How to Choose the Right Home Alarm System
Choosing the right alarm system protects your Perth home effectively without overspending. This guide walks you through essential decisions to find your perfect match.
Step 1: Assess Your Security Needs
Property Type Considerations
- Small unit/apartment: Basic 4-6 sensor system ($1,800-2,800)
- Standard family home: 8-12 sensors + glass break ($2,500-4,000)
- Large property/two-story: 12-20 sensors + multiple zones ($3,500-5,500)
- Rental property: Wireless system (easy removal when moving)
Risk Assessment
Higher risk properties need comprehensive systems:
- • Located in high-crime Perth suburbs (Balga, Midland, Armadale)
- • Frequent absences (business travel, vacations)
- • High-value contents (jewelry, electronics, art)
- • Ground-floor units with accessible windows
- • Corner properties with multiple access points
Step 2: Monitored vs Unmonitored Alarms
Monitored Alarm Systems
How it works: When alarm triggers, monitoring center calls you, verifies threat, dispatches security/police.
Pros:
- ✓ Professional 24/7 response
- ✓ Police dispatch within 3-5 minutes
- ✓ Insurance discounts (10-20%)
- ✓ Works when you're unavailable
Cons:
- ✗ Monthly fee ($40-70)
- ✗ Contract commitment (12-36 months)
Cost: $2,500-4,000 + $40-70/month
Unmonitored (Self-Monitored)
How it works: Alarm triggers, sends alert to YOUR smartphone. You call police yourself.
Pros:
- ✓ No monthly fees
- ✓ No contracts
- ✓ Lower initial cost
Cons:
- ✗ YOU must respond to alerts
- ✗ Delayed response if phone off/no signal
- ✗ No insurance discounts
- ✗ Burglars know police won't be auto-dispatched
Cost: $1,200-2,500 once
Great White recommendation: Monitored systems for most Perth homeowners. Monthly cost offset by insurance savings within 2-3 years.
Step 3: Wireless vs Wired Systems
| Factor | Wireless | Wired |
|---|---|---|
| Best For | Existing homes, rentals | New construction |
| Installation Time | 1-2 days | 3-5 days |
| Cost | $2,500-4,000 | $3,000-4,800 |
| Maintenance | Battery change 2-5 years | Panel backup only |
| Flexibility | Easy expansion/relocation | Difficult changes |
Step 4: Essential Alarm Features
Must-Have Features
✓ Door/Window Sensors
Cover ALL ground-floor entry points. Minimum 8-12 sensors for average Perth home.
✓ Motion Detectors (PIR)
Internal coverage. Pet-immune if you have animals up to 25kg.
✓ 120dB+ Siren
External siren box (visible deterrent) + internal siren (disorients burglars).
✓ Battery Backup
12-24 hour backup keeps system running during power outages.
✓ Smartphone App
Remote arm/disarm, instant alerts, system status checking.
Recommended Upgrades
- Glass break sensors: Detect window smashing before entry ($80-120 each)
- Cellular backup: Works if internet cut ($15-25/month extra)
- Panic buttons: Silent alarm for medical emergencies/duress ($40-80)
- Smoke/fire integration: Monitored smoke detection ($120-200)
Step 5: Choose Reputable Brand
Bosch Solution 6000
Best overall reliability
$2,800-4,200 installed
Ajax Wireless
Best modern wireless
$2,200-3,800 installed
Paradox MG5050
Best budget option
$1,800-2,800 installed
Step 6: Installation: DIY vs Professional
⚠️ Why Professional Installation Matters
- Insurance discounts require licensed installation (saves $200-400/year)
- Proper sensor positioning = no blind spots
- Code compliance for monitored connections
- Warranty protection (DIY often voids warranty)
- Troubleshooting support when issues arise
Decision Flowchart
Find Your Perfect Alarm System
Budget Under $2,500?
→ Paradox MG5050 wireless, unmonitored (upgrade to monitoring later)
Rental Property?
→ Ajax wireless system (easily removable, no wall damage)
High-Risk Suburb?
→ Bosch Solution 6000 monitored + cellular backup + glass break sensors
New Home Construction?
→ Wired Bosch system pre-installed during build (cheapest installation timing)
Standard Family Home?
→ Ajax or Bosch wireless monitored system (best value + features)
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Skimping on sensors: Missing 2-3 sensors to save $200 creates vulnerabilities
- No cellular backup: Burglars cut NBN lines—cellular prevents this
- Choosing based on price alone: Cheap systems fail within 2 years
- DIY in owned homes: Lose insurance discounts worth $200-400/year
- Ignoring pet-immune sensors: False alarms from pets = boy-who-cried-wolf effect
Get Expert Alarm System Recommendation
Great White Security provides free alarm system consultations for Perth homeowners. We'll assess your property, explain options honestly, and design the perfect system for your needs and budget.