Top Five Things To Look For When Hiring A Security Contractor

Despite the rising crime rate, people want to think they are safe as long as they are in the confines of their homes. However, crime doesn’t knock on the door before making an arrival, which is why it is always better to be safe than sorry.

To protect yourself and your family from unwanted threats, it’s imperative to enlist the services of a security company. From installing home security alarms to CCTV surveillance, you can opt for the services that make you feel safe and fit your budget. And once you’ve appointed a security company, they will fit reliable security measures to monitor your house for you!

However, hiring a security contractor who is not competent can give you a faux sense of being safe, which is why it is critical to choose your security contractor wisely. To help you make an informed choice, we have put together a list of the top five things to look for when hiring a security contractor.

1. Licenses and insurances
Do not rely on a verbal, “yes, we have a license and insurance” answer. Ask to see the security provider’s certification. Check if they’re up to date and valid. Make sure they have general liability, vehicle, and workers’ compensation insurance. Carrying the proper insurance is a costly business expense for companies. Only companies serious about their business will carry insurance to protect the customer, themselves, and their workers. Therefore, it is advisable to do business with such companies only.

2. References
Not much is more convincing than a past customer praising the work the contractor did for them. Speaking to the contractor’s past customers can take some of the stress off hiring the right contractor. Speak to several past customers. Ask them if they’re happy with their work. Ask questions like, ‘did they deliver what they promised?’, ‘was the project on time?’, ‘did they communicate with the client as the project progressed, and would they hire them again?’. Ask them what the contractor did well and what they did poorly. Also, ask when the project was completed. You want to talk to recent customers and not customers that used them ten years ago. Searching the internet for customer reviews could also provide additional information. Don’t just rely on a company’s website! It’s easy for a one or two-person company to put up a website that makes them look bigger and more professional than they really are.

3. Works alone or uses subcontractors
If possible, stick with a contractor that does all the work themselves. It’s not uncommon that a general contractor will use several sub-contractors to complete a project, but we find it best when no sub-contractors are used. If your project gets completed and something goes wrong a few months later, you can call your contractor to fix it. By engaging with a company that outsources its work to other companies, you’ll be stuck in a loop of communication with a non-functioning system that will most likely cause delay and complications. Using a contractor that does all the work themselves benefits you because there is no finger-pointing if something goes wrong.

4. Service cost
Think beyond the quoted price! It’s easy when you first receive a bid to look at the very bottom dollar amount. However, don’t make a decision based on the bottom dollar amount. The not-so-easy part is to compare the bids line for line to make sure everything you asked for is in the bid. This is the time and place where you can’t ask enough questions. If you don’t understand something, ask for clarification. Some contractors will be vague in the description of the work and materials they use. This would give them wiggle room if something was left out or not done. The more detail they provide, the more accountable they have to be. If a company has an issue or problem with you asking questions or asking them to put things in writing, you don’t want to be doing business with them. If there is a big difference in dollar amount between bids, that could be a big red flag and raise doubts about their ability to deliver all you’re asking for.

5. Guarantees on products and services
Companies need to stand behind their products and services. Look for companies that include guarantees in their bids on the products and services they sell. Some companies will offer an extended warranty for a modest charge to protect you past the initial guarantee. You must select a company that’s well established to work with, so the likelihood of them still being in business when you need them is good. If the company you hired is no longer around, no other company will step in and honor the warranty without charging you. They didn’t install the equipment, so they’re not responsible for it. It’s easy to overlook the guarantee assuming it’s included in the bid. Make sure you ask and confirm that it is there!

If you’re looking for a professional security service within the Greater Southern California Area, reach out to Comlock Security Group. We have been one of the oldest and most reputable locksmithing companies since 1961. Our technicians are thoroughly trained to install and service the security solutions we provide to our customers. We provide sales, installation, and service of security cameras, access control, alarm systems, and locksmith services. We maintain two security centers (Orange and Fullerton) for the do-it-yourself customers. From key cutting to safes, you’ll get the help you’re looking for at our security center locations.

To learn more about the services we offer, please click here. To get in touch with us, please click here.