System Take Overs

One of the first things folks do as they move into a new home is change out their locks on the doors, which is absolutely the right thing to do. Unfortunately, security planning often stops right there. Many new homes are constructed and pre-wired for basic security system installation, with wires running to at least the doors, a keypad location and a motion detector location. There’s no real secret to where the devices will eventually be installed. There is also little difference in the equipment from one manufacturer to another, with the exception coming when wireless devices are required to be installed.




Here is the real meat of this entry. Just because an alarm company puts a sticker or embosses a logo on the system does not necessarily mean that there is anything proprietary about it. Every system installation requires an installer code which can cause minor difficulty for a subsequent monitoring facility. In this case the system has to be manually reset, but still shouldn’t require any substantial investment.



It is a good idea to get the code to any existing system from the previous owner of the property, though you should not be required to use the same monitoring service as they, even if the equipment has been marked or branded. Practically speaking, even of the branding company has a right to the equipment, it is not likely they will spend resources to come and retrieve the system components. Second, nothing says that they have to be granted access by the new owner of the home.