Security system: ADT or other options (new home, transfer, to buy)

[vauser]

Called ADT but they said they don't offer free installations. Looking for a security system for a new home. Should we buy the security option from the builder or would it be cheaper to shop around for free installation?

[RamblingMan]

I've been very happy with my self-installed system from FrontPoint Security. Installation cost is an issue, but you should also look at the whole cost of ownership. You have to buy the sensors ("free" systems usually involve only a few sensors) and pay a monthly monitoring fee. With FrontPoint, you do the installation yourself (which is very simple since it is wireless), you pay a very reasonable price for the sensors, and monitoring is low cost. If you check out their reviews and complaints on the internet, you'll find that they tend to have high customer satisfaction rates.

I don't have any connection to them other than that I installed one of their systems in my house.

[Bigfoot424]

After dealing with alarms for over 30 years as a LEO in homes and businesses let me tell you that "free" may not be so free. Alarm companies are so different in so many ways. Find out where their so called emergency center is located. Likely it's nowhere in VA. Don't expect Jose sitting in Houston to know how to explain to local police exactly where your house is located. I'm not saying an alarm co is bad because they are not local but do your homework. Google them all and even consider joining sites like consumercheckbook.org or angieslist to see their ratings and reviews.

[Carlingtonian]

We used Potomac Security Systems (which has a very high rating in Consumers' Checkbook). A small family-run business. The owner (who actually does the installation himself!) is a retired engineer. Very honest, very responsive, no pressure to sell you on anything you don't need. He spent a lot of time discussing "burglar theory" with us and being very objective about what could make a difference and what would be a waste of money. We're very happy with our system.

[VRE332]

you have to get those ADT contractors or ADT partners to get a free installation. Otherwise, the money paid over the years of having the service will proably replace stuff that can get stolen. So it's not worth it for me. My security system is composed of a security sign in front of my house which was given to me, but I don't actually have the system installed.

[oneasterisk]

Originally Posted by VRE332

My security system is composed of a security sign in front of my house which was given to me, but I don't actually have the system installed.

Dang, we must use the same company

[farplaner]

Originally Posted by Carlingtonian

We used Potomac Security Systems (which has a very high rating in Consumers' Checkbook). A small family-run business. The owner (who actually does the installation himself!) is a retired engineer. Very honest, very responsive, no pressure to sell you on anything you don't need. He spent a lot of time discussing "burglar theory" with us and being very objective about what could make a difference and what would be a waste of money. We're very happy with our system.

Thanks for the reference. It seems like these guys don't have a website? A quick google didn't bring up anything except from the BBB who gave them an A+ rating.

[kutra11]

Originally Posted by Bigfoot424

Don't expect Jose sitting in Houston to know how to explain to local police exactly where your house is located.

Why does Jose need to explain to the local police where the house is located? Isn't that what an address is for?

[Carlingtonian]

Originally Posted by tongyang

Thanks for the reference. It seems like these guys don't have a website? A quick google didn't bring up anything except from the BBB who gave them an A+ rating.

You're quite welcome. No, I don't think there's a website, but I can assure you it's 100% legit. Jeff is just not an Internet kind of guy, I suspect. Plus, I think the company is just him and his wife. If you give him a call, I'm sure he'll be happy to chat with you.

[youcanreachcampbell]

FrontPoint charges an 80% cancellation fee of the remaining contract and innovation is at best, sparse. Beware, consumers.

When I signed up for FrontPoint in November 2021 as a first-time homeowner, the representative didn’t mention early termination fees or the alarm permit required by my city. This was the beginning of my issues.

Within the first six months, a false alarm led to a $300 city fine. FrontPoint claimed they had informed me about the permit requirement and sent a notice. When I requested proof, I received only a screenshot from a system log, not the original time-stamped email.

The contract states that failing to meet their service level agreement should allow hassle-free cancellation. Currently, the system isn’t meeting my needs for several reasons:

1. The doorbell camera suffers from significant video lag and low quality (720p). Half the time I have to close the app and reopen it before I can get a live image. My hardware currently supports just slightly north of a steady 12+ volts. I felt ripped off after seeing Ring.

2. There’s no integration with current home automation standards like Google Nest, Apple HomeKit, Apple TV, or Amazon Fire TV. Forget about camera views on your TV.

3. They tout voice assistant interaction, which feels like a gimmick compared to modern web API developments. Voice interaction is not synonymous with system integration.

4. I suspect their use of GE brand parts limits compatibility. Is this truly Z-Wave or a proprietary hybrid? I don’t know. I’m not a hardware developer.

In 2016, FrontPoint published a blog post emphasizing integration through their app, dismissing third-party integrations like Google, Amazon, Apple, or IFTTT. Comments from as far back as 2016 complained about integration issues and a lack of compatible, available inventory lists.

Home Automation is Better When It's Integrated

FrontPoint states, “What you want is a single interface, from which you can look at your cameras, arms and disarm your alarm system, control your lights, reset your thermostat, and unlock (or lock) your doors.”
[url]https://www.frontpointsecurity.com/blog/home-automation-is-better-when-its-integrated[/url]

For example, Bob commented on February 13, 2016:
“I think FrontPoint needs to find a way to differentiate ”not supported” into two groups. One is that there is no way to interface the device, versus it can be interfaced but we do not have the experience/training to provide help with the device.”

FrontPoint's ultimate response focused on security concerns, sidestepping the integration issues. This stance allows them to avoid further development while subtly criticizing other technologies that have continued to innovate. Their app is merely a rebranded version of the Alarm.com app, with no unique customization.

Regarding service levels, my early termination fee was quoted at $239.95 (80% of my remaining contract). I raised issues of poor integration and the permit notification failure, requesting a fee reduction. After a long wait, the representative's supervisors denied my request. When I protested, I was transferred to Terrence, who denied responsibility and claimed permit notification was “optional,” contradicting earlier statements.

The lack of integration and poor customer service is disappointing. FrontPoint fails to deliver on the integration promises they use to sell their products. For $576 a year, what have they improved since 2016?

In the end, I canceled my contract in favor of a more integrated solution. Despite the high fee, they couldn’t guarantee no further charges, requiring me to call back to check for additional billing. This lack of monitoring in 2024 is astonishing.