Sunday, October 4, 2009

Choosing a Home Security Company

By Christopher Williams

The safety of your family and your home is too important to trust to just any home security company. You need to find a company that fits well with the type of home you have, the neighborhood you live in, and the lifestyle that you normally lead. You should asses the reliability and validity of the security company before you even consider signing a contract. Never just choose someplace because you see one of their trucks or a sticker in the window of a nice house.

When starting the search for a home security company, sometimes it is best to ask your neighbors and friends in the area. Their first hand insight may provide valuable information. Search online for information as well since many of these companies will have websites. Do not be afraid to ask the companies for references. See what other customers have to say. Make sure you feel very comfortable with the company before you sign on with them.

Always look for some official certification or license. Most often there will be a division or agency run by the local government that will issue licenses for home security companies. A handful of national licensing agencies exist, though these are largely private and unregulated institutions. Be sure and check the general business record of the security company, especially the Better Business Bureau, who will keep a list of complaints that have been filed.

Read through the information that the home security company provides, and check their website too. Get a firm grasp of exactly what they are offering and what it will cost. Look for options that you may want and research them to know if they are right for you. If you are considering a home security monitoring service, know what their monthly charges are and what that payment entitles you to. Be very familiar with their procedures before you make any decisions.

Look at the keypads, controls and devices that get installed. Understand what each one does and how it interacts with the others. Measure out the size of the control panel, if you can not find one to look at in person, and check that your fingers will be able to comfortably use the buttons or dials. Take a look at the display panel and status lights, they should be easy to read and clearly understandable.

Know exactly what is in the contract that you sign with the company before you sign it. If the home security company is going to install motion detectors and keypads, make sure that the contract states exactly how many of each and where they are going to place them. If the company is going to provide monitoring services, take extra time to read the terms of service. A monitoring service will usually charge a monthly fee and there may be restrictions or limitations to what they will do. Understanding these terms is very important.

If after a period of time you are not happy with the performance of the equipment or the security company, let them know. Sometimes they can fix the situation. If they fail to meet your expectations, though, it may be time to consider moving on to another company. This is mainly for home monitoring businesses. You may lose some money changing to another service, but it will be worth it if it makes you feel safer.

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