as a long-term contract. Choose a service that has a reasonable monthly fee and no contract, so that you can change the service at any time if you are not happy with it, without worrying about the contract.

The best place to buy your home security system is from a local dealer that has a license. (This is code for don't buy an alarm off eBay and expect it to rock.) Since most states now require legitimate dealers to possess permits for sales, it would be a good idea to check your dealer’s authorization before you buy from them.

A local dealer is your best bet, because they will help you customize your system according to your specific needs. While large-scale manufacturers also offer this service, they may be too busy to cater to an individual customer’s needs. Your local dealer, however, will probably be around when you need a fix. Choose a reliable dealer; ask around first, and don’t rely too heavily on advertisements because these can be deceptive. Word of mouth works best. Check with your friends and acquaintances and find out if you can find an established dealer who has had his business open for more than a few years.

Also, many users have found that large-scale manufacturers are not always prepared to replace small units, such as panels which are susceptible to failure if struck by lightning. Your local dealer will probably come right over and fix it at a nominal charge.

Whether you install your system yourself or get it professionally installed (which will double your costs), it’s a good idea to monitor your system yourself. Distance monitoring is not foolproof, and if your system gives way in the middle of the night, the odds are that you won’t get to know about it because the failure alarm will buzz at your supplier’s. 

If you are a do-it-yourself type, installing your own system can be a very good idea because in the process of the installation, you really get to know your own alarm. Having your home security system installed by someone else is a little bit like buying a car without looking under the hood first. Like any other piece of technology, alarms need to be learned and understood. Know your system and it will work wonders for you. Not knowing your system will put you at a distinct disadvantage, because you’ll be calling for help even for simple teething problems. However, if you’re too busy to baby-sit your system or are just reluctant to get involved in anything that requires more than pushing a button, your local dealer will probably be happy to install and explain the basic functions of your system to you.

While there are no hard and fast rules about buying systems off the internet, it’s best to pick an empirical store where you can get in touch with the provider should anything go wrong. The internet, however, is a useful resource for checking about costs and service providers with other users.

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