Home Services Guidelines and Best Practices
Alarm Installation
Alarm Installation guidelines, FAQs and unit pricing information
January 2017
Are you looking for independent, trustworthy advice about Alarm Installation? Do you need to understand common installation options? If your project calls for Alarm Installation work, the following guidelines and best practices will help you understand: Is a subcontractor really necessary for Alarm Installation work? Will a permit be required? What are common problem areas? How much will Alarm Installation labor cost? What are the important Alarm Installation quality checks that should be included in the work requirements?
Alarm Installation - Frequently Asked Questions
| What is a fair price for Alarm Installation? | Costs vary with project size, job quality and time of year. For typical Alarm Installation expect to pay between $61.00 to $160.13 for each home alarm system. Additional fees are typically charged for small projects or rush jobs. |
| Is a permit needed for Alarm Installation work? | Design approval and permits from your local building authority are usually not required for Alarm Installation. If your home is subject to homeowner association covenants, you should verify that the Alarm Installation complies with association guidelines. |
| Is it worth using a professional to perform Alarm Installation work? | The appearance, functionality and useful life of the home alarm system may be compromised by poor installation. Hire the service provider carefully and tie payment milestones to appropriate quality checks (use the list below). |
| Is Alarm Installation something that I can do myself? | This is not a project recommended for the do it yourselfer. A successful Alarm Installation requires the work of skilled trade contractors as well as special materials, tools, fabrication and installation techniques. Do it yourself mistakes may be expensive to remedy and will likely reduce the marketability and value of your home. |
| How many days are typically required to complete the Alarm Installation work? | Normally, this work can be completed in 1 day. |
Alarm Installation - Options, Quality Checks and Important Details
Use the list below to document your expectations for level of detail and finish quality for Alarm Installation. Make sure that relevant information is included in any written contracts or work orders on your project. Before any Alarm Installation work begins, review the checklist with the service provider. Tie payments to satisfactory completion of this checklist.
- The layout, location, style and finish appearance of ALL materials used in Alarm Installation will be approved by owner, before any work begins
- All wiring will be sized and configured to provide reliable, safe operation and full design performance of the home alarm system
- A detailed home alarm system layout - showing material placement and all joints/seams - will be reviewed and approved before work begins
- Locate and secure wiring in straight, clean runs along framing, so that wiring is protected from damage
- All connections will be made with a single continuous length of wiring; there will be no splice along any connection
- The home alarm system will be securely anchored to structural framing
- Ceiling and wall cutouts will be neat, uniform and no larger than necessary; any air gaps around the cutout(s) will be insulated and sealed; the cutout(s) will not be visible when cover plates are installed
- Install home alarm system with horizontal edges level and vertical edges plumb to within 1/32 inch
- Home alarm system will be installed so that the home alarm system base/trim is solidly attached and attached completely flush to the mounting surface
- All home alarm system operating methods and options work properly, at manufacturer's rated capacity
- The home alarm system surface and surface finish will be free of surface defects, irregularities and any physical damage
Alarm Installation - Work Milestones and Project Reminders
The following list summarizes work tasks commonly performed during Alarm Installation. These tasks help ensure proper completion of the home alarm system work and compliance with common manufacturer and vendor warranty requirements. Make sure that either you or your service provider takes responsibility for each of these tasks. All service provider task responsiblities should be clearly called out in the written contract or work orders.
- Complete written contract, including scope of work, quality checks, warranty, timing and payment terms; ensure that contract is signed before work begins
- Review and approve detailed layout / plan that shows location, orientation and placement of home alarm system, before any work begins
- Select, specify and order home alarm system; verify that type, grade, finish, size, color, any options, and quantity are clearly identified in the order; make sure that delivery date, terms and damage provisions are included in the order
- Confirm date (and time) for project start with subcontractor - one week and two days prior to project start
- Prepare area for safe, efficient work; move items that restrict work access or are vulnerable to damage; cover and protect items that cannot be moved
- Install home alarm system using insulated wire staples, in compliance manufacturer recommendations and applicable local building code(s)
- Install wiring perpendicular (not parallel) to AC power runs and no closer than 3 feet to fluorescent lighting fixtures
- Clearly label all circuits at the service panel with area (e.g. kitchen) and circuit type (lighting, appliance, etc.)
- Patch holes, gaps and openings left by the Alarm Installation work; patch must be secure and match shape, texture and color of surrounding surfaces
- Install trim plates or pieces
- Inspect Alarm Installation and verify that all quality requirements and punch list items are completed correctly
- Submit final payment; pay with a check to ensure expense can be verified for tax purposes
