Home Security System

[grettman]

Hi,

many years ago I installed my own security system because I wanted to save money and not pay the monthly fees that many of the major alarm companies charge.  I also have a big problem w being tied to a contract and a proprietary system (unable to ditch the company later if I'm unhappy and just switch to a new provider).  By installing my own, I was able to choose a 3rd party monitoring company of my choice and I wouldn't be tied to a contract.  I liked this set up! 

However, I moved and I'm wo a system,  but I  don't want to go though the hassle of DIY again.  Time and energy is short.  What opinions do any of you have of good companies out there that are better alternatives to folks like ADT?  I'm essentially looking for a "republic wireless" analog to home security companies where many mustachians feel they provide good value.  Thanks for the help!

[matchewed]

forum.mrmoneymustache.com/ask-a-mustachian/mustachian-home-security/
forum.mrmoneymustache.com/ask-a-mustachian/home-securitysurveillance-systems-mustachian-style/
forum.mrmoneymustache.com/ask-a-mustachian/home-security-systems-worth-it

*edit for URL fixes*

[unix_kung_fu]

i work from home and don't go out much anymore, so I have a tire iron as my home security system :)

[RetiredAt63]

My public home security system weighs 45 pounds and has big sharp teeth.  She is more of an alarm system though, an intruder would be loved to death.  There is a reason she is a good therapy dog  ;-)  She is impressive when she barks, though, and she barks whenever someone comes to the house or a car is in the driveway.  I think she would protect me if I were threatened.

Backup security is good neighbours - especially the people next door, who are retired and don't gad about like I do.

Backup backup doesn't get posted on the net.  I am not as extreme as Friday's friends.

I feel sorry for anyone who breaks in here - the house is furnished in yard-sale, second-hand,  hand-me-downs, and re-furbished - that is what happens when you are the one who leaves in a separation.  It's actually quite nice, but not a money-maker for a burglar.

[EricL]

My home security system is based on three things:
1. Everything I own that I love is junk the average thief wouldn't bother with.
2. Everything I own that's expensive I can get replaced with better stuff through renter's insurance.  So thieves are welcome to it.
3. A .357 Magnum if intruders want more than #2.

[malacca]

Get a pump shotgun. $99 used or $200 new at Walfart.

[malacca]

I am with EricL

He summarized it succinctly.

I am in need of a new vehicle. I wish someone would take mine out of the driveway.

[EricL]

Get a pump shotgun. $99 used or $200 new at Walfart.

Nope.  I love guns (lettin' mah 'Merican show) but they're a path to consumer idiocy just like cars.  One does just fine.

[SpeedReader]

I'm also interested in a security or alarm system -- not to keep burglars out, but to know it when my parent with dementia starts wandering.  It wouldn't have to be monitored; I just want to know if the exterior doors open at night.   I'm not especially handy so any DIY solution would need to be very simple to install. 

Thanks in advance for any ideas or suggestions.

[Pegasus]

I used to have a simple door based alarm from radio shack that you could set to just beep or to alarm when the door opened.  Have also seen articles about Door alarms triggered by something worn or pinned to someone with dementia, so it only alarms when that person approaches the door. 

[greenmimama]

If you still want one check out Simply Safe, I believe after you purchase your system, it is only $15/mo and no contract. I have a friend that has them and they have been happy.

We have ADT, while they service is nice, I realized I signed up for a 3 year contract, I thought it was a 2 year, we are trying to sell the house and if it sell and the new owners get signed up within 60 days, then we are let off the hook, but if they don't we have to pay that last year,  Grrrr

[Rural]

I'm also interested in a security or alarm system -- not to keep burglars out, but to know it when my parent with dementia starts wandering.  It wouldn't have to be monitored; I just want to know if the exterior doors open at night.   I'm not especially handy so any DIY solution would need to be very simple to install. 

Thanks in advance for any ideas or suggestions.

There are little battery operated alarms that go off when a door is opened. You can get them at most any hardware or home supply store, or here's a link to some at Wal-mart. You can switch them off when you want:


http://www.walmart.com/ip/Swann-Window-and-Door-Magnetic-Alarms-SW351-MD2-2pk/19236072

[SpeedReader]

Thanks everyone!  Mustachians are the best.  :-)

[Tammy12]

What kind of security systems do you want? I have a security system at my home which raises an alarm when the door is opened after we turn on the alarm. Also I have a motion sensor installed along with it.
And my mother has a medical alarm system at her home which includes a pendant that can be used to raise an alarm if some medical emergency occurs. Both are from AlarmCare, Toronto.

[vern]

[SpeedReader]

What kind of security systems do you want?

I don't want a monitored system with a monthly contract, just something to alert/wake me if the doors open at night. Motion detectors probably aren't a good idea because we have cats.  We just ended the medical alarm I had when she lived alone, since there's someone home 24/7 here.

I mentioned the advice I got on this thread to my sister.  She happened to have a set of the inexpensive door alarms that they never installed, so she's going to send them to me. 

[FrugalZony]

Timely thread. Our neighbors house got broken in to this weekend.
Clearly someone was watching them, they were gone a total of 2.5 hours
They are 4 people and usually there's always someone home plus they have a German Shepard

Burglars locked the dog in the garage, thank god they did not hurt him, but in this kind of weather it get really hot in the garage


We have Video Cameras, a door alarm, lights on motion sensors and a couple other things. Which probably has helped deter
burglars so far. We are also too cheap to outsource a lot of services, like landscaping etc. So we don't get a ton of contractors
into the place who can snoop out stuff.
Neighbor across the street got broken into last year and now the folks right next door. This is scrary!

I don't care about my stuff one bit. They are welcome to the TV, that I never use or my not very expensive jewlery.

I am most concerned about my pets.

If someone breaks in and the pet get to run out, they'll most likely be gone.
I'd be worried they won't find their way home anymore or I'd be worried the burglars hurt them.
They are what's most precious in my life (other than family and health) so this is a big concern to me.
Plus the feeling of strangers having gone through your stuff, I'd feel violated!

[FrugalZony]

....

Backup security is good neighbours - especially the people next door, who are retired and don't gad about like I do.

...

hmmmm.....the thing is not only was I home while their house was being broken in, I was OUTSIDE in my backyard, when those guys broke a window
I did not hear anything. I remember hearing a sound from their direction and turning my head (I was in the pool chatting with a couple of friends) and say my sideyard door slapping around in the wind and thought that was it.
It never crossed my mind that it could have been something on the neighbors property.

[The Money Monk]

Just get a Mongo.

best thing for home security

[Cassie]

I am surprised the german shephard did not attack them. They are usually good guard dogs. I am also afraid of losing my dogs.  WE have a big GS/husky mix that would attack & 3 tiny dogs. 

[FrugalZony]

I am surprised the german shephard did not attack them. They are usually good guard dogs. I am also afraid of losing my dogs.  WE have a big GS/husky mix that would attack & 3 tiny dogs.

Cuddle attack maybe! That guy is the biggest love bug ;)

[Cassie]

My dog is also a love so I guess I am assuming it would attack/kill an intruder.  I may be delusional:))

[Cromacster]

My dog is also a love so I guess I am assuming it would attack/kill an intruder.  I may be delusional:))

You most likely are :)

I would venture a guess that 99% of untrained dogs would do nothing in a home invasion type scenario....Other than bark.  99% because there are always exceptions to the rule.  And if you are not home there are huge liability issues with your dog attacking someone.  Even if you are home the law typical will treat this situation similar to using a gun.  A dog may be a deterrent for someone breaking into your home.  I would argue this is mostly because of the noise that dogs can make...or a irrational fear.

And don't ever depend on your dog saving you in an invasion or attack.  Untrained dogs are unpredictable, you have no idea how it is going to react.  It's sort of equivalent (but not quite as extreme) to "I think this gun is loaded, but I guess I'll figure out when I pull the trigger". Are there stories where the dog does something to help?  Sure there are, again exceptions to the rule.  As above most dogs would just bark because they wouldn't know what the hell to do.

[Cassie]

Growing up we had a German Shorthaired Pointer that was very protective and would defend his family. However, I have a friend that has one & it is a big chicken.

[Cromacster]

Growing up we had a German Shorthaired Pointer that was very protective and would defend his family. However, I have a friend that has one & it is a big chicken.

If it saved you from an attack or attacked an intruder great, that's awesome.  If not, I don't think you can say it would defend you, you don't know.

All I'm saying there is a big difference between a dog that gets scruffed and barks at strangers and a dog that will keep attacking after being stabbed or shot.