I don't want to start the never ending debate about ADT vs. Brinks vs. Independents. I used the search function and I see what is going on with that. All that said I do have some questions that hopefully can be answered without starting a firestorm.
I am moving into a 2 story home with an unfinished full basement (no walkout, no crawl space.) There are 4 doors to the outside including the sliding glass. There are 20 main floor and basement windows total. The upstairs windows are only accessible by ladder. I would like smokes on all 3 floors, 2 water and 2 CO detectors as well as exterior siren and light. Some form of phone cut system either radio backup or simply firing the alarm off in the event of a cut line is a must. Motions are a big question because in my present home we find ourselves never using them if we are home since we move about so much, 2 adults and 1 small child. We don't have pets but a dog (medium size) is likely in the future. I assume I will be using window contacts and not glass breaks unless someone thinks otherwise, we don't open the windows too much at night. 3 full panels will be needed and I would prefer wired unless it would require extensive damage to the home to install.
We have had ADT and had no real issues in our townhome but the system is very simple. I am mainly intrested in getting as modern technology as possible, keeping the costs of mointoring low but still with great mointoring service. It seems many suggest an independent but I have NO IDEA, none at all where to start to find an independent in suburban Chicago other than the yellow pages and that leaves me with no idea about the quality of their service or products.
With a house like mine, and my needs (total perimeter protection, additonal smoke, water, CO detection, radio backup etc.) what would you guys do? If you say "go independent" how can I even start to be knowledgeable to find a company that will have top notch products, install and monitoring for a good price?
Thanks