A Beginner’s Guide To Buying A Security Systems

Purchasing a security system is not exactly a straightforward process. It involves understanding highly technical terms that are difficult to interpret if you don’t have any prior knowledge of the security camera industry. Moreover, many home security systems now double as smart home hubs, centralizing controls for lights, thermostats, locks, and more within one app on your smartphone. Suddenly, your safety becomes an overwhelming and time-consuming process filled with jargon.

Therefore, understanding your needs and knowing the security options in the market will help you identify the right product for you. To help you with this, CSI Security has put together a Beginner’s Guide to buying a security system.

Getting Started

Hire a professional company: Hiring a professional security company will provide you with someone that knows and understands the business. What’s more, you can be guaranteed a flawless installation job and expect a security system that meets your needs.

Get at least three quotes: You want to compare equipment quotes so that you know the differences between various systems and security companies. Based on this, you can ask why one is quoting so much more? Do you own the quoted equipment, or are they just charging an installation fee for their services?

Next Steps

Check with Better Business Bureau: First, you want to check with Better Business Bureau on the company’s reputation. How long have they been in business? Someone with twenty years or more usually has good experience in the business. Do you, as a customer, own the equipment being installed, or does the security company own it? Telco companies are now in the security business and usually offer packages that seem great at first. They usually provide equipment to be installed for a low installation fee. The Telco Company usually owns these systems, and the equipment must be returned to them if you ever cancel your monitoring agreement with them. You will then be billed for wear and tear on their equipment. This can cost you a lot of money. Money that you thought you had already spent when it was installed.

Know what you own: A low installation fee usually means the security company owns the system you’re availing of. If the system is being financed over a term, get it in writing. In fact, always get your system information in writing before you begin. Similarly, take the time to understand the Terms and Conditions before you sign your contract.

Get the lowest price: Find out why if one company stands out with a lower price. Always understand the terms and conditions or the company policy based on the equipment they are installing.

Advice From The Pros

Check reviews with BBB: Better Business Bureau (BBB) provides you with need-to-know information and ratings of an organization. You can check whether a security company had been in business for a while, whether accredited or nonaccredited businesses, resolved consumer complaints, and so on. BBB can help you weed out disreputable service providers.

Make sure to have an estimate done in person: Buying a security system online or without a company seeing what needs to be done at your location will be a mistake. You are about to protect the most expensive asset on your own. It took you time to buy that house or build that business. Do not protect it with the cheapest security system you can find. Good security equipment and experience have a price.

At CSI Security, our goal is to exceed your expectations. As the go-to alarm system and security camera installation company in Ottawa, ON, you can feel confident with our reliable security system services. We also specialize in CSI watch security, CSI secure security, and CSI smart security. Visit our website to learn more or contact CSI Security today.