I was looking to survey what services and fees (if any) people subscribe to for their home security system. In addition, if you are using a pay/fee-based service - do you feel the cost/fee is reasonable?

Secondly, what feature(s) do you like the best about the system?

If you ignore service or equipment costs, what enhancements would you like to add to a security system?

In conclusion, I feel that most security systems are generic and bare bones oriented. As consumers migrate from traditional phone service towards cellular only, phone-based security monitoring services will continue to decline. As a systems integrator, I see an abundance of free/low-cost PCs, video products, networking alternatives and cellular capabilities, I am seriously considering designing a full-blown - low-cost - security system that will run over whatever services (internet, cellular, telephone, etc) users have a/o need.

Any feedback or thoughts would be appreciated....

phillysteakandcheese

I didn't invest in an alarm system until my house was broken into ...

I now have a remotely monitored system that I pay for every month. I'm sure my system is one of the "bare bones" ones you mention, but everyone in my house can use it, and I definitely think it is worth the price I pay.

There's a balance between cost and risk...
If a criminal is determined to steal something you have, they'll find a way to get it - regardless of what system you put in. Keeping bored teenagers from sliding out your window and slipping into your basement is much easier. Both tasks have different costs tied to them.

My idea of what "low cost" is might be significantly different from yours. For example, I'm not willing to spend hundreds of dollars on equipment, but a reasonable monthly fee for monitoring my alarm and calling the police if needed, is worthwhile to me.

I am probably not the intended user of a "full blow" system, so I wouldn't be willing to pay the cost of such a system.

caibuadday

you do not need to pay a company to monitor you home, you could instal a system that would page you ( or 911)with message ( to indicate certain problem) monitor company usually locate in another state; they will call your local fire/police department and report the problem for you, have your alarm power back up by a UPS..... loss of power will also trip off alarm

phillysteakandcheese

Automatic pages to 911 sound good, until you start getting those $100 response fee's from the local police department for responding to your false alarms...

More than a few times I've had pets, maintenance people, wind, the kids, and just plain human error set off my alarm...

That's why the human monitored alarm system wins for me. They can listen to what's going on in the house, and if it's obvious a B&E is in progress they can call the cops on the spot. For anything else, they call me and indicate what's going off and ask me if I want the police dispatched.

shunned

I agree. Same goes for locks.
I refuse to be freaked out by the salesmen and have no alarms.
Same for my car. Who'd want to steal MY junkmobile?
Then again, who drives a stick nowadays?

Press2Esc

All answers are valid, thanks for the feedback...

Fr_Chuck

In our home in Atlanta I have a monitered security system, including door, window and motion detectors. I also have security bars ( nice looking) on all the windows and doors ( metal frames and bars) I use motion detectors outside to operate iights with video monitoring.
When we lived there full time, we also had a guard dog in the fenced yard.

We keep all the bushes trimmed down so no one could hide under them.

In our TN home, we use monitered fire and alarm system with motion dectors, door and window alarms, also the windows are fixed not to open more than a few inches.

Press2Esc

looks like youve got a nice setup & you've definitely got your "homes in order"... however, i still think its just a matter of time before you "introduce" your GA home to your TN home.

Press2Esc

agreed philly.. the "bare bones", probably translates to meeting the majority of customers requirement/needs. thats why my original question. the technology is there, not sure the market is....

speaking of teenagers, there are cell-based services that will track your children whereabouts... oddly enough, we've been doing that for pets for years.

Stratmando

I have been installing security systems for Many Years, and as they were sold from one company to the other. I mantained all systems in use down here, the big companies would rip out nice panels and install thier monkey panel(very cheap)they work, monitoring is their big thing. Ademco and DSC are Nice and have many capabilities. I prefer the DSC
Power series 5010. 8 zones, expandable to 32, can add wireless receiver, motions and contacts, an automation board for local and remote access to your system.(you can arm/disarm, or whatever) The big companies have screwed or mislead customers down here, so i provided free monitoring. I Use a 4 channel dialer. it will call you or several others of a problem. Plus it is FREE
I also like the wireless door switches for Bilge monitoring, if battery, pump or float switch fail, this second float will trigger transmitter and dial me, by cell or any number I program into it.
I have the same transmitter in my Van.
Since you are also an integrator, this is a very capable system, can be modified many ways. Infrared or phone control, or computer if you wanted(Don't have to)
I like no computer control on my automation stuff due to booting problems, glitches, viruses and delay.
The automation board will also allow control of your thermostat remotely, and control of X10 or PLC devices