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Questions to Ask When Installing a Home Alarm System

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Installing a home alarm system is a big step toward protecting your home and your family. If you're still unsure about what you should know when installing an alarm system, start with these questions.

The answers to these questions should give you a better idea of what level of protection you'll receive and make it easier to decide on which, if any, home security system is right for you. Read on for a few questions to ask your alarm installer.

1. Does your company do thorough background checks on employees?

The reason you're installing a home security system is to protect your home from potential threats. The last thing you want is for the company installing your home security system to employ those potential threats. A crew of installers will be in and around your home on installation day-- you should feel comfortable with the people in your home. Ensuring the company conducts proper background checks is crucial.

Threats to your home and yourself aren't always physical. Your alarm company will have access to your personal information--which will include your address, payment information, Social Security number, date of birth and your name. If that information made its way into the wrong hands, you're at risk for identity theft and fraud.

2. Is your company bonded, licensed and insured?

Plenty of companies open their doors without proper documentation to support it. Protect yourself and your home from shady businesses by making sure they are properly licensed and registered with the correct entities. You should check to see if any customers have filed complaints against them on the Better Business Bureau's website or with Consumer Affairs.

3. Will I own the equipment?

Many security systems lease you the equipment you need for the duration of your contract with them, so when your contract expires, you may either have to pay a fee to keep the equipment or they may send the installer to come and remove/disconnect it from your home. If their equipment is proprietary, they will be the only company that will be able to monitor it. Find out ahead of time if you will own the equipment outright or if you will run into complications when you wish to cancel your contract.

4. Does the system cover all the major areas of my home?

Each home is unique and will have different areas of the home that will need protecting. Is the security system you're considering a "one size fits all" system or has it been specifically tailored to your home's needs? The distinction would mean the difference between thinking your home is secure and it actually being secure.

5. Who will monitor my system on and off-hours?

Knowing who will be watching your home while you're away is an important aspect of installing a home alarm system. What kind of training does the monitoring staff receive? Does an answering service handle calls after hours? Look for a company with a high level of customer service training and one that is highly rated.

Any company you inquire about should be able to answer your questions, and you should feel comfortable with them. After all, they will be the ones installing your security system. In addition to installing a home security system, you should still utilize other safety tips to keep your new or current home safe and allow you to have some peace of mind.


Ana M. Ferrer  Posted by Ana M. Ferrer on October 27, 2014

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