How to Choose a Home Alarm System

For many first-time homeowners, the days following their move bring a number of questions that they have likely never needed to consider in the past. Some of the most important amongst these new questions are those pertaining to home security as they address not only the protection of the largest investment that most people will ever make, their home, but more importantly, the family that inhabits the home. One of the first considerations of homeowners contemplating home security is the installation of a home alarm system, which in itself can be a complicated process. However, by following a few easy steps, homeowners can quickly identify the home security system that best fits their needs.
The first step when considering available home alarm systems is for homeowners to familiarize themselves with the basic components of a standard security system. Generally speaking, control panels, contacts for all external doors and windows and a siren or alarm are the absolute basics. Additionally, motion detectors, glass break sensors, security cameras, and additional security keypads, including those that include panic alarms are all important components to research.
Having familiarized themselves with the basic features available in home security systems, homeowners should walk the perimeter of their home, putting themselves in the shoes of a would-be burglar. This will likely expose easy entry points such as external doors in disrepair, or those hidden from the view of neighbors or the street, as well as areas that need additional lighting. Homeowners should also pay close attention to windows, especially those low to the ground and those that could be accessed by way of climbing on the outside of a home or by overhanging tree branches. Any problem areas found in this exercise should be secured, whether by way of motion sensors, glass break sensors, or additional lighting.
Armed with some basic information about home alarm systems and a general idea of the problem areas of a house, homeowners are ready to contact a few home security companies. Many will offer risk assessment of their own, which homeowners can compare with the assessment that they already performed, and should provide some additional input on types of systems to consider. With this in mind, homeowners can request an estimate for the type of alarm system that they have deemed most appropriate, and begin to compare quotes.
When comparing quotes, it is also a good idea to request some references, which most home security companies should be able to easily provide. Some important questions include those regarding the accuracy of their quote, how the service has been, if the contracts were clearly explained, and what their response time was like if the references have had a break-in. Homeowners should also do a little research on the equipment listed in the quote.
After comparing the quotes, chatting with references, and finishing their research, homeowners should be ready to make a decision. Having followed these easy steps, homeowners will know that they have done everything they could to ensure that their home and their family have the best home security system for their new home.