Home security systems?

[accobra66]

Does anybody know much about home security systems?

Are you stuck with a monthly service fee with all of them? I really do no know where to start here. I did a brief Google search and everything seemed to tie back to ADT through dealers.

[Doug Meldrum]

When I built my house I purchased and installed an Ademco system but never hooked it up to the service company. I programmed the number for the security company as my Cell. When I get a call from home with a computer tone, I know the alarm has gone off. It works great.
D

[BlitzAttack]

My cousin works for a company called Vivent, and I have done some training installs with him. They have some pretty cool features, and is totally wireless.
simple, affordable home automation

[DMW]

You can go on Amazon and get a nice system for not much money. I don't know why most people would need remote monitoring. To me $30-$60/month for someone to remotely monitor your security system is a rip-off. That would be $1,800 to $3,600 in five years. It really adds up fast.

If you are most worried about a burglary, just install your own system and put up some stickers. The stickers and signs will dissuade most burglars.

[ROB J]

I only charge between 20-25 dollars per month for monitoring service with no contracts. We install mainly DSC systems.

ADT is the Burger King-McDonald's of alarm systems. If you like two year contracts, crappy overseas service, and crappy equipment then go right ahead.

Find a local Mom and Pop Security company if you want better service.

[Derald Rice]

I just went through this about 6 months ago. I got 5 bids, and the pricing was all over the place. Some of the salepeople seemed as though either they did not care, or were out to find a sucker. Almost everyone recommended Honeywell equipment.

ADT was not impressive for me, and I went with a local mom and pop like Rob suggested. Highly rated company with great service and no contract. My monthly fee is 30 / month, and that includes a cellular monitoring connection.

[dpmac]

I agree with Rob. We had a local shop install a DSC System in our shop (two floors, 15K square feet,four bay doors, four pass doors, motion, etc). Easy system with many great features, easy to add to. Great local service.

[Cobra Cory]

Up here in the Boonies most people just leave their doors open. While the burglar will get in easier they will usually be nice and lock the door behind them on the way out....Or people just get a dog.

I just got a new Internet camera. Sent the DropCam camera back as it was just sucking up all my bandwidth. The better IP cameras will email you on your mobile phone if detects movement in your house. Plus you can view your camera on your smart phone with an app. That's about all the security I need up here.....

[CraigS]

We started a few years ago w/ Brinks when it existed. It changed names and then was bought out by ADT. I've been quite happy w/ them although the $51 a month seems a bit high. The couple of times we/ve had a false alarm from a bird hitting a window or glass door, and my wife getting meesed up one AM w/ the remote alarm turnon, the people on the phone have been VERY good.