My Tempe friends want their doors and windows alarmed (arguing that someone is safe with locked doors in an already nice neighborhood is fruitless).

Typical smallish rancher, truss roof. Three hinged doors, one patio slider, eight or nine sliding windows. Keypad, ability to remove certain windows from alarm.

I'm thinking a local independent installer along with a local monitoring agency.

Any ideas on cost and who to call? Thanks!

Have they considered doing the install themselves?

I went with Frontpoint, it was very easy.

Check out SimpliSafe. Very pleased with our system.

I've twice had "professional" installers work on our alarm system: The original install, then new panel and replace window switches after replacement windows.

They both did horrible work.

Several months ago I replaced the entire system, all the window switches (new windows again) and re-terminated all the sensors that weren't replaced. I did a much nicer job than either of the "professional" installers, at less than half the price, and now know exactly what's in my system and how it works.

But, you have to have some electronics/computer chops to be able to do that.

quote:

Originally posted by SMLgraybeard:
Check out SimpliSafe. Very pleased with our system.

+1.

I had previously purchased a DIY system by GE that I could neither configure nor install properly, despite having the electronics/computer chops recommended by ensigmatic.

Bought a SimpliSafe system and had it installed and tested in under 30 minutes. Live monitoring, no contract, and an easy web and/or mobile interface.

I couldn't be happier with it.

-Rob

Thanks. Really. I had no idea the industry had gone wireless.

quote:

Originally posted by Woodman:
Thanks. Really. I had no idea the industry had gone wireless.

Hasn't "gone wireless" so much as wireless is an option. My own system has all wired door, window, smoke/fire and flood sensors, with the addition of a wireless motion for the µBarn and wireless tilt for the garage door.

I believe wired is always better, but, it's not always practical. And, given what "professionals" have done in my home, I'd have a hard time recommending a professional wired system over a DIY wireless one, sad to say.

Not much difference than real safe shopping. Call any local jeweler, bank, or other business that you're a customer of. Ask them who they use, and if they are happy with them.

The commercial guys tend to be a bit more squared away than the residential guys.