When choosing a system provider:
- By using an SSAIB-certificated company, you are assured that the installer has been subject to a range of relevant checks - with respect to both technical competence and professional conduct.
- Always agree a written specification with the installer. Listen to advice, but do not be ‘bamboozled’ by technical details. The installer should be able to explain - in layman’s terms - what your system will be able to do. If you are in doubt about a specification, contact the certification body the installers are registered with and ask them to clarify.
- Ask for a written fixed price. If the installer cannot give a fixed price, get them to detail what contingencies might cause the price to rise and by how much.
- Ascertain what call-out cover or repair cover is provided.
- Contact a range - say three, for example - of installers and compare the costs.
- Ensure that you are given a Certificate of Conformity for the installed system. This confirms that the system has been installed to the relevant standard. This information is also held by the certification body - such as SSAIB - for information.
- Confirm whether you have purchased or leased the system.
- You should consider taking out a maintenance contract - as this will almost certainly be a condition of insurance and is mandatory for "Police calling" systems. Be sure you understand what is covered - ie the length of the contract, what is warrented, is both parts and labour included etc. Having your system maintained will reduce the potential for false alarms. A maintenance contract will also be required if you opt for a monitored system to gain a Police response.
Please click here to find a SSAIB-registered firm near you.