Hello group. I am building a new townhouse and pre-wiring for an alarm system comes with the package. I am new to all this so I am asking for guidance on type and brand. Here are my thoughts:
I will have 2800 square feet (finished basement with egress windows, main level with two entry doors (front and rear) and an upstairs with three bedrooms). I am mostly concerned with intrusion detection and not fire. I am thinking door, window and motion detection for basement and main level would be adequate (nothing upstairs). A keypad and some type of remote keypad/buzzer in the master bedroom. I would like a system that is capable of connecting to my home network and Internet and be capable of emailing my blackberry for all events (arm, disarm, alarm). I don't want my system monitored and not really sure I want a big bell on the outside of the house but I do want to be awaken in the middle of the night should an alarm get tripped. Being able to add video in the future would be nice as well.
I believe in buying quality especially for something like an alarm system and the ability to do upgrades is important as well. I am somewhat familiar with ADEMCO, APEX and OMNI. Does anyone have any thoughts on any of this or care to share a personal experience with alarm systems pitfalls? Thanks in advance.