Deciding what type of alarm system to get for your home is a task all on its own. However, since there are many alarm system companies out there, choosing one to go for may even be more challenging.
When you interview potential alarm system companies, you’d want to know the best questions to ask them. This gives you an idea of what services to expect when they start working on your installation.
In today’s post, we’ll share some of the most important questions you can ask a home alarm system provider.
Alarm system companies that have been around for a minimum of three years make a great candidate. This length of experience makes them know enough about the ins and outs of the industry.
Security companies that have been around for this amount of time can provide you a portfolio or list of clients to prove their work. This makes it easier for you to check their references and get feedback from previous customers who have employed them.
In most cases, an alarm system company representative will do the initial visit to your home do to the pre-installation inspection. The second visit will most likely be from the alarm installer.
This is the standard procedure for alarm system companies – especially those that use subcontractors for installations. While the use of subcontractors is not unusual in the industry, many security companies have their in-house alarm installers.
Either way, it’s best to ask before the work begins. Since strangers are coming into your home, you want to make sure that your safety is a top priority.
Many alarm companies use their own resources to sell, install, monitor, maintain, and offer support to their customers.
Check whether or not your alarm system provider is going to use their own personnel to provide service or if they are using a third-party contractor. This is important to know for you as a homeowner.
Aside from knowing who’s coming out to your residence to do the installation, you’ll also want to know who will monitor and service your home.
Security monitoring centers can be expensive to operate. Some alarm system companies use a third-party monitoring center. You’ll want to know if your alarm provider has its own monitoring capabilities or if they are subcontracting. If it’s the latter, you’ll want to ensure that they are using a reputable alarm monitoring provider.
Alarm providers will show you the pros and cons of owning your alarm system. Different residential security companies utilize security equipment and software. Go over your options with your alarm company to see what will work best for your specific situation.
Alarm system companies offer cell radios as an alarm transmission primary and backup form of communication. However, if you neither have cell service nor radio backup, your alarm system is classified as local. Monitoring your alarm requires cell service and radio backup.
Alarm monitoring is a vital aspect of home security efforts. While some companies only do the installation, we highly recommend that you include alarm monitoring as well for your safety.
Alarm system companies usually offer these after they’ve done the installation in your home. Marking the house with security yard signs and decals is an effective method of deterring any criminal activities.
If an alarm signal alerts the local authorities, the dispatcher will check for the information of the alarm provider. When locating your address, the police may be able to spot your home faster with these signs quickly.
Before you even begin the installation, tell your alarm system provider how long you plan to stay in your current home. This helps in providing you with an accurate work estimate. You wouldn’t want to be in a multi-year or more extended contract if you only plan to stay in your home for a year or so.
Many unforeseen events happen, and people move all the time. Alarm system companies are aware of the fact; they are usually flexible and can come up with an arrangement that will benefit you.
