Planning Your Home Security System

The goal of a residential security system is to detect an intruder as early as possible, alert the home’s occupants of his presence, and scare him away before he does any harm. Creating progressive layers of protection accomplishes this goal. Imagine four concentric circles in and around your house, with your family and your most valuable possessions inside the center circle. The interior of your home is the second layer, the exterior shell of your home (often called its "perimeter" by home security professionals) is the third, and the property surrounding your home is the fourth.

For most people, installing a security system that protects the second and third circles (the interior and shell of the house) is both effective and cost efficient. That third circle, the exterior shell or points of entry of your home, is the place to install your first line of defense. This layer of protection consists of alarm sensors on the windows and exterior doors. You may want to install alarm screens so you can leave windows open but still protected and glassbreak sensors to detect any attempt to break the glass out of a window or sliding glass door.

Strategically placed interior motion detectors are the second layer of protection and serve as back up to the point of entry protection. Protecting the interior is especially important if you don’t install a complete "perimeter protected" system. Should an intruder slip through, motions will activate the alarm as soon as he enters its field. At a minimum, include motion detectors in central walkways, hallways, entry areas, or family rooms. A more thorough interior protection would include motion detectors in all rooms that contain valuables, such as the master bedroom, dining room, family room and home office.

The innermost circle requires spot protection for high value areas, such as a security closet, safe, or gun cabinet. This circle would also include hard wired or wireless panic buttons, which send an instant signal to a central monitoring station, who in turn summon help.

The outermost circle of protection consists of motion sensors or beams to let you know when someone has come onto your property. Unless you live in a remote or hidden location, this type of protection is likely more than you need for the cost involved.

How Much Protection Do I Need?

Are you mainly concerned about protecting your possessions when no one is home? Then a basic system protecting the exterior doors and one or two interior traps may be sufficient. This is the least expensive type of system, and could cost anywhere from $100 to $1,000, depending on whether you lease or purchase it and whether it will be monitored.

If you’re primarily concerned with protecting yourself and your family when you’re at home, you’ll want a complete perimeter system. The goal is to have the system detect an intruder before he actually enters your home, and frighten him off with a loud siren. Alarm sensors are installed on all exterior doors and windows that open. A perimeter system can cost anywhere from $1,000 to $3,000, depending on how many doors and windows need protection.

Be sure to get bids from two or three reputable security companies in your area. Listen to the sales rep’s recommendations, and ask plenty of questions! This will help you decide what features you want and which ones you can live without.

M Adley has over 10 years experience in the security industry and is webmaster at alarmsystemreviews.com, an unbiased resource for reviews and information about burglar alarm systems and monitoring. Home Security System