Alarm system: go with local co. or Brinks/ADT? (townhome, phone, installation)

[Go Blue 99]

I need to choose a home security system for our new townhome. We have a few local companies here in Atlanta that seem to have good reputations. They advertise that their monthly rates are lower and their call centers are local.

Of course, the other options are the big national companies like Brinks and ADT. My wife likes the name-brand of these big places and thinks the yard signs are more theft-deterring than a local company's.

What have you guys chosen for your homes? Are you happy with the price and service?

[LaceyEx]

When we lived in NJ we had Slomin's. Installation was free if you took a 5 yr. contract. Quarterly charge was $80. If you should sell your home prior to the 5 yrs. you could either buy out contract or see if buyer wanted service and they would just pick up where you left off.

We were very pleased with their installers (very neat) and service. Also got a 20% reduction in Homeowner's ins.

[K'ledgeBldr]

The basis of any system is to call service when activated. With that in mind, find the best deal you can- local company, local call center, and NO extended mandatory contract. There are plenty of companies that offer a month-to-month service.
I find more security in the system (installed in the home) itself.
Don't rely on landline service, go cellular. Have smoke detectors tied in with system, and carbon monoxide detectors. At least two key pads, and at least one key-fob (Key-fob's can arm/disarm, and can also turn on lights).
A good deterent (the system) is better than a name brand company or any police response time.

[monkeygorilla]

Originally Posted by K'ledgeBldr

Don't rely on landline service, go cellular.

Can I ask why it better to go with cellular than landline? I didn't even think this was an option.

[monkeygorilla]

Originally Posted by Go Blue 99

I need to choose a home security system for our new townhome. We have a few local companies here in Atlanta that seem to have good reputations. They advertise that their monthly rates are lower and their call centers are local.

Of course, the other options are the big national companies like Brinks and ADT. My wife likes the name-brand of these big places and thinks the yard signs are more theft-deterring than a local company's.

What have you guys chosen for your homes? Are you happy with the price and service?

I am in the same position as you. The house we have has ADT equiptment, so we figured we stick with them for monitoring (plus, life your wife, I feel the ADT name is more of a deterrent that a small local company). But now I'm not sure...I've heard some negative things about ADT.

[K'ledgeBldr]

Originally Posted by monkeygorilla

Can I ask why it better to go with cellular than landline? I didn't even think this was an option.

If someone is bound and determined to gain entry, and they know there is a security system- the first thing they do is cut the phone line on the ouside of the house. Another system to disarm is the electrical system (not that that disables the alarm system), which is easy to do because all main shutoffs have to be on the exterior of homes now. It helps the intruder- because you can't turn on the lights to see him.

[monkeygorilla]

Originally Posted by K'ledgeBldr

If someone is bound and determined to gain entry, and they know there is a security system- the first thing they do is cut the phone line on the ouside of the house. Another system to disarm is the electrical system (not that that disables the alarm system), which is easy to do because all main shutoffs have to be on the exterior of homes now. It helps the intruder- because you can't turn on the lights to see him.

Dumb question...what if I'm in an area where the cell service is spotty? Would that make it unreliable? Thanks!

[K'ledgeBldr]

Originally Posted by monkeygorilla

I am in the same position as you. The house we have has ADT equiptment, so we figured we stick with them for monitoring (plus, life your wife, I feel the ADT name is more of a deterrent that a small local company). But now I'm not sure...I've heard some negative things about ADT.

Another thing to keep in mind- some installed systems are not compatible with all monitoring systems. For instances- an ADT system may not work with say- Brinks monitoring. So, if you decide to change monitoring companies, first see if your system is compatible. Because if it's not, the new company will want to install their system ($$$).

[K'ledgeBldr]

Originally Posted by monkeygorilla

Dumb question...what if I'm in an area where the cell service is spotty? Would that make it unreliable? Thanks!

In Lon Giland? Anything is possible!
But there are ways to improve signal strength.

[Janipoo]

I am in WV and we have Guardian, they installed it when the house was built. I know they are in the surrounding states.