No one wants to be the victim of a burglary. When you’re at home and hear that noise below, it’s terrifying to think what might be happening. The mind can run wild with all sorts of horrible thoughts. Maybe the door is already open, and that strange noise you heard was your TV being stolen. Or maybe someone is standing right there in your living room!
Whether something terrifying or nothing at all, installing a security system is an easy way to find peace of mind. There are many security solutions available to protect your home and business from becoming another statistic. Each comes with their own varying levels of complexity. This blog post will cover how you can choose the right layer of security that fits your needs and style.
Determine Your Home or Business Needs Based On Budgets and Features
How many cameras will you need? Which areas are you most concerned for? Which points of entry orthodox or unorthodox could be exploited by an intruder? These are all things to consider when choosing a security system package. Remember that you get what you pay for, so if you want a good quality system then it is worth the money to invest in it. Some of the most popular and useful features you should look for are:
- How many devices you can monitor on one system
- What camera options you want; wireless or wired, entry sensors, night vision capable etc.
- Accessibility, do you want it to pair with your phone and tablet via mobile app? Are you interested in voice control with Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant? Do you want to pair it with your smart home security system?
This is just an example of a few of the options available. As you can see, there are many different levels to business and home security. Not all services are compatible with your needs or have the features you may want.
Ask Friends or Family For a Referral or Suggestion
It’s important to have a starting point when discussing a potential system with a representative at a security company. Talk with friends or family about security system providers you might not have considered. Ask them questions pertaining to their home security provider, if it pairs with their smart devices and if they’re satisfied with the services. If you don’t have anyone to ask, check reviews online to find the best fit for your home.
A security system is a large investment and it’s important to get the right one for you. Knowing which security features you want and why not only helps you but also our associates find the right products and services. Our associates at Metro Lock and Safe are always happy to answer questions and arrange a demonstration of our monitoring technology as well.
Compare Quotes and Services From Each Security System
As previously mentioned, these systems do not come come cheap. Internet, phone and cable providers also offer home security and smart home services. Make sure to read your contract to see what is offered, what changes can be made and how much it will cost.
Compare these costs with that of a DIY security system. While your installer will charge you based on the needs of your home, a pre-arranged plan with the provider will likely cost less, while providing you cloud space for a monitoring plan.
Remember to compare the quality of the product they supply as well. Many home security providers use the same manufacturers like Honeywell, Belkin or August for their smart hubs so there you can expect a high level of product quality. However, the software they provide may differ as each company customizes their security systems and some are easier to use than others.
Some providers even offer sophisticated equipment for businesses like temperature sensors, glass break sensors, leak sensors and dual carbon monoxide and smoke detectors. That’s a lot of sensors and detectors. But, when dealing with sensitive and high-value materials, the potential losses usually outstrip the upfront costs.
Another factor to consider is access to your alarm system after professional installation. When having a security service professionally installed for your home or business, be sure that you’ll have 24/7 access to the equipment. You may need to adjust the settings at some point in time and if you can’t do that then what is the point of having an alarm system? Some large companies offer this service while others don’t and it’s up to you to choose the best security for you.
If you want maximum control of your home, we suggest a custom security system.
Consider a Custom System That Matches Your Needs
While it might be somewhat cheaper to go with an option provided by one of the aforementioned companies, they can also tie you into long-term contracts that limit what you can do with your own hardware. They might not be as flexible when it comes to making small changes or offer the right services.
Choosing a custom system gives you the peace of mind that comes with knowing if your home or business security needs a change, you are still in control of the situation. You can get a custom system installed based on your needs and budget.
If you’ve tried using pre-packaged services to keep your home or business safe and it’s just not working out, it’s time to look into getting a custom security system installed by Metro Lock and Safe.
Know Where You Want To Install Your Security Devices
While you want to make sure that you are covering the most important areas of your home and business, make sure not to inconvenience those living in the house or working in the office (e.g., don’t put a motion sensor above high-traffic areas). It is crucial to know if a false alarm is being sent or if someone is trying to break into the place at night.
Prioritize entry points for cameras. The most vulnerable areas of a home or business are the doors, windows and skylights. Placing security cameras, motion and window sensors.
Create A Home Security Plan
Have a plan that’s focused in case of security breaches. A perimeter system that will automatically turn on lights if it detects motion denies burglars the chance to sneak around and search for a more discreet entry and exit. A motion detector placed inside can alert those inside and flood out the intruders.
Some brands of perimeter and doorbell camera even offer speakers that allow you to communicate with your would-be thieves. Why would you want that? Well if they’re going to try their best Wet Bandit cosplay, you might as well give them a worthy Kevin McCallister impression.
It’s also great for communicating with a package handler or house sitter, but let’s just savor the thought we can hit back at those who violate our right to safety with an eerie “I see you.”
Keep Your Install As Simple As Possible
You want a system that is easy to understand. Avoid a needlessly complicated, byzantine network of alarms, cameras and motion sensitive lights. Make sure that all members of the family or employee team know how to use the system properly so they can help protect their own space with this security system in place.
Keep everyone on the same page with where each device is placed, how to use it and even the tone of voice used to announce its presence.
Data is key in any security system for home or business. There is usually a base that sits in the home or business that records how many times the alarm goes off and if someone enters at night. This is crucial to get a clear picture of what is really happening, and if someone really needs help.
This data allows you to know if the system is working, and if it is not, a custom installed network allows you to change the system to help improve its ability to protect your home or business.
Metro Lock and Safe Can Professionally Install For You
If you’re looking for a custom home security system that will be tailored to your needs, Metro Lock and Safe has what you need. Whether it’s an easy-to-navigate package or maximum control of your surveillance footage with our state-of-the art smart technology, we offer competitive prices on all of our services. We can and will be sure to meet any budget requirements while still providing excellent quality workmanship. So if you trust in us to install the perfect smart security system for you, give us a call today!