A Home Security System For Your Building Project

The price of a home security system has dropped over the years.  Due to recent technological improvements, you can now get a complete system for hundreds of dollars that used to cost thousands.  And if you wish to have your home monitored from a remote location, that can be done for as little as $10 a month.  The keys to getting a quality, low cost system are to make sure you know what you want ahead of time and be sure to do the proper planning upfront.

Pre-Wire for New Builds

The best time to plan for your new home security system is before you build a new home or addition.  A hard wired system can be the most affordable option when it comes to monitoring and installation.  By installing the wires into the walls at the construction stage, you save money over a wireless system.  And, you get the benefit of choosing exactly where you want keypads, smoke detectors, heat sensors, glass break detectors…etc.  Some tips for planning…

• Install a 2″ pvc pipe from the basement (or area of the control center) to the attic.  This will give you a way to get home security system wires installed after drywall if you decide to add them later on.
• Run home security system wires to windows and all exterior doors.  The other option is to use a glass break sensor in addition to window sensors…just in case your burglar would rather break the glass rather than force the window open.
• Heat detectors at kitchen:  Cover your ears honey…my wife has a tendency to burn things in the kitchen.  The heat detectors only go off if they reach a certain temperature (smoke detectors can drive you nuts in the kitchen…especially the new, extra sensitive smoke detectors)
• Run wires to heat and smoke detector locations for monitoring
• Motion sensors:  For my home, I installed motion sensors on the first floor to provide additional home security system protection.  Of course, if you have a dog or cat this might not be a good idea.
• Keypad Locations:  Think hard as to where these will make most sense for you.  If you decide to go with motion sensors, you might want a keypad in the master bedroom to avoid the sprint when arming and disarming.

Wireless Systems

A wireless system is great for retrofits where you don’t have wires already in the walls.  The only drawback to the wireless home security system… the components can be a little cumbersome (i.e. larger than the wired units).  The best part of the wireless system is that a do-it-yourselfer can easily install it without any specific background in home security.  This saves on the overall costs.  A complete system with door contacts and a motion sensor can be had for under $200.

Monitoring

As you know, home security system monitoring can be provided by a company from a remote location.  This can save as much as 20% on your home insurance bill.  This savings may cover the cost for a basic monitoring service.  However, be sure to think through this completely before signing a long term contract agreement for monitoring.  I have seen too many folks get the monitoring…and then never turn it on.

I don’t know if it’s just too much of a hassle for people to tap in the numbers or if the occasional false alarm proves to be too stressful.  But whatever the reason, they end up paying hundreds of dollars a year for a service they never use.  So think it through before signing up…or go wtih a company that will allow you to go month-to-month without a contract.

Cellular Communicator

One of the best improvements to a home security system since I’ve been building houses is the cellular communicator.  Criminals know if you have an alarm system, the best way to get around it is to tamper with the phone line.  This won’t shut off the system, but it will prevent the monitoring service and the police department from ever knowing about the break in…unless your nosy neighbor calls.

With a cellular communicator, the transmission is wireless, which makes tampering crazy tough.  They also have VOIP alarm monitoring that works with your internet connection and if you have cable internet, you get the same benefit as the cellular communicator (that is until the criminals find out about VOIP monitoring).

Cameras for Home Security System

Cameras can be a great way to add functionality to your system.  When planning a new building project, be sure to include an ethernet line to the camera locations (verify with the system provider that this is all that is required).  Yes, they do have wireless cameras, but these cost a little more and require you to change the batteries…not a deal breaker but definitely a factor to consider.  The other nice thing about the new age of technology…you can set up your system to be able to monitor your home from the internet…even while you are in Hawaii on vacation.

A home security system is a great way to protect your home and family.  And with a little planning, you can save a bundle and get exactly what you need.

 

 

 

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