Buying a Home Security System – How To Choose?
When purchasing a home security system you have several choices. You could buy and
install an alarm system yourself
which will reduce the cost considerably or get professional installation. If you
plan to do it yourself be sure to purchase your system from an authorized and reputable
dealer. Buying an unauthorized alarm system may be cheaper but may not guarantee
things like a reliable system and replacement parts if needed in later years. A
professional installation is a easy option as you wont need to do any work at all
- but will come at double the cost.
In order to purchase the correct security system for your home the first thing you
must do is a risk assessment as part of your home security strategy. Put yourself
in the mind of the burglar – how would you break into your home if your got locked
out or lost your keys? If you know of at least one easy way into your property then
you home is at serious risk. If you have old rotting window frame or doors then
a thief will be through these is seconds. As part of your home security strategy
you must repair your property’s weaknesses as well as purchasing a home security
system. Decide how many sensors you are likely to need. Decide on how may zones
you are likely to need. Do you want an external bell/siren box? The answer to these
questions will have a bearing on what type of security system you choose.
You have a choice of
hard wired or wireless alarm systems
– both have their pros and cons.
Wireless alarm systems
are ideal for the DIY’er as they are relatively simple and straightforward to install.
They are great if you are on a budget as you can install just one or two sensors
in the first instance and add more later on. They are so flexible so if you decide
to expand and extend your property, adding more sensors to accommodate the new build
is easy. You can easily move wireless sensors if so desired. The only slight downside
is that you will need to change the batteries regularly in the wireless sensors.
A hard wired alarm system is considered more permanent and is slighter more reliable.
Installation should be carried out by a professional alarm installer which will
drive the cost up. Expansion of a hard wired alarm system at a later time will require
calling the installer which again will be additional cost. Unlike a wireless system,
you cannot easily uninstall the system if you want to move house – so you may have
to leave an expensive alarm installation behind and pay out again for a new installation
in your new home.
If your budget allows, it is advisable to have
security monitoring
for your peace of mind and reassurance. Monitored security is where your alarm system
is connected (usually via a phone line or cell phone) to a 24 hour alarm monitoring
center so if your alarm is triggered, they will call for immediate help to your
emergency. Choose a service that does not require you to be tied to a lengthy contract
such as 2 or more years. Ideally, 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 or occurring penalties.
The best store to purchase your security system from is your local dealer that has
a licence. They will help you customize your system for your own requirements. Choose
a reliable dealer and get recommendations from others and don’t reply too much on
advertisements – these can be deceptive. You may get a discount from a small supplier
too.