Will Brinks or ADT Install in New Construction?

[upstatemike]

I always see ads where Brinks and ADT will install a security system at little or no cost if you commit to a monitoring contract. Will they do a deal like this for new construction? Any reason not to do this and just upgrade later after the monitoring commitment ends?

 

[BraveSirRobbin]

Will this free installation include running the wiring? I would be surprised if it did.

 

[CollinR]

Yes you'll get something like 3 doors a motion, siren and keypad with POTS communications. If you get more then that for less then $25/mo over 36 months you did good.


All installers would much rather prewire the framing then wait until insulation and drywall is up. That just makes everything harder.

 

[Steve]

Things may be different in different states or whatever but I think this is an 'it depends'. My experience is that unless you are the GC or doing custom building, the builder is in total control of what subs touch the house prior to closing. My guess is in most of these cases the builder would not allow them to come and prewire and you will have to do it all after the fact. Some builders offer a security system but it all depends on what sub/vendor they choose to use. If you are the GC or call the shots on subs then I imagine you can do it or whatever else you want.

 

[CORT]

Can I poo poo the idea of relying on ADT for your installation? If you are perusing the Cocoontech forum, then you are likely looking for something more than the bare minimum. You may want to consult with a professional independent installer in your area. I think that once you understand the possibilities, you will be much more satisfied with a system that is tailored to your needs and your house.

 

[BrettS]

I always see ads where Brinks and ADT will install a security system at little or no cost if you commit to a monitoring contract. Will they do a deal like this for new construction? Any reason not to do this and just upgrade later after the monitoring commitment ends?

I don't know about Brinks or ADT, but I think a lot of security companies will do this. I'd recommend against Brinks and ADT, though, especially if you want to keep the equipment after the contract ends. With both Brinks and ADT, they technically own the equipment and you lease it and when your contract is up they can come and get it. Often they don't bother to come get it, but you're still stuck with propriatary equipment and you can't get the installer code to do anything with it.

If you find a decent smaller company you'll have a much better chance of getting a decent install rather that you can do something with rather than a cookie cutter ADT or Brinks install.

HTH,
Brett

 

[AnthonyZ]

If you find a decent smaller company you'll have a much better chance of getting a decent install rather that you can do something with rather than a cookie cutter ADT or Brinks install.

I call 'em, "Lick it and stick it" installs and they...umm...well, they suck. They suck something fierce. You'd be better off talking the builder into letting you run the wire and if you have an IQ over 80, breathe through your nose and can read, you're at least one or two steps ahead of the monkeys that those clowns hire.

 

[GraysonPeddie]

I can't believe you're going with Brinks or ADT! :|

 

[upstatemike]

I should point out that I don't care about the quality of the system since it will be replaced. I am not local to the location so I can't pre-wire myself and the local Low Voltage contractor wants $3k just for pre-wire for a security system. (I'm sorry but I don't see where wire, 1 day of labor, and some plastic boxes adds up to $3k!) So I will probably have the electrician do some basic pre-wire just so I don't miss the window of gettting it done while the walls are open, ie by Friday. I was just looking for the quickest cheapest way to get a pre-wire done.

 

[AutomatedOutlet]

Mike,

I'm sure that the $3k pre-wire you were quoted is not the same as what ADT or Brinks would install! Sometimes they will even just use wireless sensors.

Seriously Mike, for what a contract with them is going to cost over the next x number of years, it would be cheaper to buy and install the equipment and get your own monitoring contract.

 

[CollinR]

ADT / Brinks prewire should be fine just tell them where to install the devices and that you want it all hardwired.

Have the builder contact them that the house is being build on speculation and he would like to see if an ADT / Brinks alarm would effect the sale of the property.

ADT / Brinks will tell the builder they will do it for materials plus like $150 and ~if~ they can get the buyer to sign the contract they will kickback 100% of the builder's cost.

You pay the builder whatever ADT / Brinks charged.

Do not call the national 800 # just call your local ADT / Brinks "dealer" not a corperate owned deal.




When it comes to prewireing a basic alarm there is really little quality difference between top end and ADT / Brinks. They all use basically the same wire, contacts and methods. It's when you get a very complicated system or you have specific abnormal design goals where you need to just man up and pay the $3k or whatever the guy with the reputation demands.

 

[Ranger Digital]

$3k sounds high to me but its best to look at the "Scope of Work". If it indeed only includes running small gauge wire to some windows and doors, its a rip, IMO. For $3k you should be able to get a hearty panel, can, wiring, boxes, sensors, contacts, etc for that amount of money, turn key.

If you just want the prewire and not use ADT or Brinks but still pay their monthy fee it could be:

24 x $26 = $624
36 x $29 = $1,044

Or somewhere inbetween, maybe higher. AND you may not get the prewire you want. It is ill advised to let ADT, Brinks or anyone else just put in whatever THEY think you need. You MUST have a plan and get EXACTLY what you want in your prewire. You should be able to find just prewire to windows, doors and a few sensors for that amount. no equipment.

Is this a custom home or a big builder? If its a custom, most likely your builder will bend over backwards to accomodate, or should! If its a tract builder, they may be a bid more limited and not as resourceful (you can always deal with someone OTHER than your project manager/supervisor, go over their head if they are buttheads). Remember, ADT/Brinks likely sub out all their prewire/install work to local clowns that make $8 to $10 who hour and have had little if any training. Playing with fire there my friend if you want to eventually use their prewire for anything other than the junk they install, and trust us, they will install exactly that: JUNK.

There really is not much to running security wires. You really should consider another source to run some wires for you instead of what I consider failing on two sides: 1-ADT or brinkman prewire (limited, may not be what you want, could be wireless, not enough) and 2- Locked into the THAT service provider (overpriced, poor equipment).

Get your plans, draw exactly what you want and where, label what wire, what contacts and then shop around. I cant imagine not finding a prewire company that can blow $3k out of the water

 

[AutomatedOutlet]

Also keep in mind that if you have Brinks or ADT do the pre-wire, they may bundle the zones. Being the automation guy you are, you may not want that.

 

[upstatemike]

Some good points but it is not my house so extensive automation is unlikely. The problem with the $3K price is that it is Only the prewire and Only doors, motion, and smoke detectors... NO Windows are even included! Their price for the whole system installed in over $8K, and still just doors, motion, and smokes, and that is with a fairly low-end Honeywell or DSC panel.

 

[AceCannon]

(I don't think this is hijacking the thread. . .)

I am in a similar situation. The house is being framed now, and I want to use an Elk panel. So I need someone to install window / door sensors, wire for motions, glass breaks, sirens, etc. Ideally, I also need help running wire for all my video locations, ceiling speakers, Nuvo controls, etc. So, tons of cat5e and other LV stuff. I will be doing all the integrating, programming myself (CQC, Elk, Nuvo GC, OnQ ALC, Extron component matrix).

I've made a few calls. Should we be expecting someone to do this by the hour? How much?

By the wiring location? How much?

I've talked with some guys who do contract work for the big security companies and they seem interested. By <I> don't even know how long this is going to take.