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Before you choose a home security system, it is important to take the time to review your needs. There are three primary areas that should be assessed: your security needs, credibility of the security company, and your budget.

Starting with your security needs, undoubtedly, you will be the best judge of what your actual needs are. It pays to have a security expert come in, however, to offer suggestions that you may not know of or think of yourself. An expert will look at your house with a trained eye, finding the most vulnerable spots, such as a window facing an open field or a balcony with a climbable tree right beside it.

The security expert will give you a list of all the problem spots and can recommend the best type of equipment to protect them. He/she will also be able to tell you exactly how many contact sensors, motion sensors, video cameras, etc. you'll need to protect your home effectively.

Next, you'll need to consider if it would be favourable to install a stand-alone security system or one that comes with central monitoring. If you are away frequently and your house is somewhat secluded, central monitoring is advisable. Credibility and reputation of the security company are important factors to consider, especially if you're planning to go with the latter choice. We will discuss this in detail shortly.

The final thing to consider is the cost. You'll obviously need to make a choice that covers your security needs reasonably and fits within your budget. Keep in mind, however, that many home insurance policies offer discounts when an alarm is installed; this may help to offset a part of the cost of the security system.

Choosing a Home Security Company

When you're looking for a home security company, you will find both large companies (like Brinks and ADT) to smaller companies that are authorised installers for the bigger companies. In between these two lie medium sized firms that offer affordable prices for their security services.

Most companies provide multiple services such as assessing your security needs, installing the equipment and central monitoring. You should check if the monitoring station is UL (Underwriters Laboratory) certified, has power backups in case of a power outage, a good staff training program and a good relationship with the local authorities in case of an alarm call.

When you're ready to invest in a home security system, talk to a few different companies before having anything installed. They will conduct risk assessments to ascertain your home security challenges and how to address them.

Reputable home alarm companies will meet you in person at your home'never exclusively by phone. They will look around, discuss your needs and possible limitations, and recommend solutions that have worked for other customers.

Experts recommend getting quotes from three to four different installers. Ensure that you get all pricing quotes in writing'including set up, equipment, monthly monitoring fees, and warranties. The first company you speak to may seem to have a fantastic deal, but don't sign anything immediately. Take your time and meet with a few other companies and find out who offers the best balance of price and security. Some security companies require you to sign a contract for a certain length of time, which can easily extend to a period more than a year. Once you sign the contract, it can be difficult (and expensive) to get out of the contract.

Once you receive quotes and narrow down your search of home security companies, get references from each provider'previous clients who gave permission to be contacted about that dealer's service. Find out why they chose that particular company and ask questions about the company's quality of service:

' Did they install the system quickly, within the timeframe they guaranteed?

' Are they readily available if you encounter any problems?

' Did the representative explain to everyone in your household how the system works?

' Were the contracts unambiguous and straightforward?

' If you ever experienced an intrusion, did the central station speedily dispatch authorities?

' Will you receive a reasonable notice period if the alarm company sells your contract off to another central station?

In addition, some of the questions you should ask when talking to different security companies include:

- How long have they been in business?

- Do they have the relevant licenses and certifications?

- Are they insured against damages during the alarm installation?

You could also talk to your friends and neighbours and see if they have any recommendations.