Planning for a home security system

While price is often the thing mentioned when people ask me about installing a home security system,  I have to tell them that price is not the first consideration if they plan on having a system worth having.  Perhaps I should say instead that price is going to depend on the answers to several questions.  Because any security system worth having needs to be set up based on the particular needs and particulars of each situation.

Why

The first things to know about is why is a security system being set up.  It could be for one particular reason or i t could be for a combination of reasons.  Here are some questions to think about as to why a security system is being set up.  The answers to these questions will determine the types of devices such as cameras, lights, sensors, etc... to purchase.  They will also help determine storage issues and who or how many people have access.

Is it to collect evidence of criminal activity to give to law enforcement?

Is it to collect information to support liability issues to give to insurance companies?

Is it to have "situational awareness" of the property as it happens?  This is probably the main reason for most home security installations.




Is it a combination of some or all of the above reasons?

Where

What locations need to be most observed?

Which locations need to be monitored for activity?




Which locations need improved visibility? 




Are these interior locations that need the most attention or exterior locations?

What

Are there specific objects that need observation or monitoring such as a car or art piece?

Who

How many people need to have entry access?

How many people and who will need access to controls?

Will offsite monitoring be necessary?

Bringing it all together

Price is one of the first things people are concerned about when installing a security system.  However price will depend on what kind of equipment is going to be needed. Things that will be considered will be;

Observation:  Cameras, lights, etc... What kinds, how many.




Monitoring: motion sensors, door/window sensors, etc...




Access:  Locks (key-less or keyed), key cards, fingerprint, face recognition, security codes, etc...  

Authority: Who and how many have control apps installed.  permissions to view or make changes.

Once these things are determined, then price can be determined.  The more simple the system needs are, the more options and range of solutions and price ranges will be more affordable.  The more complex the needs of the system, then likely fewer options and costs can be higher.


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