With so many options and packages available on the market today, it can become quite confusing and stressful to find the best home security company in your area. After all, when it comes to protecting your home, you deserve the most professional and accredited company at an affordable price. The following are ten basic guidelines for hiring a new security company:

1. Contact your state or local home alarm association. Most will have an approved list of licensed home security dealers in your area. Dealers that are members of home alarm associations have pledged to follow a strict Code of Ethics and are usually more knowledgeable about the home security industry and latest technologies.

2. Ask trusted neighbors, family members, etc. about which local home security company they use—getting a first-hand account about a company from customers in your area is a great advantage.

3. Once you have come up with a list of home security companies with professional technicians in your area, research which ones have been certified by the National Burglar & Fire Alarm Association (NBFFA). Approval from NBFFA shows that a company is a dedicated and thorough member of the home security industry.

4. With the list narrowed down to this point, the next step is to make sure the home security companies have the appropriate state and local business licenses.

5. Then, inquire to find out what type of pre-employment screenings and training they require of their technicians. Whenever you are hiring new workers to come into your home, it is always an important safety measure to ask for this information.

6. Ask family members and friends who have a professionally installed home security system already what they like and don’t like about the home security company and package they chose. Take notes of these pros and cons to use later when meeting with home security companies.

7. Next, narrow down your list of companies to your top three choices. Set up appointments with each company and bring the list of pros and cons you have already compiled to make sure you get a thorough understanding about how well each company fits your needs.

8. In the meetings be sure to ask about long term contracts, installation fees, and other types of hidden charges that home security companies might not completely explain on their websites. Get each company’s representative to give you a quote in writing. Take notes during these meetings in order to better compare each company later on.

9. Review your notes and the prices quotes you received from each company. Think about which company’s representative seemed the most professional and the most amicable to work with.

10. Compare the types of security packages and types of alarm technologies each company offers. Choose the company that offers the best service at the most affordable price!