Alarms for Apartment Unit?
I’ve read the archives about alarm systems, and they all relate to installing a system in a townhouse. Has anyone ever installed an alarm in their apartment? Would it be a markedly different type of system? I’m thinking of installing an alarm in a condo unit. Thank you.
I’ve read the archives about alarm systems, and they all relate to installing a system in a townhouse. Has anyone ever installed an alarm in their apartment? Would it be a markedly different type of system? I’m thinking of installing an alarm in a condo unit. Thank you.
Ask your homeowners insurance broker what benefits you get, too. And inform them once it’s installed. We save a lot of money on our insurance because we have the burgler, fire and carbon monoxide alarms all connected via the phone line to a central dispatch place.
^^ Thanks!
Absolutely Bklyn 73 for a 4th floor unit with a skylight you’ll need the front door, and the sky light protected. I would go with a motion detector or a glass break detector at the base of the skylight. You may also want to consider smoke detectors, but that can always be added later. Since you’re considering wireless I’d also recommend getting wireless key fobs for arming and disarming, they typically have a panic button as well and just make things easier. As far as brands go, I’d recommend Honeywell, they are user friendly and easier to program than most of the other systems out there.
Thanks Bklyn_Fire_Alarm_Guy–it’s a small unit on a 4th floor (top floor), no fire escapes (sprinklers), no domestic help. I’m worried about the skylight and the front door. I would like to think it’s nearly impossible for anyone to break in through front windows because of the height (hopefully).
Hi Bklyn73,
Are you sure those are the only points of entry? What floor are you on? Do you have a fire escape? Do you have domestic help in the house frequently? There are alot of questions yo ask when securing a premise and assessing risk.
Wireless is the best way to go for just those two entry points, definitely.
Thanks for the replies. I only need to secure a skylight and the front door. It seems that wireless would be the way to go, right?
Apartment alarms are fairly painless if you’re even slightly technically inclined. The programming is where it gets tricky, especially with a wireless system.
Just remember even with wireless, you’ll still need wires to your keypad, phone, and an outlet. Good luck.
Do it yourself for a fraction of the cost
http://www.homesecuritystore.com
Wireless is much easier to install, did my brownstone for about $300 incl some extra wireless door and window magnets and motion detectors
Also, you can self monitor, have the system call your mobile phone if there is an alarm