Nowadays, finding home security alarm contractors is made easier by a quick and simple internet search.

However, going online will result in dozens of home security alarm companies advertising their services. This could get overwhelming. Where do you begin?

How do you know you are choosing good and trusted home security alarm contractors?

A recommendation or referral from friends and family is always a good starting point. However, even with advice from a trusted source, you need to know how to vet any potential security alarm contractors properly.

After, you are letting them into your home. You are also relying on their services to ensure that your property is safe, secure, and protected.

There’s Truly No Place Like Home

Home is where we should feel comfortable, safe, and secure. Everyone appreciates that safe and secure feeling while being inside their place of residence.

Naturally, no one expects their house to be broken into. Unfortunately, it’s a threat to all property owners must be prepared for. It’s definitely a possibility that could happen. As a homeowner, you wouldn’t want to be caught without the proper security measures in place to protect your home from this threat.

Hire home security alarm contractors to avoid burglaries.

Relevant Statistics

  • A break-in or burglary takes place in the United States every 18 seconds. That adds up to almost 200 per hour and approximately 4,500 every day.
  • Most burglaries in the country happen during the day between the hours of 10 in the morning and 3 in the afternoon – not at night, as what’s commonly believed.
  • The highest percentage of home burglaries occur during the summer or warmer months, particularly July and August.
  • A surprising 34% of burglars and thieves enter through the front door. You’d be shocked at their audacity; however, it’s because some of the homes they target don’t have the right security alarm systems in place.
  • Residential properties without visible signs that they have a home security system in place are 200% more likely to be broken into.

Security Alarm Systems for Residential Properties

The figures above don’t lie. Due to this, we know that if it’s not our home, one of our neighbors will be victimized by burglars or home intruders.

When that happens, having a security alarm system that recorded the events would be great. Better yet, it would be awesome to have an alarm system equipped with a two-way communication system that you could utilize to scare off would-be burglars or intruders.

These recordings would be immensely helpful as evidence. It would also be beneficial to turn them over to local law enforcement to hopefully catch the culprit.

The Basic Components of a Home Security Alarm System

A residential security system is comprised of a variety of parts. This includes security cameras (indoor and outdoor camera systems), motion sensors, glass break detectors, window and door sensors, window stickers, carbon monoxide detectors, smoke detectors, and yard signs.

Each of these pieces have their essential functions. Professional home security alarm contractors are trained to handle every single one of these components to ensure proper functionality.

What Do Home Security Alarm Contractors Do?

Having the right home security measures entail employing the services of professional home security alarm contractors.

Only hire professional home security alarm contractors.

Home security alarm contractors do the installation, repair, and maintenance of home security systems.

These contractors are also trained to test security control panels. They may need to troubleshoot and do the necessary repairs to malfunctioning home security systems.

Ultimately, their main goal is to ensure that the entire home security alarm is functioning as it should.

This position requires technical proficiency. Professional and experienced contractors know the importance of safety.

Also, home security alarm contractors must have exceptional communication skills. Since security alarm contractors regularly work with property owners (residential, commercial, industrial properties), they should be able to communicate any technical issues professionally and adequately to the clients.

Responsibilities of Home Security Alarm Contractors

  • Install control panels and other security alarm system equipment (including fire alarms).
  • Program and integrate the security alarm systems in accordance with the property’s electrical layouts and building plans and codes.
  • Place sensors at applicable locations. This task may include drilling holes in the walls for optimum cabling and wiring layouts. This step also includes accessing hard-to-reach areas of the property, such as attics or crawlspaces.
  • Install all wiring and cabling that connect system components that comply with all relevant safety standards – aligned with the clients’ preferences and concerns.
  • Instruct clients how to properly use the security and fire alarm systems; answer questions or concerns they may have and ensure that they are completely satisfied with the products and services they receive.
  • Conduct inspections and testing of all systems to ensure that all gears and components are functioning as they should.
  • Look through manufacturer installation manuals, work orders, and building plans to check where the optimal locations for wiring and system components.
  • Pinpoint and fix any malfunctions in the wiring, system components.
  • Order any necessary replacement parts if needed.
  • Create and submit reports and documentation after each installation, repair, maintenance checks, and inspections in compliance with standard operating and safety procedures.

Questions to Ask Home Security Alarm Contractors

How long have you been in business?

In the security system industry, the experience is vital. If you need a very basic security alarm system for your home, then you may hire home security alarm contractors that are just starting out in the field – after you got to start somewhere.

Also, typically newer home security alarm companies have more modern and sophisticated equipment as well as more training and education to compensate for their lack of experience in the industry.

Are you affiliated with any nationally or locally recognized security organization?

A reputable and professional security alarm company will want to acquire memberships and affiliations with both national and local security associations. The primary organization in the field is the National Burglar and Fire Alarm Association.

Does your security alarm company have a license to operate?

Naturally, any security company would simply say yes to this question. However, it’s up to you to verify this information. Call your corresponding state and local government agencies to double-check this claim.

Does the security system come with professional monitoring?

Professional home security monitoring is the main selling point of a home security alarm system. Suppose ever there is an emergency or unwanted intrusion in your home. In that case, it is reassuring to know that your residential security system provider can alert the local authorities and send someone to your home for help.

To be quite frank, there is no substitute for the comfort and assurance that having a professionally monitored home security alarm system brings.

Ask your prospective home security alarm contractors if the installation of the system comes with monitorization.

What happens if something in the system breaks or stops working?

A home security alarm system may have a variety of fantastic features. However, as with any technical equipment piece, it is bound to encounter some issues (both minor and major) down the line.

You would not want to dabble with a sophisticated security device that needs professional attention. Thus, ask your home security contractors what their repair or maintenance procedures are.

In some cases, a lot of the troubleshooting and repair of security systems can be done remotely. This means that you would not need a specialist to come to your home to fix the system.

What advanced safety features do you offer?

Unfortunately, many thieves and burglars are shrews enough to bypass some basic security system features.

Ask home security alarm contractors what additional features you can have.

Thus, it’s essential to know what advanced safety features you can add to your system to ensure your property’s optimum security and protection.

Some of these advanced features include:

  • Remote Access – arming and disarming your system via WiFi connection.
  • Cellular Monitoring – a wireless monitoring system linked through a cellular signal. This feature doesn’t rely on an internet connection or telephone line for connectivity.
  • Email, Phone, and Text Notifications – a security alarm system that can send out an automatic text, email, and phone notifications when the system has been triggered (power goes out, smoke detected, windows broken, doors open, etc.)
  • Video Monitoring – allows you to access the security system feed from your smartphone or other internet-powered devices.

Key Takeaway

To successfully hire home security alarm contractors, you need first to define what your security needs are for your property.

Do you want complete automation? Perhaps you would want to try out the basic protection features first? Or do you need video monitoring? What are your non-negotiables?

On top of that, you need to think about your budget. While there’s no price for the protection of your family and property, the installation, equipment fees, monitoring fees, and other costs associated with sophisticated security systems come with a price.

While you would not necessarily need all the bells and whistles, it’s essential to determine your specific security needs. This will ensure that the security contractors can give you their professional recommendations.

Many security system companies offer flexible payment options and packaged services that can fit any homeowners’ budget – without compromising quality.

Make sure you properly vet any security system contractors before employing their services.