7 Mistakes to Avoid When Installing a Security System
Installing your own security system can be a lot easier than you might think, especially if you don’t plan on hiring an expensive security company to do it for you! That said, installing any kind of home appliance can be tricky if you don’t know what you’re doing, so avoiding these seven mistakes will help make the process run smoothly and ensure that your system is up and running the first time around.
1. Working with an unlicensed company
Make sure you are hiring a licensed and reputable security provider. There are many fly-by-night companies that will install systems and then leave town, leaving you with an unfinished job and no security. The best way to avoid getting stuck with an unlicensed installer is to do your research. Choose a company that has been in business for several years and one that doesn’t change its name on a regular basis.
2. Failing to do research
There are many security companies out there, but not all of them provide what you need. It’s important to do your research before deciding on a security system, and it’s also important that you deal with a reliable and experienced company. Speak with family members, friends, colleagues, and business contacts who may have installed security systems in the past. They can provide valuable feedback about their experiences—and help guide you toward installing an effective system at home or at work.
3. Being unreachable
You should have an emergency contact on file with your monitoring service, and you should take your phone wherever you go. If you know that there’s going to be trouble, bring an extra battery pack or two. You’ll have peace of mind knowing that if anything happens at home or at work, you can reach someone. Likewise, always tell someone where you are going and when you will return. It might sound like overkill, but you never know when something bad might happen; it’s better to be safe than sorry.
4. Choosing the wrong company
The process of choosing a home security system can be overwhelming. There are so many things to consider, like technology and price. But don’t forget that picking your home security company is just as important as picking your system itself. The right company will help you choose what is best for you, its representatives should be available 24/7 and it should offer support whenever it’s needed. And, if these characteristics seem obvious, make sure you keep them in mind when shopping around for companies. You may even want to have several favorites lined up before you buy anything—that way, if something goes wrong with one company or something better comes along with another, you’ll have options at hand. Just remember: it pays to shop around!
5. Getting an alarm without monitoring
When you purchase an alarm system, you may assume that it will work flawlessly and it’s only a matter of time before criminals run out of their homes in fear. This isn’t always true; some security systems are wireless and self-monitored, meaning you have to check in with them often (for instance, once per month) and make sure everything is working correctly. If you hire a company to install your security system, they’ll likely be able to alert you when there’s something wrong—and they might even catch intruders in real-time. Keep these things in mind before buying a standalone alarm; while they don’t cost as much as monitored systems, they still require your constant attention.
6. Getting a system that’s too basic
You’ll want it to be an all-encompassing security system, with perimeter sensors and motion detectors. You may even want cameras inside your home or on your property so you can keep tabs on everything that’s going on. But don’t go overboard; if you don’t have that kind of money, start out small, installing just what you need. That way, as time goes by, you can add to your system piece by piece. An off-the-shelf starter kit will usually get you started for about $400 and provide entryway contact sensors, keypad locks for common doors and windows, wireless window and door alarms, interior motion detectors to detect movement throughout your house at night (or when no one is home), plus an alarm siren that rings loudly when there is an unauthorized entry.
7. Not including emergency contact info
Always include emergency contact information on your sign so that if there is an accident or any sort of medical emergency, first responders can get in touch with your family members. This is especially important if you have pets at home; many apartments will not allow pets (or pet owners) who do not provide emergency contact information. Emergency contacts don’t necessarily need to be friends or relatives—if they are related to your pet, though, try contacting them and make sure they know where to find it!
Your concern isn’t just safety: Most landlords require tenants to carry renter’s insurance. Having insurance means that if anything happens in your apartments for rent in Hampton—whether it’s theft, fire damage, or even a broken water pipe—your landlord won’t be left holding all of those costs.
Also read: mistakes to avoid when installing security system
