home security system in NW DC - your experience? suggestions?

[Anonymous]

we just moved to a SFH in Chevy Chase DC. since we moved to DC in 2000, we had always lived at floors higher than 5 in apartment buidings with 24 security. I admit I tend to be paranoid about security, and when my husband travels out of town I really do not sleep well and end up barricading myself in the bedroom and wake up for any minor noise.

Our home is old, and even I would be able to kick the back door and basement door open. we clearly need to do something (my h. is going to travel for 2 weeks soon and I really want to sleep!). we are also thinking about installing a home security system. I did some research and saw that there are many different companies, some claim that they can protect the house remotely in case of fire, gas leak, water leak by alerting 911. I walked in my neighborhood and saw all kinds of signs. I am getting confused about offers, and do not want to contact the companies before having additional info and suggestions. would you have anny suggestions based on your experience. what to look for, what should be there, what is a waiste of money, any company to avoid. thanks a lot

Sleepless in DC

[Anonymous]

1. Security system will give you some peace of mind, but if you're feeling paranoid, you might be better off with a therapist (and an alarm system). It might just be adjustment issue that will go away over time.

2. You can get ADT, etc. Just be aware that they'll get you to sign 3+yr multi-year contracts (that's where the money is) for $40+ per month.

3. Most security systems will cost $1200+ to install. ADT or some big companies will offer "packages" but it'll always be cover less than what you'd like (only 4 windows, 2 doors, etc. when you have 15 windows and 4 doors, etc..

4. You can do it yourself. Some home installation kits will alert you only, but some work as full security systems with everything. (http://simplisafe.com/build-my-system)

5. Security systems are deterrents. If someone really wants to invade, no dinky little alarm's gonna stop them. Keep your house unattractive to thieves by keeping windows/doors clear of any brush/trees. Keep a house timer to keep the lights on when you're not home. Don't show any expensive stuff that can be seen from outside. Etc. etc. Most of the deterrence is the alarm company sign in the front lawn.

6. Best alarm? Get a dog. Having a barking dog is the best deterrent you can get outside of a 24/7 bodyguard

[Anonymous]

Urban alarm company. Love them.

[Anonymous]

Another vote for Urban Alarm

[Anonymous]

Get a large dog! Think mastiff, etc.

[Anonymous]

We live in your neighborhood and use Interamerican Security in Rockville. The previous owners of our house used them (the system was already installed when we moved in) and we went with them after getting a quote from them ($34 a month) and ADT ($40) for the same services. So far we've been happy with their customer service. The system calls a 24 hour call center and then 911 in the event of a door opening, breaking glass, fire, and I think carbon monoxide (not water). The couple of times I've accidentally set it off by opening the door when it was alarmed, they called immediately to check. There's also an option to control the system remotely when you're not at home, but we didn't opt for that.

It's probably not necessary to have, but as you mentioned, it makes me feel better at night when my husband is out of town, or when we're all out of town and the house is empty.

Unfortunately, it didn't stop someone from breaking into our car and stealing the GPS out of the glove box!

[Anonymous]

PP here, forgot to mention that there was no requirement to sign a multi-year contract, it's just month to month.

[Anonymous]

Get a big dog!

[Anonymous]

We have ADT and have had a good experience, although I know that's not universal. I'm pretty sure we don't have a multi-year contract, and we selected ADT after interviewing 3 other companies. I just wanted to second your instinct to get a security system - I don't agree with the PP that your anxieties mean you need a therapist. We live in a nearby neighborhood and assumed we were safe because it is an upscale, not terribly urban area and our house is older and smaller so who would bother? Wrong. Break-ins are more common in CC and the nearby neighborhoods (both in DC and MD) than people often appreciate. We installed sensors on all the windows and doors on the first floor, which is above and beyond the basic service but especially with an older house and after our nighttime burglary (which happened while we were clearly at home) we didn't want to take any chances.

[Anonymous]

I use Guardian Protection Service. I started with them when I was single and living alone in a TH in Arlington. Thought they were great. After I got married and moved to MD, we had them install a new system in our house here and have been with them ever since (14 years all together). I can't remember what the installation was (and I may have got a break since I was a previous customer) but we only pay $26/month for the monitoring. We've been very happy with the service and they have always been very responsive.

[Anonymous]

Also consider shatter-resistant window film and kick-proof door jambs.

[Anonymous]

I went with InterAmerican a few months back and have been very happy with them - good service, you can pay for your system over time, low monthly fees, etc. I'm newly single and sleep so much better knowing that whatever weird noise my house is making is not someone breaking in.

[Anonymous]

We love N & D Security. Have used them at two different houses. Much less per month than ADT, better service, more customizable features. We have sensors on the front and back door as well as the sliding glass door, glass breaks in the basement and one side of the house that is shielded from the street with lots of trees, and a motion detector. Gives me piece of mind when DH travels (as does my very loud lab!)

[Anonymous]

OP here. thanks so much for your postings. I agree with the suggestions about getting a dog, but we work full time and do not want to leave a dog alone all day. I agree also that a therapist could help, but the security system is for sure cheaper