New home with a pre-wired security system
David
models that the security panel for the security system was just screwed on
the entry wall into the master bedroom's walkin closet. It is a DSC 832
panel that sticks right out into the entry way. I noticed in other
developments where the pre-wired panel was recessed into the wall.
Question: Is there a typical way that pre-wired security panels are
installed into/on the walls? Should the panel be recessed into the sheet
rock?
Question: Is it possible for security installation firms to hardwire a home
after the sheet rock has been installed? We are considering this because
we really do not want to do business with the security system firm that the
builder is forcing on us. The builder is also refusing to allow us to hire
any other firm to do the pre-wiring, and they prohibit us from pre-wiring
the house ourselves.
If it helps, we are in Northern California.
Also, how good is the DSC Envoy wireless system?
Cliff Grubb
to recessing it into the sheetrock. It is possible to wire a home (what we
call retrofit) after the home is built. However, depending on the type of
home, some points may not be accessible. If you are building a home, I
definitely reccommend wireing it as it is built. Hardwired systems offer
less maintenance as opposed to wireless systems. The DSC envoy is good
wireless, however, as is most wireless products manufactured by DSC. The DSC
832 panel is my personal favorite. Any questions feel free to contact me
Cliff Grubb
"David" <david_...@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:903ci0$s...@dispatch.concentric.net...
Holger
First of all, everyone does their pre-wire their way. That's all it amounts
to. Unfortunately, you saw one of the sad cases.
Second, I have also had problems getting into new homes for many reasons.
The builders don't like to have unknown people on the premise, especially
for insurance reasons, and if the home and property still belong to them,
it's their call. I also wouldn't want an inexperienced person on my job site
that may cause problems. This is really what it amounts to.
I would suggest trying again, and giving him details on the security
company's history, experience, and even references. Remember, if things
don't go right, the General Contractor is going to take all the blame no
matter who causes the problems with a new home under construction.
As far as wired systems in homes already built, I have taken the approach
that each estimate determines it's own fate. It all depends on how hard it
would be to run wires and where they need to go. But, for the most part, I
use wireless alarms for homes that are not under construction. The labor in
wiring a house can be very high, therefore, wireless is quicker and just as
good, depending on the brand and the installer's experience.
Personally, I wouldn't buy a house (under construction) from anyone, unless
they let me, or my contracted company, on the premise to do the work I
wanted. But that's just me.
Don't give up. You could save a bundle of money from a pre-wired home, not
to mention the better-looking and professional job it can be.
Good Luck.
<H>
Robert L Bass
alarms. The Envoy is a wireless system. There is no reason at all to install
a wireless only system on new construction homes.
While DSC is a good manufacturer, they offer better systems than just the
Envoy. Their Power832 is a very popular "hybrid" (combination wired and
wireless) system. There are also several other very good brands from which
to choose.
As to retrofitting an alarm, yes it is not only possible but it is most
common. Depending on the home's layout you may even be able to do a
completely wired installation yourself after the builder and his favorite
alarm company are long gone.
You mention that you are "in the process of purchasing" this new home. If
you have not yet signed a contract, you can simply tell the builder that the
only way you will sign is if he agrees in writing to allow you to either
wire your own system or hire your own contractor. Given the fact that this
installer insists on using wireless for new construction, there may be cause
for concern as to his level of proficiency in the business. Most skilled
techs will not specify wireless for new construction since a wired system is
substantially less expensive and can be almost completely concealed. An RF
system will involve transmitter boxes all over the house (unless there's
very little protection).
If you can give us some information on the design of the house, I can give
you better advice regarding the possibility and/or the level of difficulty
of wiring the home after it is finished. If at all possible though, try to
get the builder to give in on the important issue of doing the prewire.
Don't go wireless on new construction.
Regards,
Robert L Bass
=============================>
Bass Home Electronics
The Online DIY Alarm Store
http://www.Bass-Home.com
4883 Fallcrest Circle
Sarasota, FL 34233
877-722-8900 Sales & Tech Support
941-925-9747 voice (Florida)
941-923-6238 fax
Rober...@home.com
=============================>
jim
<rober...@home.com> writes:
>Subject: Re: New home with a pre-wired security system
>From: "Robert L Bass" <rober...@home.com>
>Date: Wed, 29 Nov 2000 18:58:44 GMT
Just an observation on my part. Which means that I don't mean to imply that
your alarm company isn't proficient, but .......... I have noticed in my area
recently the there are some companies that are *pre wiring* new homes for
wireless systems. It seems that the reasoning is that they can get in and out
of the new construction job sites quickly. Just have to run wires for keypads,
siren and wireless receiver on the first and or second floor. When they return,
panel is mounted in the basement, run power, ground and telephone, mount
hardware,(which is all preprogramed at the shop) and they're gone. Less then a
days labor, even for one person.
It's possible that the alarm company is pre wiring every house in the project
in this manor and then can easily install any type of wireless system, big or
small, as the new homeowner is willing to pay for. If any homeowner opts not to
have an alarm system, there is no big loss of labor doing a hardwire system
prewire.
Since the builder is selling the alarm system with the house, he doesn't care
if it's wireless or not. In fact, I'd be supprised if they or the home owner
are even aware that it's a wireless system, until they've taken posession of
the home. Since many new home buyers don't shop for their alarm systems in the
detail, prior to buying their home it's like a *throw in item* or an after
thought at the time of selecting upgrades and contract signing.
Builder: Hey have you thought about an alarm system to protect you big
investment?
Homeowner: Why no, how much is it?
Builder: well the basic system is ($ package price) or you can get the
"comprehensive" system for only ( $ package price)
Homeowner: What kind of system is it?
Builder: It's a State of the art, latest digital controled system installed by
Red Herring Secuity. It's got a keypad and boy is it loud. You've seen them
advertise on TV haven't you?
Homeowner: Uhhhh, oh yeah, sure. Ok, throw one of those suckers in. Where do I
sign?
-----------------------
Remove theQzapp to E-Mail Jim
Doctor, I keep dreaming of Wigwams and Tepee's, Wigwams and Tepee's.
Doctor says ...... your two-tense.
VSS DOUG
>I'm somewhat amazed at the selection this company has made for the builder's
>alarms. The Envoy is a wireless system. There is no reason at all to install
>a wireless only system on new construction homes.
I'd be amazed too if that were really the case, it looks to me like the company
is installing 832's.
>Given the fact that this
>installer insists on using wireless for new construction, there may be cause
>for concern as to his level of proficiency in the business.
What fact?, the poster enquired about the envoy at the end of his post,
presumably as an altenative to having the builder install an 832.
Doug L
VSS DOUG
>Question: Is there a typical way that pre-wired security panels are
>installed into/on the walls? Should the panel be recessed into the sheet
>rock?
Most panels are surface mounted
>Question: Is it possible for security installation firms to hardwire a home
>after the sheet rock has been installed?
It maybe possible depending on the type of construction of the house, it would
take longer and probably cost more though.
>We are considering this because
>we really do not want to do business with the security system firm that the
>builder is forcing on us. The builder is also refusing to allow us to hire
>any other firm to do the pre-wiring, and they prohibit us from pre-wiring
>the house ourselves.
Will the builder allow you to purchase a prewire option only from his
contractor?, you could then have the company of your choice install the
equipment after the home is completed and escrow has closed.
>Also, how good is the DSC Envoy wireless system?
I wouldn't use wireless in a new home if you have the option of getting it
prewired.
If the only way to get it prewired is to have the builders contractor install a
complete alarm, then I would have the contractor install the alarm,but not
sign any sort of monitoring or long term agreement on the system. When escrow
closes you could have whoever you wanted to monitor the system(if you plan on
having it monitored) and you could upgrade anything you don't like.
Doug L
Robert L Bass
Regards,
Robert L Bass
=============================>
Bass Home Electronics
The Online DIY Alarm Store
http://www.Bass-Home.com
4883 Fallcrest Circle
Sarasota, FL 34233
877-722-8900 Sales & Tech Support
941-925-9747 voice (Florida)
941-923-6238 fax
Rober...@home.com
=============================>
"VSS DOUG" <vss...@aol.comatose> wrote in message
news:20001130101535...@ng-xc1.aol.com...
Mark Leuck
"jim" <ala...@aol.comQzapp> wrote in message
news:20001130001206...@nso-fe.aol.com...
>
> Just an observation on my part. Which means that I don't mean to imply
that
> your alarm company isn't proficient, but .......... I have noticed in my
area
> recently the there are some companies that are *pre wiring* new homes for
> wireless systems. It seems that the reasoning is that they can get in and
out
> of the new construction job sites quickly.
I've run into one builder who forgot to prewire a house then told the
customer they did prewire the house for a wireless system, I laughed him out
the door