[GTsetGO]

Well, JAsonic wanted me to post something about these and answer questions if people had them.

I have been in the industry for almost 13 years and now. If you have any questions about systems or install companies please feel free to post them up.

[JASonic]

Thanks man.
Well, I'll take advantage.

Easy one first, whos the best "monitor" for service and can my DCS be used with any of them?

[futureMACH1racer]

Home security or auto security or both?

[GTsetGO]

Originally Posted by JASonic Thanks man. Well, I'll take advantage. Easy one first, whos the best "monitor" for service and can my DCS be used with any of them?

Any system can be monitored by anyone. As for the best, there really isn't one. As long on the monitoring station is UL certified and registered in your state you will be fine.

Originally Posted by futureMACH1racer Home security or auto security or both?

home security

[JASonic]

So what would the price per month be for like basic monitoring? How many months is the minimum?

[GTsetGO]

each company differs on their monitoring rate. ADT is in the high 30's/low 40's now. I would say the average is around $35 right now. My company = $27.95 per month.

contract lengths also differ but they are usually anywhere from 3 to 5 years.

[MamaStang]

This is something I've been seriously considering. We live in a very safe neighborhood with an almost non existent crime rate...but my husband travels frequently and it sure would feel safer with a monitored system.

Saw a post the other day that said something about bad customer service...thought that was with ADT - do any of the companies have a better customer service rating than another?

Oh - And if you have a monitored system, don't forget to call your insurance agent - you might qualify for a hefty discount on your home owners/renters insurance!

[GTsetGO]

Check the BBB, talk to neighbors or let me know if you need any feedback on a company. I have many contacts throughout the country and can find a good company just about anywhere.

i also recommend using a local company instead of one of the big companies (ADT, Brinks, etc). Local companies tend to give better CS as you are not just another account to them, you are a customer.

[MamaStang]

Ahh...good tip...thanks!

[GTsetGO]

and don't let the salesman talk you into crap that you don't need.

[MamaStang]

Like what?

[GTsetGO]

For me:

Glassbreaks are worthless.

But a salesman might try to talk you into buying more stuff than you need. if you are thinking about getting one feel free to email me what they are offering and i will let you know what i think. I believe in installing "security systems", not getting accounts.

My company's basic package includes every entry/exit door contacted, one motion, one keypad, control panel with battery backup. I always recommend them doing two upgrades:

Smoke detector and downstairs windows.

[MamaStang]

Sweet - may have to look into it. I think a friend of mine just installed an ADT with what you mentioned and it was like $34 a month...which isn't bad considering what you're getting.

[GTsetGO]

Originally Posted by MamaStang Sweet - may have to look into it. I think a friend of mine just installed an ADT with what you mentioned and it was like $34 a month...which isn't bad considering what you're getting.

Let me guess. Free install and it was for 2 doors and 1 motion??

[MamaStang]

Hmmm...not sure....she's got 2 doors + 1 to the garage...she said there were sensors on all the windows as well...and 1 motion.

[GTsetGO]

wow, she must have had one heck of a install charge for them to do all that. Newly built house or no?