Are home burglar alarms worth the cost?

Are home burglar alarms worth the cost?
by

1 Answer

Answer :

I think the idea is that the siren will make the burglar run away without taking anything. Also, I know that at least some companies have the alarm system connected to the smoke alarms and will notify the fire department if there is a fire (helpful if the fire starts when no one’s around). I haven’t looked into this, but having an alarm might reduce the price of home insurance. If the cost of the alarm system is less than the difference in home insurance prices, it would be worth while.
by

Related questions

ADT Burglar Alarms For House Security – A Brief Guide ?

Description : ADT Burglar Alarms For House Security – A Brief Guide ?

Last Answer : House security is one of the first things you need to take care of when it comes to making contingency plans for the future. Good burglar alarms are a necessity nowadays, with rising crime rates. ... doing things right. For more details about ADT please log on to http://www.firsthomesecurity.co.uk

Do burglar alarms deter thieves?

Description : Do burglar alarms deter thieves?

Last Answer : Professional theives are able to get in and out of a home in 3-5 minutes so they aren't likely to be deterred by a burglar alarm but when choosing a home, it does lessen the appeal to them. People ... dispatch the fire department if your smoke alarm goes off. For such a low cost, they are worth it.

If you could do it all over again; what would you do when moving into a new home?

Description : If you could do it all over again; what would you do when moving into a new home?

Last Answer : answer:Any modifications you are going to do, if you are able to do them prior to moving in, it will ease up the confusion, mess and disruption to your life more so than if you live in the ... store it indefinitely without worry about moisture getting to it (if it's in a damp basement or shed).

Would a fuel economy figure for a new home be useful for potential buyers?

Description : Would a fuel economy figure for a new home be useful for potential buyers?

Last Answer : I've bought and sold a couple houses, a review of the last year's utilities was usually in the due diligence. So yes there a benefit of fuel economy for complete house. I have a two zone heating ... a friend in town that has a house almost the same size and shape, he pays 50% more for utilities.

What is your home work station like?

Description : What is your home work station like?

Last Answer : answer:This, with a living paper weight and my back-up filing system, including the organizer

Home ownership- do you do your maintenance?

Description : Home ownership- do you do your maintenance?

Last Answer : Most of my maintenance is of a “repair” it after the problem has developed type.

Any good ideas for good DIY home security?

Description : Any good ideas for good DIY home security?

Last Answer : Get a dog with a good bark.

Basement in an 1850's home (with an older bathroom - clawfoot tub and all). Why a bathroom in the basement?

Description : Basement in an 1850's home (with an older bathroom - clawfoot tub and all). Why a bathroom in the basement?

Last Answer : Could be for the servants. Or whoever else is down there.

Besides your place, where else are you at home?

Description : Besides your place, where else are you at home?

Last Answer : Yes, visiting my parents.

Do your pets insist on "helping" with your home improvement projects?

Description : Do your pets insist on "helping" with your home improvement projects?

Last Answer : I have two cats and a dog.They all like to “help” that way and I let them unless I am using power tools or mixing chemicals, then they get put away. They are good company.:) Your helper is very cute,btw

How difficult is it to construct a fireplace/chimney in an older home with none in it?

Description : How difficult is it to construct a fireplace/chimney in an older home with none in it?

Last Answer : answer:A traditional brick fireplace is going to be very difficult to erect in an existing frame house that doesn't have one, and even more so if it's a typical house in the Northeast with a ... ), so that you can often get by with a horizontal PVC duct through the outside wall to exhaust.

What items would you put in your dream home?

Description : What items would you put in your dream home?

Last Answer : Augustlan found this for me at Pier1 Imports! It’s a giant wall decor spatula that’s about 46 inches tall! I want that and an aquarium with a beautiful and vibrant octopus named Mr. Cuddles.

Is using the "Home Affordable Refinance Program" a smart idea?

Description : Is using the "Home Affordable Refinance Program" a smart idea?

Last Answer : answer:Here is general information about the program. I found this in FAQ What are the interest rate and other terms of a refinance under HARP? The rate will be based on market rates ... over time as market rates adjust. The refinanced loans must have no prepayment penalties or balloon payments.

What are the best shingles for a Midwestern United States Home with lots of snow,rain and weather changes?

Description : What are the best shingles for a Midwestern United States Home with lots of snow,rain and weather changes?

Last Answer : I got architectural shingles for my roof. Check here We get some real extremes here in South Dakota. I like the 30 year warranty I got with mine the most.

What do you know about building or living in an earthen home?

Description : What do you know about building or living in an earthen home?

Last Answer : answer::D I saw earthen home and was about to rant and rave about hobbit houses and how much I would love to live in them, but you already have that covered! They wouldn't need a/c, ... to nearly as significant a degree as modern homes and subdivisions. Gaaahhhh!!! Hobbit houses are my dream home.

How do I connect low voltage outdoor lighting to home electrical?

Description : How do I connect low voltage outdoor lighting to home electrical?

Last Answer : The best way is to install an outside outlet with a GFI so you have some place where you can plug in the transformer. You can put the outlet near an existing indoor outlet. But that is not what you ... it? Many people just run an extension cord from a convenient spot - but that does not meet code. .

My home has become a clutter trap I cant seem to manage it any ideas?

Description : My home has become a clutter trap I cant seem to manage it any ideas?

Last Answer : Super aggressive and start throwing useless stuff out! It all adds up and becomes more and more. Take it easy and slowly and it will all fall into place and when you are done, you will feel ... have the same problem and I feel like calling those British ladies How clean is your house declutterers!

What was your greatest home repair blunder?

Description : What was your greatest home repair blunder?

Last Answer : Trying to repair a slate roof with no idea of what I was doing.Wrecked a lot more of the slates. Made everything worse. Finally found a professional in Vermont who knew what he was doing. Cost about three times as much than if I’d just called him in the first place.

What is the best product or home made mixture, for getting stains out of car upholstery?

Description : What is the best product or home made mixture, for getting stains out of car upholstery?

Last Answer : Zep Formula 451, mixed with some water. I used to manage a carwash and detail shop. 451 was the greatest product. Use a small brush with thick bristles to work up some foam lather, then vacuum it up. Good luck.

Have you successfully used solar panels on your home?

Description : Have you successfully used solar panels on your home?

Last Answer : …or someone you know? :)

What completes a room/home?

Description : What completes a room/home?

Last Answer : The Gunport

How do you find financing for remodeling a home into an energy-efficient one?

Description : How do you find financing for remodeling a home into an energy-efficient one?

Last Answer : Check out Federal Tax Credits for Energy Efficiency I realize this isn’t financing, but just wanted to make sure you were aware of this as well….. This info is for tax years 2006. 2007, 2009. (We put in new roof 2004, new A/C fall 2005 and new windows fall 2008…..grrrrrrrrr).

How can get i get a grant to pay off bills, and home improvement?

Description : How can get i get a grant to pay off bills, and home improvement?

Last Answer : How about paying your way through earning money instead of grants? I am a single woman that pays for my own home improvements and bills by working and saving for what I need.

Are there any tax breaks for home improvments?

Description : Are there any tax breaks for home improvments?

Last Answer : See this link Click on the home improvements section

When you have work done in your home do you have a problem w/ the construction workers using your bathroom?

Description : When you have work done in your home do you have a problem w/ the construction workers using your bathroom?

Last Answer : I prefer they ask first, but I don’t mind so long as they are neat. Now if they pee on the floor or leave grime in the sink, I’d be a little annoyed and mention it.

If you could add a completely unnecessary convenience to your home what would it be?

Description : If you could add a completely unnecessary convenience to your home what would it be?

Last Answer : A laundress, who would also drop off and pick up the dry cleaning. Really, is that too much to ask for? :)

Which is better for a home, water filtration system or a water softener?

Description : Which is better for a home, water filtration system or a water softener?

Last Answer : I'm not sure what type of water filtration system you are considering, but generally the two systems serve different purposes and are not mutually exclusive. Water softeners reduce the ... reducing organic compounds, sediment and chlorine but not minerals, salts and dissolved inorganic compounds.

When adding a room onto your home, what are the steps you follow, from beginning to end, as your own general contractor?

Description : When adding a room onto your home, what are the steps you follow, from beginning to end, as your own general contractor?

Last Answer : I would at least have an architect review your plans before you submit them for permits. You probably need electrical drawings, framing drawings, foundation drawings, plumbing(if there is any) and ... would have considered working with a homeowner before are getting hungry enough to do it now.

What's cheaper? Building a fence from scratch, or buying those panels from lowes/home depot?

Description : What's cheaper? Building a fence from scratch, or buying those panels from lowes/home depot?

Last Answer : Probably from scratch, but there would be more work involved.

Where can I acquire the blueprints for my home?

Description : Where can I acquire the blueprints for my home?

Last Answer : Perhaps the firm that built it ?

Any plumber/home repair practitioners out there wanna tackle one?

Description : Any plumber/home repair practitioners out there wanna tackle one?

Last Answer : Go down to your local Home Depot or Lowe’s plumbing department and describe the problem to them. They will hook you up with the proper parts and describe how to install it. If you bat your eyes just right, they might even volunteer to do it for you after their shift is over.

Can you help me with my home-improvement project?

Description : Can you help me with my home-improvement project?

Last Answer : I would assume that you could bring the faucet and adapter to something along the likes of ACE hardware and someone there could help you find just the right thing but I’m not an expert in that particular field…

Is there a Home Remedy to eliminate or dissipate paint odor?

Description : Is there a Home Remedy to eliminate or dissipate paint odor?

Last Answer : answer:Why would you want to dissipate it? Seriously though- knowing not everyone is an artist who enjoys the smell of paint- airing out is the best method. Sprays mask it but in reality the fumes need to ... fresh paint is not in the direct path of the fan so it does not blow dust onto the surface.

Do I turn off an electric water heater at a vacation home during the off season?

Description : Do I turn off an electric water heater at a vacation home during the off season?

Last Answer : answer:I would certainly recommend turning everything off, if you are going to be away from a place for an extended period of time, if for no other reason than the fact that you really don't ... box, and everything electrical in that place would be shut off, except for the battery-powered clocks.

What ratio of labor costs vs. material cost vs. profit does a roofing company make in an insurance claim?

Description : What ratio of labor costs vs. material cost vs. profit does a roofing company make in an insurance claim?

Last Answer : Roofers have really high workers comp rates. Often they are more than 100% of their labor costs. Liability insurance for roofers is also very high. You can probably triple the payroll just for insurances, then there’s taxes and social security. It’s not just $15 per hour plus materials.

How much would it cost to replace a heating-oil system with natural gas?

Description : How much would it cost to replace a heating-oil system with natural gas?

Last Answer : answer:When I got a new furnace nearly two decades ago, it cost 2k. I think they've doubled or tripled in price since then. Maybe 5-7K. Then you may have to dig up a trench to put in natural gas. ... 'll be cold-a little-on the coldest days, but you save a little money on the cost of the furnace.

Does anyone know the cost (estimate) to install central air conditioning in an older two story house?

Description : Does anyone know the cost (estimate) to install central air conditioning in an older two story house?

Last Answer : We installed central air in a 1920s house about 10 years ago. The heating is steam so they didn't have vents to go through. They went down from the attic and put the tubing in the walls and ... ceilings. It cost about $7,000 for the installation. If you have more questions, feel free to ask.

I bought these really crappy windows that cost $500 a piece...read description?

Description : I bought these really crappy windows that cost $500 a piece...read description?

Last Answer : this has to be one of the best Ask-publicquotes ever: “I can show pictures if you tell me how.”

How much would a garage like this cost?

Description : How much would a garage like this cost?

Last Answer : Call them up. Then they can’t barrage you. Keep them on the line. Use up their time for a change. Ha ha!, and good luck.

How much will the total cost be to replace the complete evaporator unit (fan and coil) in a central air system?

Description : How much will the total cost be to replace the complete evaporator unit (fan and coil) in a central air system?

Last Answer : 5 T, you’re looking at between 5 and 7 grand depending on the exact model of the system and the cost of installation. My neighbor just had this done. You might be able to get it for less but it’s probably going to be expensive any way you slice it.

What could cause the ceiling above the shower in my bottom floor apartment to cave in?

Description : What could cause the ceiling above the shower in my bottom floor apartment to cave in?

Last Answer : I can't tell you, but I can say that this happened to me years ago. The landlord had the second-floor unit and I was on the first floor. One night (luckily when I was not in the shower) ... course, but it sure cramped my style for a little while there. I hope you notified your landlord right away.

Can I pay someone to pick up my poop (composting toilet question)?

Description : Can I pay someone to pick up my poop (composting toilet question)?

Last Answer : I’ve heard of it being used at a commune but that was an outside toilet. It’s hard to imagine that anyone is going to come up three flights into an apartment to pick up your poop;

Am I wrong in this handyman situation?

Description : Am I wrong in this handyman situation?

Last Answer : If he has problems with dust, he should wear a respirator. It is one thing to extend the time table to accomodate him taking days off to recuperate, but a whole other thing to hand off the job to ... you do not even get the quality you paid for. He should at least be there to supervise their work.

What are your tips for living in a small apartment?

Description : What are your tips for living in a small apartment?

Last Answer : Look for the closest laundromat/groceries stores. Stock up on change for the laundry. Explore the neighborhood. Maybe get a Murphy bed.

Removing broken garden lights?

Description : Removing broken garden lights?

Last Answer : Are the wires in conduit or just in the ground? When I worked in industrial construction, if you removed a piece of equipment you were required to remove electrical connections, water, steam and inert gases.

Should I go with a 24" or 30" oven/microwave in my kitchen remodel?

Description : Should I go with a 24" or 30" oven/microwave in my kitchen remodel?

Last Answer : (39 year old woman here) I would seriously consider not buying a home with a 24 oven. It might be a deal-breaker. I don't consider myself one of those people who needs every convenience or who would ... of time for you, though. I think you should do what you like and are comfortable with for now.

Is it advisable to prime walls before painting even though they have a previously applied covering of paint?

Description : Is it advisable to prime walls before painting even though they have a previously applied covering of paint?

Last Answer : No, just wipe them down to clean them. The primary function of primer is to seal the drywall or wood so it won't absorb the more expensive paint. Priming an already painted surface only helps if the ... is very dark, and you're painting it a much lighter color, as it starts to lighten it up.

How often do you repaint interior walls if they are not obviously discolored?

Description : How often do you repaint interior walls if they are not obviously discolored?

Last Answer : I don’t until they obviously need it. Ugh.

How do you feel about the way your house is decorated?

Description : How do you feel about the way your house is decorated?

Last Answer : It’s quite considerably minimalist. I harbour secret desires viz. an aquarium stocked with yellow, orange and blue fish set into the brick wall of the bathroom juxtaposed with the existing infinity of mirror walls.

How often do you repaint rooms in your house?

Description : How often do you repaint rooms in your house?

Last Answer : I have painted my bedroom 3 times since I've lived here, since 2003. I like to change my decor every few years. The living room has been painted 3 times also. One of the bedrooms got painted immediately ... watch too much HGTV. I also live alone, so my walls don't get dinged by kids or husbands.