Security System takeovers
Here are a few things that we consider when doing a takeover of a prior system:
The amount of zones on the system is a consideration we look at because if we reuse the existing door status switches and motions and use the existing wire normally we have to go to each zone and switch the resisters so we have to plan extra time for this. If there are 6 zones we add a bit more time but when there are more points like 30 we have to plan more time. We also need to add money to test each zone and if the system is not working properly then trouble shooting may be needed. When Peak Alarm takes over a system that has not been maintained or a system that has troubles on it we cannot guarantee work or equipment installed or provided by others.
The model number of the panel and brand is another thing we consider because if we just replace the mother board with a new one often we can reuse the existing keypads (arm/disarm stations) If we have to change the brand then we also have to replace other equipment such as the disarm arm stations and if you have 2 or 5 this makes a price difference. If you are willing to install a new system and you do not need all 5 keypads because you plan on arming and disarming with your cell phone let us know and we can make that happen.
An example of another thing we run into would be the Vista 20P, if the motherboard is a 2006 or newer we can add a cellular communicator and we can add the option to arm and disarm the panel remotely. If the panel is older than that then the motherboard has to be replaced with a new one which takes time to install and rewire everything as well as the cost of the new board and cellular.
When you have an ADT 3000 panel we can replace it with a Vista 20P and do the same thing. Often companies will have lockcodes on the panel or have proprietary equipment so one company cannot take over their systems.
When you switch your alarm company it is wise to either clean your system smoke detectors or replace them if they are over 10 years old. Check the dates on your CO Carbon Monoxide sensors as well because they used to last for 5 years then 7 and now you can get some that last 10 years but they do expire.
If you have normal smoke detectors that are 120V with a 9V battery backup most of the time these detectors are not tied to your alarm system so you can add a couple of system detectors to your new system.
If we are not using the existing wiring and zones and we are replacing your system with all new equipment we would not have to add extra time to that takeover.
Be careful because some companies will sign you up for 60 months instead of the standard 36 month agreement and you end up paying quite a bit more than you would with a 36 month agreement. Often those companies will tell you that they will give you free equipment when really it is not, most of the time they will charge you more per month than we would.
An example of this would be Peak Alarm charging you say $499 for equipment and $45 dollars per month for monitoring so over 36 months you are paying $1,620 for the monitoring which includes cellular with interactive and monitoring and then when you add the $499 equipment the total would be $2,119.00 over 36 months.
An example of a company that gives you free equipment and charges you more per month and for more months would be you not paying anything down and then paying say $64 dollars or more per month for 60 months which adds up to $3,840 which is much more than you would have paid with Peak and often the monitoring is $70 or more per month.
Take care to check each company’s Better Business Bureau report because two of our main competitors have over 3000 complaints on file and Peak has one complaint and 2 negative comments on the www.bbb.org web site. There is a reason that those companies have so many complaints. If you still decide to go with one of our competitors after getting a bid from us I just want you do understand the pricing before you buy.