Alarming discussions

In poor economic times - crime and particularly home burglaries increase. This week we met with alarm contractors to bid our project in Connecticut.  It's an interesting experience when you meet with new subcontractors not experienced in working directly with the architect-builder (a design-build firm).  Typically alarm companies, even in the largest homes, tend to meet with the homeowner only.  There are a myriad of components to be concerned about when planning an alarm system on the home whether it's existing or new construction. When planning an alarm installation, Alarm contractors are no different than any other company.  They are selling a system and product.  Good companies will not play on fear but rather consider the realties of safety, your specific setting, design layout of your home, your lifestyle and your risk to budget factors.  You might think as the homeowner that it's all common sense but that's not the case.
One contractor kept asking to meet with the homeowner versus meeting with us - relying on our professionalism, experience and direct knowledge of the layout of the house along with home's strengths and weaknesses.  Afterall we did design and build the home.  We know where all the mechanical and electrical systems are distributed throughout the home, where water freezing may be a concern and the lifestyle of the homeowner. He kept trying to apply the fear technique. The irony is amazing.
Listen carefully to what's being discussed and consider your risks after the alarm company leaves and you've educated yourself. In this case of course, we will not prevent the alarm company from meeting with the homeowner, however the homeowner relies on us for the basic knowledge of each system sifting through the subtleties for a proper bid with alternates. We then consult with the homeowner and chosen alarm company to work as a team to meet the requirements, needs and budget for the project.
When deciding on an alarm system, there are effectively three areas of concern; fire and smoke, family and home theft security, and finally property protection from damage due to acts of god, faulty equipment or breakdown.  These dictate items such as smoke detectors, heat sensors, motion detectors, glass break sensors, flood sensors, low temperature sensors, door and window sensors, pool alarms and more.
From a basic pure budget point of view; install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in and outside every bedroom and lock your doors when you leave your home, even if you leave for just a few minutes.  If you already have an alarm system; use it.