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Security systems / Alarms - what you need to know

Broadly speaking, security specialists carry out assessments and design security systems and processes for use at home and in the workplace. They cover a lot of areas, like information security (making sure data’s secure online) and physical security (where you can hire bodyguards to protect a building, person or object). When it comes to home security, a security specialist is someone who carries out work in your home to make your property more secure. A lot of the work they do involves fitting burglar alarms or fire alarms. They can also install CCTV so that any suspicious activity is captured on film.

Aside from alarms, they can work on your external doors to give you more protection against would-be thieves. If a front door doesn’t look secure, it’s going to be less of a deterrent. Reinforcing the door frame will make it less appealing and fitting new locks, plus adding things like deadlocks, a door bolt or a security chain can boost your security by putting further obstructions in the way. It stops becoming as simple as just getting past a locked door.

If you’re worried about people gaining entry to your home or the home of a vulnerable relative, a security specialist can add a peep hole so you can see who’s standing outside your front door before you choose to open it. This can not only help with thieves talking their way into a home, but also help you avoid all sorts of unwanted callers.

Burglars want an easy time of it. If they can see that it isn’t going to be quick to get into a home and there’s a high risk of drawing attention to themselves, they’ll be discouraged from trying. Placing grilles on your windows or doors is one way to send this message and if you have a larger property, a security specialist can erect a fence around your home to stop thieves getting anywhere near your front door.

Costs for common home security jobs

We surveyed our tradespeople to give you an idea of the amount you can expect to pay for common security jobs. The costs below are an approximate national average.

Types of burglar alarms

Bell-only alarms – these are alarms that go off when they detect a break-in. An external alarm will go off outside the building for a set time, while an internal alarm will go off and stay on until the alarm system’s turned off. You’ll often find that a flashing light will be turned on outside and stay on until the system’s turned off even if the external alarm is deactivated.

Monitored/speech dialler alarms – a speech dialler system contacts you or a nominated individual when the alarm goes off. You can also take out a monitoring contract with a security company where you pay them monthly or annually to respond to the alarm being triggered. They would normally call you, ask for a password and check that everything’s okay. If you or your nominated individual doesn’t take the call or give the right password, they can call the police.

Insurance for security work

There is no legal obligation for security specialists to be insured but it’s recommended that a security specialist purchases public liability insurance so they’re covered in the case of an injury or accidental damage to a property.

Questions you should ask a security specialist

• How long have they been trading?
• Do they have public liability insurance and what does this cover?
• What kind of jobs do they tend to do the most? Can they give you references for previous work?
• Will it be themselves carrying out the work? If not, what experience does the person have and are they covered by insurance?
• Do they have a separate servicing team to deal with any problems as well as an installation team?
• Do they offer 24-hour phone support?
• Can they tell you about the latest security technology?
• How long does the warranty for the work last?

See the latest questions that homeowners have been asking security specialists.

Security ideas

Find out what makes a strong front door and read our top home security tips. You can also learn about the world’s wackiest home security systems in case you were thinking of going the extra mile.