Security system in home.. ADT?

gibson1

Hello all,

I'm looking to install a burglar alarm in my home. I've had an inspection and quote from ADT, the installation and cost of the alarm itself seemed reasonable, however I'm put off by the monthly charges. Also, though the chap who came round was quite polite, the leaflets he gave me seemed a bit fear orientated, 'take out our alarm or you will never sleep at night,' sort of thing.

It seems that the monthly fee is merely a guarantee of replacing any defective equipment(which should be free for a year or so anyway?!), ensuring it works once per year and giving a call if an alarm go's off. The phone call would just be to check if their alarm has indeed gone off, which would cut into time that could be spent calling the police. They themselves wont be calling the police.
So I don't really see the point of paying a monthly fee, which amounts up to quite a bit of money after a few years.

Any thoughts on the services provided by home security companies and recommendations would be much appreciated.

Thanks.

joerugby

ADT's business model is based around monthly fees

We preferred to use a local provider who charged more for installation but now charges £90 per year for maintenance.

Furts

I see no point in taking out a maintenance contract on an alarm system. There are no moving parts and little to go wrong.

If a PIR fails just replace it, likewise a battery back up. If the system fails then simply replace it. All the components are cheap and plentiful so a maintenance contract is pointless.

Even £90 a year contract would be £900 over a ten year period and I would expect my system to outlive this. My system is an expensive hidden hired and telephone ringing alarm but it cost under £900 to supply and fit. Hence a ten year contract would cost more than the original alarm, which is crazy.

The solution is to get good quality components then have the telephone number of a local trusted alarm person who can be called out if something goes wrong. Then bank the saving made by avoiding a maintenance contract.

Jonesya

I'd never have a contract as it's just not worth it - there's very little maintenance required other than checking operation and changing backup batteries. In an ideal world you'd install it yourself because then you have all the manuals, codes and settings.

If your handy and can do basic wiring you could install one yourself, it's not technically difficult but I'd say there is a skill in finding routes for the cabling, or you could opt for a wireless model.

C_Mababejive

I think there is a lot of fear around. I have never had a security alarm anywhere that i have lived.

gibson1

Jonesya wrote: »

I'd never have a contract as it's just not worth it - there's very little maintenance required other than checking operation and changing backup batteries. In an ideal world you'd install it yourself because then you have all the manuals, codes and settings.

If your handy and can do basic wiring you could install one yourself, it's not technically difficult but I'd say there is a skill in finding routes for the cabling, or you could opt for a wireless model.

Thanks for all the replies, sorry for the lateness of mine.

Maybe Im wrong but the installation of a wireless system doesn't seem that technical. One of the alarms Im considering costs £300 by itself, or £579 to get it installed professsionally.

Granted, they will know the exact place to place the sensors and will gurantee their work for a year. Other than that I don't see how the extra £279 adds up. They claim that they are a 'Nacoss Gold approved installation company.' But I really don't see where the £279 adds up...

gibson1

Furts wrote: »

I see no point in taking out a maintenance contract on an alarm system. There are no moving parts and little to go wrong.

If a PIR fails just replace it, likewise a battery back up. If the system fails then simply replace it. All the components are cheap and plentiful so a maintenance contract is pointless.

Even £90 a year contract would be £900 over a ten year period and I would expect my system to outlive this. My system is an expensive hidden hired and telephone ringing alarm but it cost under £900 to supply and fit. Hence a ten year contract would cost more than the original alarm, which is crazy.

The solution is to get good quality components then have the telephone number of a local trusted alarm person who can be called out if something goes wrong. Then bank the saving made by avoiding a maintenance contract.

No, I don't see how the maintenance fee adds up. Granted they will come round and repair it if something gos wrong, but thats covered by a 1-2 year gurantee anyway. Even if it was to break down after 6 years, its cheaper to just get a new system.

ispookie666

I installed a few wifi ip cameras around house, bought an old laptop from eBay and run it 24x7. The cameras record when there is motion detected. A few cctv stickers on windows.

Delia_Cardei

IMHO no point in signing up a maintenance contract on an alarm system. I have never done this before and never will I do this. Just order an affordable alarm system from Amzn and enjoy your peace of mind. LOL there're many surveillance systems costing not that much but with quite a good quality. Good luck!