Generally, a perimeter system is better for those with: Small children
Expensive merchandise
High crime area
Large budget
Desire to keep the intruder on the outside of the home
An interior system is better for those: Constantly away out of the home Large, open rooms
Older or no children
Smaller budget
It’s common for many people to develop a combination of the two types of security systems. They may want the exterior protection for certain areas or doorways, but only want the interior protection for a few other areas of their home.
Example:For a two story home, the homeowner may want contacts on each
exterior door, window contacts on the front windows, a glass break detector in the kitchen (for the windows and sliding glass door), and motion detectors by the front stairs and in the garage. This way there’s a solid perimeter defense for the obvious entry points, and the other critical areas are protected by the motion detectors. Should
A Beginner’s Guide to Home Securitya burglar still break into the home, they’re not going to make it up the stairs or into the garage without being detected.
If you’re handy with basic electronics and don’t want your security system monitored by a company, then you may want to look into building your own security system. It’s fairly easy to get started with a basic kit (available in most electronic shops) and then add-on whatever extra components are necessary. This is cheaper than buying a system from a security company and you have the freedom to design the system any way you want.
The only major downside is that should you want the system monitored in the future, many security companies will not monitor a system that was not installed by a professional installer. You may be required to have a technician examine your system, or possibly have it replaced entirely with one of their systems.
Most of the professional companies offer special package deals for the different sizes and styles of security systems. With all of the different equipment and types of sensors available, a professional company should be able to handle all of your security concerns.
The major companies commonly offer product warranties and satisfaction guarantees should anything go wrong. Competition from the different national and local security companies can often work to your advantage. Bidding wars and extra bonuses throw into the package will make you the winner in the end.
If you’re planning on doing business with a major security company, be prepared to sign a service contract. Most companies offer the industry standard three year A Beginner’s Guide to Home Securitycontract, and there are penalties for early termination. Also, be ready for the visit from the company sales representative. Most representatives work on a commission-only salary and are always eager to add extra features that may not be needed. What sounds good there on the spot may possibly be a waste of money after it’s installed.
Tip:
Go ahead and meet with a few different security representatives. Be honest when telling them about your security concerns, and see how each one can address the different situations. Do not verbally commit to anything or sign any agreements! If the estimates are within your price range, don’t do anything and wait until near the end of the month (very important). Call the reps and start a bidding war between the companies for your business. If a sales rep (or a company) is having a lousy month in sales, they’ll be extra willing to compete and earn your business.