What kind of home security is cheap / good?

[takwong]

Hello,

I am researching on home security systems. Any help?

So far, I've found ADT, is giving 370 for installation, 26.99 monthly fee thereafter.
They give you motion detector on each floor (3 floors), 3 smoking alarm, 2 door number pads, ...etc

I live in a single family where there is a studio on 1st floor, LR / DR on 2nd floor, 3BRs on 3rd floor..there are 3 main door to outside (main door/garage door/backyard door).

can you please post how much you are paying for installation & monthly and the company name?

Thanks,
Tak

 

[jemcam]

German Shepherds or Dobermans are cheaper than that and are much more effective.

 

[Bulk Beef]

A Mossberg can be had for a couple hundred bucks.

 

[Ausm]

Originally posted by: jemcam
German Shepherds or Dobermans are cheaper than that and are much more effective.

I agree we had two dobermans and a burgular would have been crazy to try to get into our house. They are VERY intimidating animals.

Ausm

 

[Zedtom]

I had been considering a home security system for a while, but didn't feel like spending the money. Then one day, a sales rep for ADT knocked on my door. I listened to his pitch, and said I'd like to think about it. He then said that they were offering free installation to a selected few in this area. I was suspicious at first, but he let me read the contract in detail. There were no loopholes or bogus hoops to jump through.

So here's what I got: NO Installation fee. Three door switches,(front, back, and garage), sweeping motion detector, and main control panel. I can take the system with me if I move.

The catch is a three year contract at $32.99 a month, with no price increases.

This zip code has burglaries as the highest occuring crime, so I feel good about my decision.

 

[FoBoT]

most markets you shouldn't have to pay over $20/month for monitoring

DON'T SIGN A CONTRACT!!

clark howard says-linky

? Choose only a company that doesn't require a contract to monitor your alarm. If you feel you have to sign a contract, never sign one for more than one year, and make sure it doesn't have a "rollover" clause that renews that contract automatically.
? Don't pay more than $15 to $20 a month for monitoring.
? To shop, start calling companies at the end of the yellow page listings, instead of front, because the big expensive companies usually are the first listed.
? To figure the cost of equipment, make a drawing of your home, or a checklist, and figure out how many doors and windows you need to protect.
? Don't lease a burglar alarm system.
? Always get smoke and fire monitoring as part of the system.

 

[takwong]

thanks for the help. Appreciated.

Anyone else can list their company and price?

Thanks.

 

[BooneRebel]

I second (or is it third) the nomination for big doggie(s). The electronic security systems I've owned have been more nuisance than benefit. But there's no arguing with an angry canine.