Home Security Alarm Systems
A Special Consumer Report
By Larry D. Blair
Randy Fox is the owner of Randy Fox Security and Communications located in Belmont, CA.
He has hundreds of accounts such as; a local school district, government offices, banks, jewelry stores and residential accounts. His company sells, installs and monitors alarm systems. I inter-viewed Randy Fox in October '97 for the benefit of homeowners who want more information on home security systems.
Question: What are the benefits of an alarm system? Answer: Early warning, peace of mind, policy and fire monitoring, a burglary deterrent, insurance discounts (up to 15%) and an increase in the value of your home.
Question: What is the biggest problem with alarm systems? Answer: False alarms. Monitored systems can have a false alarm because of poor materials, poor craftsmanship on part of the installer or improper training given to customers. False alarms can cost a homeowner $50 or more per incident.
Question: Can you describe difference between a basic, better, and best system? Please, explain the difference in costs? Answer: Alarm systems consist of components such as:
|
Contacts on doors and windows |
$ 50 - $85 per door or window-installed unit |
|
Motion sensors |
$175 - $225 per installed unit |
|
Glass breakage sensor |
$150 per room installed - alarm screens $200 - $225 per screen (windows or sliding doors) |
|
Smoke detectors |
$150 - $225 hardwired installed per unit |
|
Control panel/key pad /audible devices (bell, horn) |
$250 - $800 installed |
|
Mobil panic device |
$150 per unit |
|
Monthly monitoring |
$20 tele./$30 radio/$50 cellular |
A basis system includes window and door contacts, a motion or sensor detector, stickers for windows and doors, and a sign. A better system includes these and adding the other components to extend the early warning from the inside of the house to a more secured perimeter with monitoring. The best system includes the higher priced components such as motion detectors that can even sense the difference between an owner's pet or a person. We have glass detectors that listen for sound frequencies verse hard contacts on windows (called bugs or buttons).
A basic system can cost as low as $650 to $1000.
A better medium system can cost $1000 - $2000.
A best system $2000 - $3000.
Systems can be leased but are usually purchased.
If you have any other questions feel free to call Randy Fox at (650) 525-1271. He can mail you information or make an appointment for a free consultation. I recommend him!
I would like to inform you that many cities now have out-lawed security grills that do not have at least one break away release in each bedroom. Front door gates also need these inside safety releases. The replacement cost of the legal security grilles and with a new front door security grille, with all having safety releases are expensive. You may want to compare the cost with purchasing an alarm system.
Many times when I show a home that is for sale to buyers and the property has security bars, a buyer will ask if the neighborhood is safe? Alarm systems look better and make buyers feel more comfortable when considering to buy a home.
Again, call Randy Fox for security alarms. Please call Larry Blair (650) 991-5267 for your real estate needs.
Warmly yours,
Larry D.Blair
Century 21 Alliance
2488 Junipero Serra Blvd.
Daly City, CA 94015