Why You Should Get Multiple Home Security Quotes

Homeowners can protect themselves and their homes by getting multiple quotes. This guide will explain how.

A good home security system does more than just protect the home from intruders and detect fires; it provides peace of mind. These systems can monitor the property, automatically call first responders, and even record live events. However, homeowners should be shopping for multiple home security quotes before deciding on a system or contractor.

There are lots of reasons to shop for quotes before settling on an installer. The following are some of the most significant benefits homeowners may realize if they collect multiple quotes for their home security system.

The Benefits of Getting Multiple Home Security Quotes

While a home security system installation doesn't quite qualify as construction in most cases, it's still important for homeowners to shop for quotes. Pumping the brakes during the planning phase will help homeowners reap the following benefits of shopping for multiple quotes.

1. Homeowners can gain a better understanding of the project

Home security is something of a niche trade, and homeowners who don't have much experience might not understand what goes into the job. But, they'll get a better understanding of how the project works and what it entails by gathering multiple home security quotes.

When a homeowner collects several quotes from different home security contractors, they can compare the different methods, products, sensors, and other items each includes. They can also learn a bit about the wiring, how long the project may take, and any steps the permitting process may require. In general, the quotes can paint a clearer picture of the project.

It might seem like collecting just one quote should do the trick and reveal everything the homeowner needs to know. But it's important to realize that there is often more than one way to do a job correctly, and by collecting multiple quotes, homeowners may be able to connect the dots and uncover them all, allowing them to take the project in the direction that best suits their needs.

2. It's a chance to get to know the contractors

While it's always a good idea to get familiar with a contractor, it's even more important when hiring a home security installer. These folks will know the layout of the home and who lives there, so it's important to get a feel for the contractor first.

Contractors and installers who take the time to get to know their customers' needs and wants before submitting a carefully written quote will typically be a joy to work with. Contractors who rush the homeowner through the quote process or aren't able to submit a professional quote aren't likely to get better once they get the job. Homeowners also need to ask themselves if they trust this person or company, as they're hiring them to install a system to protect their families, homes, and belongings.

3. It's the time to compare systems

Like a typical home improvement or construction project, home security systems come in several levels based on features, quality, and size. These levels may include entry-level, mid-level, and luxury grade, and choosing from these grades may be a matter of practicality or affordability.

Entry-level home security systems will often include sensors for most of the doors and windows on the main level, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, a control pad mounted near a door, and a base station that dials out. The mid-grade kit may come with all the sensors, control pad, and base station, along with a tablet interface, a camera system, and smartphone compatibility. Higher-end security systems may include biometric interfaces like fingerprint readers or voice recognition, high-definition cameras, motion sensors, and advanced control panels for managing all of these devices.

Some of the best names in the business may cover items and systems that fall into one or more of those categories. Brands like Vivint, ADT, and Frontpoint offer multiple products that fall into different grades. There are also wired and wireless systems, with wired systems being more expensive to install. Custom systems might require special programming, making the entire job a one-off project that requires a specialist's touch.

4. Reviewing the quotes can make the homeowner an educated consumer.

When a homeowner has several quotes in their hand, they're able to compare how each contractor plans to approach the job. They'll be able to look at the materials they're suggesting, and what each installer feels is necessary to complete the job. This can be quite an education.

For example, consider a homeowner that's reviewing quotes and finds one to be different from the rest. This one quote leaves off a few items that all of the other quotes include. This might be a simple oversight, or it could be a lack of experience. Or, it could be that this contractor has been around the block and knows something no one else does.

Consider the same situation, but the one quote that stands out includes extra items. Is this contractor attempting to take the homeowner for a ride, or are years of experience telling them the job won't work as planned without that addition?

Either situation is worth investigating, and the homeowner will come out a more informed consumer. However, without collecting multiple quotes, the homeowner would never know that those discrepancies existed, and they may end up being taken for a ride.

5. There's an opportunity to save money

When a home security company sends a quote to a homeowner, there's almost always a bit of wiggle room on the price. Either the individual devices are marked up slightly, or the labor to install them accounts for a bit extra. But, installers know many homeowners will try to negotiate, so they add a little padding to the price.

By having multiple quotes on hand, homeowners can leverage the different prices to lower the cost of the project. By showing an installer a competitor's quote, the installer may choose to lower the price. They can lower their profit margin, shop for less expensive devices, or schedule the project for a slower time of year. Either way, the homeowner could potentially get a better price from the contractor they want, all because they shopped for multiple home security quotes.

Ready to Receive Quotes and Achieve the Safe Home of Your Dreams?

If you're ready to receive quotes for your home security system, let us help. We can connect you with up to four qualified contractors in your area, and they'll supply you with the quotes and information necessary to achieve your goals. Let ContractorClicks.com help you on the way to achieving the home security system of your dreams.