Buying a security system

Tips from Better Business Bureau

Having a safe, secure home is something most people want. Whether you need a home security system to achieve that is a matter of personal preference as well as expense.

Basic home security systems have alarms that indicate when a door or window has been breached. Some complex systems can monitor energy usage, turn lights on or off, or double as a medical alarm system. Some integrate with the owner's cellphones and computers. Before you decide to buy a system, take some time to figure out what you want your system to do.

Do-it-yourself systems are available for a reasonable price, but they may not include all the features that you want. Professionally installed systems can be tailored to your needs, but before hiring anyone, you need to know what the company's contract covers, its duration and what will happen if you are not satisfied or the company is sold.

Better Business Bureau recommends that you ask at least three companies for bids before selecting a security contractor. Ask about options, such as combining smoke alarms or medical alert systems with a basic alarm. Find out what is involved in installing the system. Many wireless systems require very little in the way of holes drilled or other modifications to your home, for example. Some use existing phone lines for monitoring while others require a separate radio, antenna or cell phone line.

Some companies quote very low prices for installing systems, but the low price might only be available if you sign up for long-term monitoring contracts. Some salespeople have tricked homeowners into switching to their systems by saying they are upgrading an existing system. If this happens, call your existing company before you authorize any changes.

As with any home improvement, BBB recommends that consumers:

Check a company's BBB Business Profile, which includes a rating from A+ down to F. The Business Profile also shows whether a company has had complaints and how the company responded. BBB Business Profiles also include Customer Reviews that indicate consumers' satisfaction with the company.

Get written estimates from at least three companies, and ask plenty of questions. A reputable company will not try to sell you anything before completing a professional assessment of your needs and the layout of your home.

Contact your police and fire departments. Ask whether you need to register your system, and if there are fines for responding to false alarms.

Ask about installation costs as well as ongoing expenses, such as a monitoring service.

Get references from your friends, family, neighbors, co-workers and from the company's current clients. Find out whether the equipment was installed within the given time frame. Were any equipment problems dealt with promptly? Was the system explained to everyone living in the home? If there was an intrusion, were the police contacted immediately?

Read all contracts before you sign them or give a deposit. Ask questions about anything you don't understand, and make sure any oral promises are included in the contract.

Do not pay everything up front. Consider making a deposit for a third of the cost and paying the remainder when the work is complete and you are satisfied.

Sean Spence is the Mid-Missouri regional director for Better Business Bureau.