Any advice on a new house alarm?

StevieP · 26 Sep 2020 at 11:55

We are possibly looking to move into a new build house but unfortunately it doesn't have an intruder alarm pre-fitted so I was wondering if you good people could recommend me a decent but cost effective system for a 2 storey house with integrated garage?

The developer has said that they could fit something but it would be cash in hand with a contractor rather than being part of the purchase!

They have quoted around £500 but I have no idea what sort of system I'd get for that sort of money!

Ideally I'd want something that will include the garage and if possible have some sort of remote access/notification but I've no idea where to even start!

happy_2008 · 26 Sep 2020 at 12:07

Have you decided if you want a wired or wireless alarm?

200sols · 26 Sep 2020 at 12:20

Cash in hand = no.

StevieP · 26 Sep 2020 at 15:22

happy_2008 said:
Have you decided if you want a wired or wireless alarm?

Not decided - although I'd imagine wired would present its own issues in getting cables to each sensor?

Dave85 · 26 Sep 2020 at 15:46

Just grab a 10 piece ring alarm kit for under £330 from costco and use the spare change from the 500 to get an external twin ring camera setup. All done for under 500 with alarm monitoring and 30 day clip storage all for one price of £8quid a month. One easy to use and install system with no wires 2 year batteries on sensors and easy app and upgradable in parts if needed. fitted several of these for family and friends great kit.

ahar · 27 Sep 2020 at 08:13

Another vote for the wireless ring alarm kit. Works very well for me (3 storey house with separate garage)

StevieP · 27 Sep 2020 at 08:46

Thanks for the suggestion guys - I've had a look and the Ring system does seem to be the business - although does this system give you the option of adding any kind of external siren?

Dave85 · 27 Sep 2020 at 15:31

It has no external siren but I would just grab a dummy box but I just make sure the Alarm signs from Ring are visible and if you have a camera out back and front no burglar going to be dense enough to target you unless everyone else arounds security was better. For my Grandmas I got the solar ring alarm sign for the garden https://en-uk.ring.com/products/solar-security-sign great deterrent.

Danthus · 28 Sep 2020 at 09:24

Unless it is a monitored system save your money and don't bother.

StevieP · 28 Sep 2020 at 11:45

OldCoals said:
Unless it is a monitored system save your money and don't bother.

You don't think it's worth it if only for an alert when you are upstairs asleep in bed? From what I gather you can include the monitoring for £8 a month with Ring - and this also includes video recording upto 60 days if you get one of the camera's and/or doorbell!

Bounce · 28 Sep 2020 at 12:00

OldCoals said:
Unless it is a monitored system save your money and don't bother.

Ring is self-monitored it will send you alerts if the alarm is going off.

Semple · 28 Sep 2020 at 12:05

Been using Simplisafe for nearly a year, i pay for that to be monitored.

mickyflinn · 28 Sep 2020 at 12:08

German shepherd but there not to good at at sending you a notification.

happy_2008 · 28 Sep 2020 at 12:46

Ont he subject of Ring, do insurance companies qualify this as an alarm?

Dave85 · 28 Sep 2020 at 12:52

Mine did and the Ring alarm Siren on the station is LOUD it would wake the neighbours and you hear it outside. Plus if it goes off with the monitoring it calls 3 numbers for you so could be you, your parents etc but it wont call the police as the security industry in the UK has a lovely stranglehold on the market for that.

Semple · 28 Sep 2020 at 13:14

Dave85 said:
Mine did and the Ring alarm Siren on the station is LOUD it would wake the neighbours and you hear it outside. Plus if it goes off with the monitoring it calls 3 numbers for you so could be you, your parents etc but it wont call the police as the security industry in the UK has a lovely stranglehold on the market for that.

This is where Simplisafe has the upperhand, although they do need a visual identification of a break in before they'll call the police.

ash_scotland88 · 28 Sep 2020 at 14:31

Is there a company out there that does wired* CCTV, alarm system (inc fire) and doorbell? And doesn't charge a monthly fee?

It's great having a linked home but don't fancy having a seperate app per item.

*wired for power

edit2: and ideally record too.

ahar · 28 Sep 2020 at 15:52

StevieP said:
Thanks for the suggestion guys - I've had a look and the Ring system does seem to be the business - although does this system give you the option of adding any kind of external siren?

If you get the ring floodlight camera (I have one overlooking my driveway), you can manually trigger a siren but there's no alarm box on the outside of your house.

Oh, and when the alarm is triggered you get an email, app notification and they ring the numbers you set.

lewism · 28 Sep 2020 at 20:39

No one listens to nor comes to an external siren. biggest waste of money. Buy a light up Pyronix one and connect it to a 12v PSU if you want a visual deterrent.

StevieP · 28 Sep 2020 at 22:41

ahar said:
If you get the ring floodlight camera (I have one overlooking my driveway), you can manually trigger a siren but there's no alarm box on the outside of your house.

Oh, and when the alarm is triggered you get an email, app notification and they ring the numbers you set.

I've seen the floodlight camera and wondered about having it looking at the back door and garden so it serves as a security light too - when you say you can manually trigger the siren it that it or can you set it so the siren goes off when the light comes on and the camera activates?