Security alarms? What's best?

[CurlyhairedAssassin]

We haven't had a working house alarm for a good few years since the control panel went "poof" during a power cut. Never got round to replacing it as we were going to extend downstairs anyway and so would have needed new sensors/remove the old ones on doors which were taken down etc

The old one was a wired in system. Part of it is still wires up but as I say the control box doesn't work anymore. It wasn't great - the alarm didnt sound externally, only internally, but we have a fake box on the front of the house.

We need to get a new system really but don't know what to do. Should we get a specialist alarm company in or will that cost £££££? Are wireless systems ok and can you fit them yourself? Saw a Yale wireless system in Aldi the other week and nearly got it but would have had to buy more sensors as there wasn't enough.

Thanks

Ps, not sure how robust it has to be - we live in a cul de sac and also there is no access to the back garden from the front other than climbing over the garage at the side. We also have a street light right outside our house. And a porch to get into before our actual front door. So I'm hoping all that would deter a burglar anyway.

The trade sneer at DIY wireless alarms.

They are however inexpensive, and can be installed in a couple of hours. If you get one, set it up on the table, with the siren wrapped in cushions, before you screw the components to the wall.

If you are going to get one, the Aldi one is too basic. You can get a Yale HSA 6400 for £160 at Screwfix or Ironmongery Direct which includes a control panel that you connect to a phone outlet, and it dials out if activated. It also enables you to part-set, e.g. downstairs sensors when you are at home upstairs, and to chime when front or back doors are opened. If you get one of these, and need additional sensors, keypad or siren, the components in the Aldi kit are compatible and you can add them, it works out cheaper than buying the components separately. There are two other ranges of Yale alarm at higher prices that are not compatible.

You can get a similar wired alarm for about the same money from an Electrical supplier but it will be harder to install and probably better.

We recently had an alarm company install a wireless alarm system for £500. I didn't get any other quotes so not sure how competitive that was but the company was recommended to me. Very happy so far.

Thanks, both. I think the cheaper option will have to suffice! PigletJohn: funnily enough, DH has already seen that exact same model you suggest and wondered if it was ok, so I think we'll go for that one.

We are in the middle of decorating downstairs. Haven't done the hall, stairs and landing yet - is the alarm better going in before or after painting or doesn't it matter?

Marmite, would you mind sharing the name of your company? We were thinking of getting an ADT alarm.

Paint first.

It was a company in bristol called Alarm Safe.

Many thanks marmite!