How to Shop for a home security alarm

Know the basic components. And what they do. You'll definitely need: a control panel, door and window contacts, and sirens or alarms. You might want: motion detectors, cameras, glassbreak sensors and additional security keypads.

Survey your home. Walk around the perimeter of your home as if you were a burglar. Take note of any likely entry points and what you need to invest in to secure them. Look for low windows, exterior man doors and second story windows that can be reached by climbing.

Shop for a company. The next couple of steps will deal with what you need to do to survey the home security providers in your area. Getting good service is equal or greater importance to the hardware you are getting.

Talk to several companies. See if they will come to your home and take a look at your home and do some risk assessment. Ask them where they see problems and what they would do about it.

Get quotes. Get an estimate in writing. Make sure they include costs for equipment, setup, responses, monthly monitoring fees and warranties.

Get some references. A good company will have some customers willing to be contacted as references (or you can ask a friend). Ask if the system was installed in the quoted timeframe, if contracts were clear and explained well, if the customer service is courteous and readily available, if they've ever had a break-in and how quickly the company responded.

Research the equipment. Most companies get their hardware from a certain company. Ask what they'll be installing and go on the internet and find some reviews. Read about specific units. Gather opinions from several different websites.

Sleep on it. Representatives may seem very excited and that can get infectious. But be firm and mull it over for awhile. Don't sign anything on the spot. At least talk it over with your spouse or a rational friend.

Sign up. Go ahead and sign the contract when you feel confident. A good company will walk you through the rest of the process. Good luck!