security systems / alarm systems

I would never own a house in NYC, even in the best neighborhoods, without an alarm system. Also your home insurance will be lower with an alarm system and centrally wired fire detectors. We have ours installed by Protection One. It was around $2,500 to install on 4 doors, 6 windows (we didn't put alarms on the 2nd floor or English basement windows) and for both fire and carbon monoxide detectors wired to central alarm.

Posted by: guest at October 4, 2007 2:10 PM

slomin's installed our system a couple of years ago for FREE, but required that we sign a 3 year service contract for monitoring. i think it's about 20 bucks a month, or less.

there's lots of peace of mind to be had with a such a system. not that the cops will come immediately if its ever triggered (they won't), but that potential thiefs/intruders will be dissuaded in the first place by the prominently displayed "Security System" stickers.

Posted by: guest at October 4, 2007 2:39 PM

so why not save money, get the stickers and rig up a crossbow/tiger trap?

Posted by: guest at October 4, 2007 7:57 PM

just priced out slomins, adt and a private company. although I liked the private guy best, and felt he would probably be the "best", I went w/Slomins b/c they were cheaper, and I didn't think theextra $$ was worth it.
It was just under $1k to install and around $28 per month.

Posted by: guest at October 4, 2007 9:56 PM

Went w/ ADT recently -not sure if it was worth it - but knew the name.

Posted by: guest at October 4, 2007 11:03 PM

We went with Brinks, I think there was no installation charge at all – we had a lot of sensors put on the doors and windows, they might have charged a few hundred for that (I think 4 sensors were included and we upgraded to 4). The monthly cost is around 35; they have been great, I would recommend them.

Posted by: guest at October 5, 2007 5:55 AM

The cops DO COME. They've came at least 2 times in the past couple of years to my house because someone touched the alarm inadvertedly (a new cleaning lady and a child) and didn't say anything... they showed up at our door within 30 minutes!

Posted by: guest at October 5, 2007 11:41 AM

Well one reason, 7:57pm, you won't get any discounts in your homeowners insurance if you only have the alarm signs and not the actual alarm system. The insurance companies do send someone to inspect the house before you get your policy.

Posted by: guest at October 5, 2007 1:19 PM