Home Security Beat

Hiring a Home Alarm Systems Installer

While there are a lot of DIY home security systems available, many folks prefer to leave burglar alarm installation to the hands of experts.  And if you want a very secure, fully monitored system (meaning someone is waiting to respond if the alarm goes off 24/7 and year around), then it can definitely be worth spending extra to have a professional install a proprietary system.

As with hiring any type of home improvement contractor, there are things to be careful of when choosing a security installer.  Let’s take a closer look at what these folks do and what to be wary of when choosing someone.

What home alarm system installers do

Installers usually handle a range of electronic security devices such as home burglar alarms, home automation systems, and access-control systems.  As you might guess, if an installer works for a specific company, he or she will likely have the most experience with equipment used by that company.

Background checks & references

If you’re choosing a security company to install a system, it’s likely they will have done background checks on individuals they have hired.  If, however, you are hiring an independent contractor, you need to be very careful.

The person who installs your home security system knows exactly how to disable it.  Obviously you don’t want an unscrupulous individual installing alarm systems simply to be the first to rob the house later.

It pays to get references for other reasons too: you want someone who is competent.

A lot can go wrong with a home security system installation, and you don’t want to annoy the tar out of the neighbors (or get charged by the police) with repeated false alarms.

Choosing someone with good references is important, and experience counts as well.  Ideally choose someone who has been installing home security systems for at least five years.

Licenses and certifications?

In some parts of the country, alarm installation companies or individuals must be licensed (though in many cases the owner can be licensed without the people who work under him needing to be).  You can call your state or local licensing agency to learn about requirements in your area.

Certifications are useful, and if your installer has been certified by the National Alarm Association of America (NAAA) or the National Burglar and Fire Alarm Association (NBFAA), you can be reasonably assured of hiring someone competent.  Both organizations run well-respected certification programs.

In the end, the best person you can hire will probably be an experienced, respected, licensed electrician who is also certified by a national trade association.

Source: The Complete Book of Home, Site and Office Security

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Tags: alarm installers, alarm system, burglar alarms, Home Security Systems