OT: Home Security (alarm) Systems, I need some advice Options

[Part Pricer]

My head is about to explode.

We are moving next month to an area that is much more densely populated than our current location. As well as the shotgun next to my chair, I’m thinking about getting a home security system. Is there anyone here in that business? Or, would anyone care to share their experiences and opinions? I’ve never had an alarm system, so I don’t know what to look for.

I’m guessing that I need:

* Door Sensors
* Window Sensors
* Motion Detectors

But, do I need things like:

* Photoelectric Beams ?
* Glass-Break Detectors ?

The next question is regarding hard-wired or wireless. I’m assuming that hard-wired is better, but would be more expensive to install. Any downsides to either?

Also, should I go monitored or un-monitored? There seems to be a lot of people on both sides of this issue.

Thanks

[opera guy]

i'll assume your house is built already...

i used to install alarm systems for residential and commercial buildings. if your house is already BUILT, i'd opt for motion sensors in every non-bedroom (living room, study, dining room, garage, attic, kitchen, hallways... etc). for bedrooms, just contact switches on windows would do, but if you keep valuables like cash and gold in your bedroom, then opt for the motion detectors (i usually recommend ppl put their valuables in a safe, and have the safe in a room that has motion detectors.

i never really had luck with glass break detectors, never really had any clients asking for it once we install motion sensors.

i never installed wireless systems when i was doing installations. im sure they have improved them, i'd still like to know what freuency they function. if you're gonna be staying in your new home for long period, i'd go with wired system, and make sure your installer know how to hide the wires well.

there's no such thing as a perfect alarm/security system.

regarding monitoring... the cost PER ACCOUNT for me, is about $8 to $10 a month. thats what i pay the the monitoring company, each account is charged 25-30 dollars a month. keep that in mind. i think they charge a lot more to the end user more now for monitoring. have it installed first, see if you can make some friends in the neighborhood, preferably the ones who are home during the time you're not. if they hear alarm, they can call cops for ya. when i install a system, i charge for the system (around 800 bucks and up) and it's the client's system, it belong to them. they have the option of monitoring or not. i think a lot of alarm co. dont do this anymore, but i dont know.

lemme know if you need to know more.