Choosing Your Home Security Systems
This is the peace of mind we all aspire to when it comes to protecting what is important to us, being our family, home, or business. To make it happen, we want home security systems that are fully tested, approved, and consider every single detail of our busy lifestyles, no exception or concession.So, we start to look at what the security systems industry has to offer, without any clue on where to start or what features to look for.
Where to Begin
Which system should we choose? And more importantly: which service provider should we partner with?Here are some key elements to consider when selecting your business or home security systems & partner:
- First, What type of service packages do they offer?
Design, installation, maintenance, surveillance, or turnkey solutions, the range of services will widely vary from one provider to another. Make sure to choose the one that covers all your needs.
- Next, What products do they use?
Fire, flood, intrusion, or movement alert; hard-wired, wireless or home automation-type systems.... No matter what you need installed, make sure the installation partner uses the industry's best brands and products. Protecting your family does not allow for second class devices.
- Third, Is their price range within your budget?
We all agree that protecting what is important to you requires top quality products and services.However caution is required: expensive does not always mean high quality, and agreeing on a price you can’t afford is not the best strategy either.
- Where is the provider located?
When a security breach occurs, time is key. You need your security company to be reactive and close enough to be able to intervene as quickly as possible. You also want to be able to talk to a person about the situation, instead of receiving an impersonal and standardized automated response.
- Next, What warranty do they offer?
Some providers will follow the manufacturer's warranty and only guarantee the hardware, while other companies will also offer a guarantee on their installation services. Either way, make sure you know what the guarantee cover and for how long it lasts (usually 1 to 2 years).
- Check their customer history:
Do people around you have any experience with security system providers and products? What are the consumers’ reviews (internet, forums, press etc.) on the providers you are talking to?
The best way to protect you from unprofessional technicians and potential scams is to consider certified professionals only. Certification entities like
ULC, ISO, and CSAA deliver certificates to companies delivering high quality and compliant services.
- Set up a meeting and/or a premises tour with potential providers:
Every house or office is different. When you contact potential partners, most of them will provide you with a rough idea of what the installation will look like and the cost attached to it.However, do not agree on any kind of plan before your premises have been reviewed by a technician.
- Lastly, Take the time to review your contract carefully:
Congratulations! You finally found the home security system you need and the service provider that can install it and monitor it for you. All you need to do now is sign the contract, so the system can be implemented.Do not rush this step! Be sure to understand and to be in agreement with every paragraph. This way you know what to expect, which could save you some bad surprises along the way.Don’t know where to start, and need some advice? Please
contact us today!
United Alarm Provides the highest quality Commercial and Home Security Systems on the market!
“No matter where I am, the people and the things I care about are safe”