Question:
I am getting new home build in Marlboro NJ. The builder offers home
security through a local company called "Federal Security" , here is
what they are offering:
1.One Napco 1008e zoned alarm control panel with 12-volt battery
backup system and digital communicator.
2. Two Napco digital display keypads with full system command and
control. 24 hr panic/fire buttons.
3. one siren for outside
4. one siren for inside
5. one infrared detector
6. contact switches and wiring for windows and doors - first floor and
basement
7. connection to their 24hr central station.
price tag $1475 and central station monitoring for $21 / month.
Other options:
-smoke detector $125 / unit
-Carbon monoxide detector $175
-audio detector $150
-glass gaurd laundry door $35
-extra keypads ( digital) $150 per
-LCD keypad upgrade $75
-uplink cellular central station interface $495 plus central station
$18/month
-telephone tamper wire $95
Are any of these options worth the price?
Does it sound like quality equipment at good prices? I do not have
much knowledge about Home security ( any sites recommendation). Should
I get this done while my house is build or shop around after Closing?
what are recommended security professionals? I want to get security
installed for my new house and do not mind paying extra for quality
equipment/service.
What are the pros/cons of getting the security installed before/after
the house is built. How much do you install home security self system ?
Answer:It's not that an alarm system *can't * be installed after the house is
completed, it's just that you have to consider if you want someone to start
drilling and removing moulding around doors and windows on your brand new home.
Oh yes, .... I just thought of something ...... I know many new homes in this
area are now being built *without* window moulding. If this is the case with
your home, I'd at least have the windows prewired, even if you don't have the
entire system installed prior to completion. These *moulding-less* windows
usually always require some cutting into the sheetrock to add wiring.
Particularly if you have double hung windows.
Another thing .... I usually find that people who put off getting their homes
prewired with the intent of getting a system afterwards, usually don't. At
least, not for a long, long time. If you're going to do it .... do it now. Or
at least have your home prewired and you can call someone in later to add the
hardware. The cost of a prewire only, should be about one third the cost of a
total system.
