Home security system

[dquan97]

Been thinking about getting one, though we live in a quiet neighborhood. I looked up the prices for ADT and didn't think that a security system should cost $300-400 to install and $35+/month for monitoring fees. Should I suck it up or buy my own security system like this

 

[Queasy]

Find a reputable non-ADT dealer. I use one here in Atlanta and pay only $12.95/month plus ~$400 for buying and installing the equipment. The few times I've...errr...tested it (accidently set it off) they've had a quick response. My favorite being the time I yelled 'fvck!' underneath the glass-break sensor in the living room and set off the alarm.

 

[FoBoT]

you should be able to get monitoring in most major markets for about $15/month

DON'T SIGN A LONG TERM CONTRACT FOR MONITORING!!!!!!!!111

 

[GasX]

My house had an extensive system installed when I moved in. The house has over 40 windows and everyone is protected. There are also door open sensors and motion detectors. I am glad I didn't have to pay to get it installed. I pay <$300 per year on monitoring.

The costs of the system is directly proportional to the complexity and size of the system you buy.

Things that add cost/value:
motion detectors
glass break sensors
window/door open sensors
controllers
cell phone alert (crooks can't cut your phone line then...)

The basic system they quote on the phone will likely not have enought parts to secure fully your house, so be prepared for extras.

 

[aircooled]

just get a sign and stickers that say you have an alarm and good exterior lighting.

 

[rickn]

my security

 

[K1052]

Security system #1 is a local monitored service.

Security systems #2-6 are these.

 

[T3C]

Originally posted by: aircooled
just get a sign and stickers that say you have an alarm and good exterior lighting.

Cheap and effective

 

[morkinva]

Philly requires you to 'register' your alarm system at a cost of $35 per year (pdf) - yeh, um... right

 

[Pciber]

do what george carlin does... get a brick for security. When something goes wrong in your house, simply throw the brick through your neighbor's window to set off his alarm, then direct the emergency services to your house when they arrive.

 

[gscone]

ADT and Slomins are crap. Reponse time is ridiculous too. We live in a gated community so no worries about burglary here.

 

[Modeps]

I've got a system and pay like $25 a month for it. My street has not streetlights on it and is in a very quiet neighborhood. I'd rather be safe than burglarized

 

[bradruth]

Yeah, I have a security system *strokes Glock*.

 

[Yellow Dog]

I get some of the monitoring service back because my insurance co. has a discount for alarmed homes.

Besides when the alarm is going off the asswipe that broke in won't hear the hammers being pulled back on the double barrell 12Ga. so I can shoot him in the chest. much easier to explain than shooting him in the back if he hears the hammers cock and turns to run.

 

[Baked]

Yes, it's called a shotgun.

 

[StageLeft]

In come the gun toters, though I've yet to see any of them describe the automated turret system they have that defends the house when they are not home.

 

[Gravity]

Got one, don't use it.

 

[nageov3t]

nothing where I live.

but I figure, we're on the third floor, so by the time the thieves clear out the first and second floors, they're van will already be full. also, between my roommate's and my own work schedules, it's very rare for the apartment to ever be empty (I work 4 pm - 12 am, my roommate works 12 am - 8 am; I have thursdays and saturdays off, and he has sundays and mondays).

 

[bradruth]

Originally posted by: Skoorb
In come the gun toters, though I've yet to see any of them describe the automated turret system they have that defends the house when they are not home.

I can have the PD install a security system that sends the signal directly to dispatch for me when I'm out-o-town for no cost.

 

[K1052]

Originally posted by: Skoorb
In come the gun toters, though I've yet to see any of them describe the automated turret system they have that defends the house when they are not home.

I'd get one but they play hell with the cats.

 

[azazyel]

Yup, I got a killer parakeet. Well, actually right now it's just a disgruntled parakeet but we are still in training.

 

[dandruff]

If you live in a good neighborhood ... just get a non-monitored system like X-10 (wait for sales - $99 for 14-16 pieces) - the DS700 system dials 4 telephone numbers in case of a event - no MONTHLY charges ... 16 zones .. works fine ... if it ever goes off .. i am ready with my baseball bat ...

the motion sensors work fine (even ahs a setting for pets) ... the door window sensor can only detect openings (tho it can be modified to act like a glass breakage sensor) ...

the one in ur link only gives u 5 pieces .. not enuff imho ... for $99 or so and no monthly .. it works great ... hth

 

[Papagayo]

We have Guardian security system for 6 years..

Make sure you read all the fine print on the contract.. It was tough for us to get out.. You get a window to cancel the contract after it's end.. If you ignore to cancel within the window, it automatically renews the contract for another 6 years..

 

[koolhand]

Any Do-It-Yourselfer have any more personal experience/recommendation on alarm system? Interested in installing a system myself w/ local monitoring but w/ optional central. The OP's original link looks like a decent system esp w/ future remote monitoring/checking on web.

 

[Jumpem]

I don't know anyone that has one. I never even had a key to my parents house. The door is unlocked 24/7/365.