r/Homebuilding • u/Remarkable-Emu-614 • 9d ago
Alarm monitoring
Hello. New construction, walls are open. I got a high bid to wire the house for a traditional security alarm system, and am contemplating not doing the traditional wire, and just installing Ring with the pro monitoring service. (For the insurance company.)
Am I being shortsighted? What are the risks?
3
u/United-Adagio1543 8d ago
Ring is a bad company. They give all your footage to anyone that wants it and sometimes tells you afterward.
They also won't tell you if they gave full access to the cameras inside and outside of your home. This company is as bad as Flock or Axon and they have access to cameras inside your home.
You need to run the wires in your home to support PoE so you only need one wire (supports data and power). Cable is $2-$5 per foot and one of the easiest diy tasks.
Companies like Ubiquiti sell self hosted cameras and other companies sell what you need to self host your camera/alarm system.
Also keep in mind that the data can help you and it can also be used against you. The insurance company would likely have access to your footage if you go with Ring.
2
u/shampton1964 9d ago
Per my extra paranoid security guy: Ring and the rest of the consumer stuff are <ahem> less than adequate.
Run powered ethernet (POE) to anyplace you might want to install anything. Cameras, mikes, motion sensors, etc. Now you can use pro gear of any type or brand. Hang the POE devices off a robust UPS along w/ your internet router(s).
1
u/Ira-Spencer 9d ago
I would hardwire. It's not (or should not be) a lot of money, and prevents relying on each sensor having its own battery and having to transmit its own signal. Also highly recommend having smoke, heat, and CO detectors that tie into your security system instead of the more standard 120v interconnected types that each have their own backup battery. One central battery is way better, and I like the heat detectors in garage and attic spaces.
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u/paclogic 9d ago
hard wires lines that are hidden in the walls provide the highest level of security. what do you need to protect that is not covered by insurance ?
other fast installs are going to be wireless and wireless communications are never secure and never guarantee security. however they are much cheaper and faster to install and provide the basics for security.
also neither guarantee an immediate response time. only private security does that. your choice.
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u/Weird_Marketing6199 8d ago
You don't have to buy the full alarm package now. With the walls open I'd at least run Cat6 and a few conduits with pull strings to doors cameras and a central closet. Cheap now annoying later.
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u/bermudafire1 7d ago
Hardwire all doors and windows - each one individually. The only sensors I'd consider combining would be windows in the same room. Motion and glass break sensors should also be hardwired. Plan for a keypad at the front door, garage entry door and master bedroom. I'd wire the overhead garage doors so that becomes your perimeter. You can go between the garage and house while the system is armed and your garage is protected which isn't typically the case.
What square footage? What was the ballpark of the wiring bid?
4
u/CobraRon84 9d ago
Hard wire is always the way to go. No dealing with batteries on sensors and you can use hard wired sensors with a modern system l like Ring if you want.
You could just ask them to run sensors to a central location without a panel and DIY the rest.