New home: Low voltage wiring needs

[Trespassers W]

Originally Posted by luaby

We chose not to do the alarm pre-wiring because HomePro required signing a 3-5yr contract. More-so, I found some wireless alarm providers out there that are much cheaper and don't require contract signing.

Actually, this is a part I would be more concerned about. IMO 3-5 year contract requirement is a ripoff, but not having alarm pre-wiring is a huge minus. First, wired sensors are cheaper and more reliable. Second, just imagine how many batteries you would have to change if you had wireless sensors on every door/window.

[luaby]

Originally Posted by Trespassers W

Actually, this is a part I would be more concerned about. IMO 3-5 year contract requirement is a ripoff, but not having alarm pre-wiring is a huge minus. First, wired sensors are cheaper and more reliable. Second, just imagine how many batteries you would have to change if you had wireless sensors on every door/window.

We don't see it as that huge of a minus. I'd rather not bite on a contract. The wireless sensor batteries are pretty cheap as far as I know. Regarding the reliability argument, you're right but then no single security system is all sufficient, that is why we're using this with the wired cameras.

[Trespassers W]

Originally Posted by luaby

We don't see it as that huge of a minus. I'd rather not bite on a contract. The wireless sensor batteries are pretty cheap as far as I know. Regarding the reliability argument, you're right but then no single security system is all sufficient, that is why we're using this with the wired cameras.

The batteries are cheap, but replacing them is a hassle. The reason why I think security wiring is more important is following: if you ever decide to add it later, Ethernet, HDMI and other low voltage wiring is usually internal and running it post drywall is hard, but still doable. Running security wires in insulated external walls would be almost impossible.

But, I agree with other posters - you need to pick your battles and there might be other, more important ones.

[lifofifo]

Originally Posted by luaby

We don't see it as that huge of a minus. I'd rather not bite on a contract. The wireless sensor batteries are pretty cheap as far as I know. Regarding the reliability argument, you're right but then no single security system is all sufficient, that is why we're using this with the wired cameras.

You may not see it as a huge minus, but chances are very high that the next buyer will. With wired sensors, you will have a sensor on every external door and window of your house. I have around 20 in my home! Maybe you can try to negotiate with your builder re: home pro contract. Homepro did the security prewiring for our home (Darling home) too, but there was no contract requirement. The only catch was that if we don't use HomePro, it'd void the warranty for pre-wiring.

[Rakin]

Don't worry about the warranty. It's a rip they want long term commitment.

[nissan]

It is kinda odd that they won't pre-wire unless you sign their monitoring contract. Our builder pre-wired w keypads and, after close, came to test and see if we were interested in their monitoring. No obligation. If they do charge to pre-wire, I'd pay to have it done now instead of relying on wireless systems. Those systems will cost you in upfront costs for each keypad and sensor you install.

[Trespassers W]

I agree. As an option, I would ask if they could just run the wires and install door/window sensors. Later you can pick and install control board/keyboards/monitoring service of you choice.