Installing yourself.... Alarm installation is sort of an art and a trade. You CAN do it, if you're handy and clever. You will need some special tools though, a 3' drill and a 6' drill (NOT the solid shit, the ones with a bit welded on a rod) both 3/8" and preferably a few 6' glow rods (cheap ones are okay since you're only using 'em once). A t25 wire stapler and a painter's extension pole with a coat hanger hook taped to the end and a good flashlight and you're in business bud.
If you can install 110 safely and it look good, then you can probably install an alarm.
Programming is pretty straight forward on most of 'em. DSC programming is by far the easiest IMO/E. A DSC 5010 or Power 832 (or whatever supersedes that now) is what you want. Very flexible, upgradeable, etc. However, most professional security gear is only sold to security companies. You can't walk off the street and go into ADI and just buy an alarm.
I'd run an ad in CL and find a local installer that has some gear and may be willing to help you install it under the table. Most of those guys are willing to work hard, enjoy what they do, and love under the table work. LOVE IT. If you're in N. AL you can PM me and I can put you in touch a guy that runs a company, used to be one of my employees. Good guy.
I can also help you with questions if you decide to DIY it and need some answers. Just PM me.
Your biggest issue will be drilling in the right spot, not going through the roof or out the wall, not hitting electrical wires. Especially with the 6 footer. In a way, you need to have xray vision or just have a damn strong idea of what's behind that wall. Even pros fuck up though, I've done it and every tech I knew has done it too. Just be careful. You can drill next to 110, just be careful you don't drill THROUGH 110. You should feel it in the bit.
I can tell you how to get monitoring CHEAP and with no contract too.
I can also tell you right now that any alarm you have access to buy in a store right now is junk. Pure junk. You need something like DSC, DMP, Ademco, etc., but steer clear of Bosch or Radionics unless you go with a reputable company (and then you're gonna pay). Radionics gear is no shit 50 years old (I installed a panel made in 1974 some years back) but they're impossible to defeat, hence why they still use (and reuse) the gear. You cannot access programming on one without a special, SN'd programmer and there are only a few out there.
I'd say DMP is the closest thing to Radionics without the hassle of Radionics. They also have some VERY slick gear, like clear holographic keypads that double as a picture frame! The picture frame becomes the keypad when you touch it, it lights up almost like magic. $600 though vs. $50 for a regular one.
Wireless is an option, but IMO it's still weak. A hybrid system is okay where you use wireless and hardwire and only use the wireless for hard to reach or non important or redundant contacts. Like contacting windows (which are already covered with PIR) or contacting that shed door in the back yard. Or rigging up a proximity switch so you know when someone comes down the drive or walks by a certain area.
Good luck!
PS, if you call a company, call one that does local monitoring and UL systems and has their own radio network. They generally do the best job. In NW WA that'd be WA Alarm. Demand a tech with the most certifications.
www.arlo.com
