Home Security Reviews

Buying a home security system can give you piece of mind, knowing your family and belongings are protected. However, with all the choices out there, such as ADT, Brinks and Slomins, choosing the right system for your home can be confusing.

Here are some pointers that should definitely help.

First of all, you need to understand that determining the right system shouldn’t just be a matter of choosing the lowest price or simply going for a “brand name”. You need to choose the system and service that’s right for you.

In the past, hard-wired systems were superior to wireless systems because they were always supervised, so the monitoring service was instantly aware of any sort of communication failure. Nowadays, though, wireless systems are just as reliable in this respect.

There still are notable differences, however.

While wireless components are actually more expensive than wired-systems, they are much cheaper to install. That’s because they don’t require much skill in installing them. As a result, dealers will often reduce their upfront costs by using what are sometimes called “lick ‘em and stick ‘em” installers whose goal is to get in and out as quickly as possible.

On the other hand, the often higher upfront costs of buying a hard-wired system basically stem from using well-trained installers who assure that your system is specifically designed for you and your needs, your lifestyle, and your home. In addition, due to the smaller size of hard-wired components as well as advanced training, such techs can also make your security system practically invisible.

But, what you may not know is that, in addition to choosing between wireless and hard-wired systems, there’s actually a third option …getting a hybrid system. Indeed, many industry insiders consider this the best residential option and use it in their own homes.

In a hybrid system, easy-to-wire functions, such as door sensors or areas close to or with easy accessibility to the control panel, are hard-wired, while areas that may be further away or more inaccessible can utilize wireless security. This customization by skilled installers may well be the perfect option for you.

You know there’s no one-size-fits-all security system, and price shouldn’t be your only consideration, make sure you talk to representatives from more than one security provider, such as Brinks, ADT or Slomin’s.

And listen to what they say. Many security sales reps will spend most of their time talking about the importance of the “brand” of the company they represent, the great specials they’re running, the “awesome” freebies they might be offering, the various add-ons available, and so forth.

But what you really want a sales rep to do is to ask you questions. And the most important question they should ask is “why do you want a security system?”

Not just “peace of mind” or “an increase in crime”, but specifically what concerns you, since such information will help them determine what you need from a security system.

In addition, they need to ask you about your lifestyle – your pets, your kids, do you like your bedroom window open or closed at night…all the little things that will actually affect your security system needs.

If a sales rep doesn’t ask you about these things, then tell them yourself…and pay attention to how they respond.

Your home – your needs – your lifestyle…these are what determine the security system features you need, not what’s on special that day.

Make sure you ask if the security installation company you contract with will actually own your contract itself for the full length of the contract…or sell your contract.

Authorized dealers generally sign you to a contract and install your security system…then sell your contract to the parent company which then owns your contract.

This doesn’t mean your monitoring service will be affected, but it certainly can give a local dealer less incentive to provide you with quality customer service once the system is installed.

To avoid this, have your system installed by the company itself (e.g. by ADT, rather than an ADT-authorized dealer.)

· Also ask if you will be leasing or owning the equipment.

If the equipment is leased, then any upgrades to the equipment during the life of your contract are covered for free even without a maintenance contract. However, should you decide to change providers after the contract ends, you will need to pay the new provider to replace and install new security equipment as the old company will remove the leased equipment.

On the other hand, if you own the equipment, you can change providers and continue to use your existing equipment. However, any upgrades would have to be bought by you. Warranties are available, however.

Obviously there are pros and cons to both approaches, but this additional information can also help you make the best decision for your situation.

Don’t feel pressured into signing on the spot because of some “great deal” that “won’t last long”, but if you feel comfortable with your sales consultant, you can move ahead and sign the contract.  In most states you have 3 days to review and cancel the contract.  They downside to not signing at that point is that you may be wasting your time shopping.

What that contract says is what you’ll be legally obligated to. These are long term contracts and can obligate you to hefty cancellation fees, automatic renewal clauses, additional service charges…no matter what the sales rep tells you.

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