A home security service is
designed to protect your family and your home from a home
invasion, so it pays to select a company after careful
consideration. The following are some helpful tips to make
the entire process that much easier.
 Word-of-mouth is often the best indicator of
quality service and reputation. Seek out referrals from
people you know – friends, family, neighbors, or your
insurance agent. Call the National Burglar and Fire Alarm
Association and your state's associations to find out which
companies are members. Trustworthy companies usually have
memberships in these organizations.
 Verify the licensing of your potential picks by
contacting your state's licensing and consumer protection
agencies, as well as the Better Business Bureau and the
local police department. You can also find out from these
agencies whether or not the companies have a history of
consumer complaints.
 Conduct interviews with the companies in which
you're most interested, but protect your own privacy when
you first make contact – don't leave your name, address, or
phone number.
 During the interview process, ask each company the
following:
How long they have been in business? (A minimum 5-year
history is best).
Do they have a license for low-voltage electrical projects?
Certain states also require an alarm-contractor's license,
so ask about this as well, if applicable. Ask for license
numbers so you can check up on their claims.
Are they bonded and insured? This is important because if
property is damaged during installation, you need to be
protected.
When they hire employees, do they carry out extensive
background checks? The best companies in the business always
do this.
Do they sell or lease the hardware for the security systems?
Most homeowners would rather pay more in the beginning in
order to own the entire system for the life of its use. Just
make sure the equipment is compatible with other security
services so that if you switch companies at a later date,
the money you spent won't go to waste.
A home security system deters burglars and can provide the
utmost in security for your family. Install one in your home
and restless nights will be a thing of the past. |
