How To Shop For A Home Security Installer
http://www.homesaaz.net/articles/5849/1/How-To-Shop-For-A-Home-Security-Installer/Page1.html
Allen Wright
Allen Wright is a freelance writer. See more By Allen Wright
Published on 10/14/2008
This article describes the steps one should go through when shopping for a home security installer. The first step is doing your homework, the second is letting the installers compete for your money.
Home security installation is a tricky topic, particularly because you don't want to get it wrong. Is it as important as getting a brake job on your car done right? Well, maybe it's not immediately life-threatening if you don't install your home security system correctly, but it could lead to significant property loss, or, heaven forbid, something worse. So it makes good sense to ensure that either you know what you're doing when you install it yourself, or make sure the people who are installing it for you do.
The key to finding a good security installer is the same as with every other project you undertake. You need to shop around and get advice and quotes from several different sources. The common mistake that people make when doing this, of course, is feeling obligated to accept a quote before you've gotten all the information you need. Also, feeling obligated to accept a quote that you don't think is the best one based on personality is also the wrong move. This is a decision that needs to be made objectively.
The first question you should ask isn't a question at all. You should tell the installer what you're looking for as far as components, coverage, access, keypad location, trigger response, and anything else that comes to mind. Trust me, if you don't specify what you want as closely as you can, you're not going to get a plan or a quote for what you're really looking for. And, you need a baseline to compare all other quotes to. Make sure the installer gives you a materials list and a plan for what he or she is planning to do, and make sure it's without prices on the same page. That way, you can simply ask other installers to both give you a quote for the exact same thing, and for any advice on different approaches.
Once you have these quotes, lay them out and evaluate them in relation to one another. If you have questions, call the installers back and ask them. That's what they're there for. And remember, they are trying to get your business. You don't owe them anything. Do not be drawn into a guilt associated decision because of a personable installer. You're potentially paying them a lot of money for their service, so they're mot doing you any favors by providing information on what you'll be getting.
The key to finding a good security installer is the same as with every other project you undertake. You need to shop around and get advice and quotes from several different sources. The common mistake that people make when doing this, of course, is feeling obligated to accept a quote before you've gotten all the information you need. Also, feeling obligated to accept a quote that you don't think is the best one based on personality is also the wrong move. This is a decision that needs to be made objectively.
The first question you should ask isn't a question at all. You should tell the installer what you're looking for as far as components, coverage, access, keypad location, trigger response, and anything else that comes to mind. Trust me, if you don't specify what you want as closely as you can, you're not going to get a plan or a quote for what you're really looking for. And, you need a baseline to compare all other quotes to. Make sure the installer gives you a materials list and a plan for what he or she is planning to do, and make sure it's without prices on the same page. That way, you can simply ask other installers to both give you a quote for the exact same thing, and for any advice on different approaches.
Once you have these quotes, lay them out and evaluate them in relation to one another. If you have questions, call the installers back and ask them. That's what they're there for. And remember, they are trying to get your business. You don't owe them anything. Do not be drawn into a guilt associated decision because of a personable installer. You're potentially paying them a lot of money for their service, so they're mot doing you any favors by providing information on what you'll be getting.