Technology is pretty cool. You can do just about anything with a smart phone and a computer. You can chat with friends halfway around the world on Skype, check your email while sitting in an internet café, and change the channel on your TV with your smartphone. Man, we’ve really come a long way, and so have home security systems.
Technology has enabled us to do things that we’ve never been able to do before. You can control lights, see who’s at the door, and keep an eye on pets and children in your home with the latest security systems. What’s even more appealing about these high-tech security systems is the fact that you can install them yourself. No pesky wires or scheduling inconvenient techs to come out and install the system for you.
Not everyone is happy about this.
These DIY systems are wonderful for consumers, but some grouchy, old school, behind-the-times alarm system companies are sticking to their guns and requiring professional installation.
Why some systems are hanging on to traditional installation
Why in the heck wouldn’t a home alarm system, like ADT, want to allow customers to install their own system!? It’s great customer service, and surely, it just encourages more people to purchase a home alarm system.
Well, as you can probably guess, it’s all about money. Some of these greedy guys just can’t get enough, and traditional installation is a great way to squeeze another buck out of you and your family.
Even though they have to pay the technician to come out to your home, they charge you even more for that technician to install all the equipment. This may sound like a good thing, but when nearly every system on the market is completely wireless, why in the world would you need help? All you have to do is place the darn camera on the shelf and plug it in. Even my grandma can do that!
It’s even better if that home alarm system company can convince you you’re getting a good deal by telling you that they’ll reduce or waive the installation fee. That is a great deal!
Not!
When other home alarm systems allow you to install the system on your own for free, this is no special deal at all.
In defense of professionally installed home alarm systems
So, what could they possibly say to convince us that a professionally installed system is the way to go? Well, I can tell you one thing for sure — they’re grasping at straws.
The first way they try to convince you is by saying that the installation tech will be able to tell you the best way to set up your system.
Put motion sensors by doors and windows? Place a camera in the entry hall? Duh! I don’t need some nerdy technician to tell me that! Any idiot with half a brain already knows where to put the stuff, and if they don’t, all they have to do is conduct a quick search online. And guess what? Since the equipment is wireless, if you don’t like where you put it, put the darn thing somewhere else!
This next one is my favorite. You know how the phone companies tell us that we should really have a landline just in case there’s an earthquake and the cell phone tower goes down? Well, home alarm systems have their own version of this lame scenario.
What if the system isn’t hooked up properly? You won’t even know that you’re putting your family at risk! Well, I’ve got an answer for that. Call in and talk with a representative. Here’s another idea—test the system. DIY systems have another trick up their sleeve—online videos, like this one. Installing a home security system today isn’t hard, and quality companies will show you, step-by-step, just how easy it is.
Not all systems are created equal
In case you haven’t noticed, I’m not a big fan of professionally installed systems. However, they’re not all bad. There are many things that go into a quality home alarm system. That’s why we created In Home Safety Guide. We take the time to test all the systems so you don’t have to.
Our list includes both DIY and professionally installed systems that have been put through the ringer. We’ve certified the very best of the bunch in order to help you narrow down your choices. We even have one system — Vivint — that requires professional installation, but they have so many wonderful things to offer customers that they made it to our certified list anyway.
When it comes right down to it, your choice of home alarm system is a personal one. Allow us to help you every step of the way by reading through all of our reviews. We’ll make sure you don’t get swindled and hoodwinked into paying for features and services, like professional installation, that you don’t need.
