Home Security Companies: The Secret To Choosing Yours

With many home security systems you are not only buying equipment, but contracting with a company who will monitor it and respond when alarms are triggered. Choosing a home security system and company requires some research. You want a company that is a good combination of old-fashioned virtues and state-of-the-art facilities.

The ideal, as with many purchases, is to get a recommendation from someone you know with high standards. But even good word of mouth is no substitute for first hand interviews. Companies usually have salespeople that will tell you what you want to hear.

I approach the home security company selection process just like I would any other important purchase in my life. It is always great if you can get recommendations from neighbors or friends, but it’s worth the time to do in person interviews with different companies. Yes, they will have some sales people telling you all the good things they do. To get past the initial fluff, ask for a copy of the different plans including equipment and monitoring service they offer.  I usually meet with at least three companies, may be four or five. Gather the information and begin to compare the companies writing down your questions as you go along. I then talk to a manager at the companies I am interested in and then I will be able to make a final decision. This whole process may take a few hours over a couple of weeks. You can also look at consumer review magazines to get input on your decision.

Then you need to call the companies you are interested in and talk with a manager. Ask your questions. Then you’ll be able to make your decision. This process may take a few hours, stretched over a few weeks. Another good resource to check is a consumer magazine for reviews of each company’s performance.

The contemporary aspect of home security is the adoption of the latest technology for your needs. The use of thermal imaging, motion detectors, wireless devices that can be easily added to an existing system and other aspects will give you clues about their forward-looking viewpoint, or lack of it.

The installation personnel should be more than just carpenters or car stereo installers between jobs. Special licensing applies to the implementation of a home security system. Inquire whether the installers have the training and certificates to prove it.

The last segment you will learn about will be what kind of staff the company has that will actually monitor your alarm. You will not be able to help getting a feel for each company’s quality just by talking to a couple of different people at each one. To determine the quality of the staff ask the manager of the business. What kind of training and background does their staff have? Asking what type of on the job experience they have will help you determine quality as well. Do they use armed guards or unarmed? Do they have firearms training? Use a short list of questions and then compare the answers of each company.

Your home security company is providing a valuable function for which they get paid good money. Apply high standards that go well beyond selecting the lowest bidder. The alternative is not pretty.