Posted: 1/14/2005 5:43:24 AM EDT
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Well, we get the new house on Tuesday. The GF want's me to get an alarm system. I've looked at ADT's systems, and it looks like I'm going to end up spending a couple hundred bucks to get it installed, and then spend a couple hundred more bucks a year so ADT Are there any more cost effective options? Other companies I can look at? |
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Pitbull, Cyborg-Chihuahua or One pissed of hamster. I knew a guy who had roll-up security shutters. Whenever he wanted, or was away, his house turned into a fortress. They have added insulation properties for both sound and thermal energy. As far as electronic systems go a fellow down the street works for ADT and is confident in his work. |
| Depending on where you are at, there are many different companies that will install, and usually for around $800. Then you set up monitoring through these small companies (they usually contract out). If you can get a local monitoring company, I would do it; but that's just me. |
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DON'T do it. Look, you can get an alarm system installed by yourself. This does most of the work. If you then want to contract a monitor agency go ahead and do it on your own terms. Companies like ADC and Brinks and the like have a bad reputation among people who move while under contract or just decide the service isn't worth it. That's when you discover you can NOT bail. They WILL be paid or hound you for the money for the entire contract. You best bet is to: a) harden the home. This means all windows with security film or the like. Make sure they can NOT be pried open from outside. It also cuts down on heat. Big sharp plants around the windows. Jumping Cholla is cheap and it works. Deadbolts in doors and rekey after the builder is gone. Exterior motion lights. Decorative iron screen doors. Allows you to open the interior door to talk to someone without allowing home invasion. b) A good alarm system installed by a professional. Contact professional alarm companies and ask them about this. They ahve a better idea of state of the art than we do. And they might know who offers monitor service but make sure THEY are in the business of installing alarms. c) If you must a monitor company. Butt this is way after all the other stuff is done. |
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jimmybcool is spot on. Also, remember that an alarm system is usally for piece of mind. Every burglar out there knows these basic rules: -burlgarize the home while people are at work or out of town -alarms only mean you have to work quicker -if the house has a mean looking dog, it's better to go to the next one I have yet to meet a burglar that is the least bit deterred by an alarm. Many are deterred by dogs and getting caught by people, though. If that's not enough, consider this. During the average year in the city of Phoenix, the false alarm rate is over 98%. Patrol cops never go to an alarm call fast, unless it's a visually or audibly monitored alarm, and the alarm company already hears/sees someone inside. Also, the average monitoring company does not even call police until 3 - 10 minutes after the activation, since they know that most are false alarms anyway. They usually wait to see if the homeowner accidentally tripped their alarm and will reset it. Of course, most companies offer services that stipulate calling the police immediately, but there is still dispatch and drive time. By the time they call, and an officer gets dispatched, then arrives at the house, the best case scenario is about 5 minutes, by which time they're gone. The only real value to alarms, the way I see it, is that they can wake you in the middle of the night if an predator or idiot cames in, and you can greet him approppriately. |
| For what it's worth, the company that always seemed to have great serivce was Sonitrol. They are a sound monitored alarm service. Of course, I don't even know if they are around anymore or if they were expensive. I've been out of patrol for several years now, but a Sonitrol alarm always got us rolling fast since it meant there was at least someone in the house. |