Security system questions, answered by a licensed Alabama installer
Straight answers to the questions people ask James Tackett most: what a system costs, how Alarm.com monitoring works and what to expect on install day. JT’s is based in Hoover, licensed by the Alabama Electronic Security Board (AESBL #2059), and serves all of Alabama. Don’t see your question? Call or text (205) 593-9507.
Prices and answers last updated October 2026.
Cost & contracts
These prices are for homes. Business, multi-site and plan-and-spec projects are quoted from the drawings.
How much does security camera installation cost in the Birmingham area?
For a home, installed cameras from JT’s typically run $475 to $1,100 per camera, equipment and labor included. Simple Wi-Fi or mesh setups sit at the low end. Fully hardwired systems, with cable pulled to every camera, sit at the high end. Cameras carry the manufacturer’s warranty, and adding them to a monitored system costs $5 a month per camera. Business and multi-site camera work is quoted from plans. JT’s is AESBL-licensed (#2059) and works from Hoover across Alabama. Call or text (205) 593-9507 for a quote.
How much does a 5-camera security system cost?
A hardwired five-camera system for a home averages about $5,500, roughly $1,100 per camera, and much of that is skilled labor. The price covers the cameras, pulling cable to each location, mounting, setting up the network and a recorder that stores about seven days of video. There is no monthly fee; adding hard drives extends recording time. Owner James Tackett (AESBL #2059) installs across Alabama from Hoover. Call or text (205) 593-9507 and he will walk the house with you.
How much does a monitored Alarm.com security system cost?
A professionally installed Alarm.com security system from JT’s starts at about $900 for a panel, two door sensors and a motion detector, including installation. Round-the-clock professional monitoring is $54.99 a month with no long-term contract, plus $5 a month per camera for video. The moment an alarm trips, trained operators at the central station see it, call you and send police, fire or EMS. Glass-break sensors, garage door control and cameras add to the upfront cost, and you can start small and add devices later. Call or text James Tackett in Hoover at (205) 593-9507 for a quote.
Do I have to sign a long-term contract?
For homes, no. Residential monitoring is month to month, and you can change or cancel without the multi-year commitment many national alarm companies require. The monitoring itself never takes a night off: a professional central station watches every JT’s system around the clock and responds the moment a signal comes in. Business and multi-site monitoring terms are set in the contract. Call or text (205) 593-9507 to talk through options.
Can a monitored security system lower my homeowners insurance?
Many homeowners insurance companies offer a discount for a professionally monitored alarm system, and eligibility varies by insurer and location. Alarm.com directs customers to their service provider for the monitoring certificate insurers ask for, and for JT’s customers, that’s James Tackett. Ask your insurer what discount applies, then call or text (205) 593-9507 for your certificate.
Alarm.com systems
What is Alarm.com, and why can’t I buy it directly?
Alarm.com is a smart security platform that runs home and business security, video, access control and automation, and it’s sold only through licensed, authorized service providers, not directly to consumers. Those providers design, install, monitor and support each system. JT’s is an authorized Alarm.com partner based in Hoover, serving all of Alabama, including the greater Birmingham area.
How does Alarm.com professional monitoring work?
Fast, and without you lifting a finger. When a sensor trips, the panel sends the signal over its own secure cellular connection to a professional central station staffed 24 hours a day, every day. Trained operators typically see it within seconds, call you to confirm, and dispatch police, fire or EMS if you don’t answer or ask them to. Alarm.com is the platform that carries the signal, not the monitoring station. James Tackett is central-station monitoring certified and sets up every account himself. Call or text (205) 593-9507 with questions.
What is Crash and Smash protection?
Crash and Smash protection is an Alarm.com feature that still triggers an alarm if a burglar breaks in and destroys the security panel during the entry countdown. Alarm.com’s cloud watches for the countdown to start; if the panel goes offline before sending a disarm or alarm signal, it reports a suspected break-in to the monitoring station. Every security panel JT’s sells comes with Crash and Smash protection.
Will my security system work during a power or internet outage?
Yes. Alarm.com systems installed by JT’s communicate over a dedicated cellular connection, so alarms still reach the central station, typically within seconds, if the internet is down, the power is out or a phone line is cut. The Qolsys IQ Panel 4 also sends over Wi-Fi at the same time, and its backup battery is UL-certified for 24 hours, though heavy use shortens that. Optional backup power can keep cameras online longer.
Can you upgrade or take over my existing alarm system?
Yes. JT’s services most major alarm brands, not just Alarm.com, including systems originally installed by ADT, Brinks and SimpliSafe. Many existing panels and sensors, including DSC, Honeywell, Johnson Controls, GE/Interlogix, Qolsys and 2GIG equipment, can be upgraded to Alarm.com without major rewiring. Owner James Tackett has worked on alarm systems since 1998. Call or text (205) 593-9507 to describe your setup.
I moved into a home with an Alarm.com system. Can I use it?
Usually, yes. Alarm.com equipment left in a home can often be reactivated under a new account with a local service provider. First check the security panel for the previous provider’s contact information. If there isn’t one, or you’d rather switch, JT’s can inspect the equipment, activate monitoring and set up the Alarm.com app for you anywhere in Alabama. To take over the panel, James Tackett will need its dealer code or installer code.
Can I take my security system with me when I move?
Sometimes. Whether an Alarm.com system can move with you depends on the equipment, your new home and whether it’s inside your provider’s service area. Alarm.com recommends contacting your provider before you move, not after. If you’re moving anywhere in Alabama, call or text JT’s at (205) 593-9507 early so James Tackett can plan the relocation or a redesign.
Who do I call for service, billing, or a low battery warning?
Call your service provider, not Alarm.com. Alarm.com sends service, billing, plan changes, new devices and sensor battery questions to the local provider who installed the system. For JT’s customers, that’s James Tackett: call or text (205) 593-9507, Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM, or email JT@JTs-Surveillance.com. Alarms are a different matter. Those go straight to the central station, 24 hours a day, and operators act on them the moment they arrive, whether the office is open or not.
Someone came to my door saying they’re from Alarm.com. Are they?
No. Alarm.com is a software company that sells its platform to independent service providers; it doesn’t send employees door to door to sell security systems. If someone claims to be from Alarm.com, Alarm.com asks that you report it to wecare@alarm.com. JT’s doesn’t knock on doors; contact James Tackett directly at (205) 593-9507 to verify anyone claiming to work with him.
How do I keep my Alarm.com account secure?
Alarm.com recommends a strong, unique password, two-factor authentication and separate app logins and panel user codes for each person in your household. Face ID or Touch ID adds another layer on your phone. When James Tackett sets up a JT’s system, he can create individual user codes and logins so you can see exactly who armed or disarmed the system.
Installation & service
How long does a security system installation take?
Most home installs take one day on site. James confirms the equipment at the survey, has it shipped or picks it up locally and schedules the install, usually within a week. Timing depends on system size, camera count and wiring. Business and multi-site systems are scheduled around your hours and set in the contract. Every job is led and inspected by the license holder, and if something isn’t right afterward, you call and he comes back.
Do you install security cameras I already bought?
Yes. JT’s installs customer-purchased security cameras for $450 per camera, which covers the wiring, labor and materials, when the cameras are a brand we can support and compatible with your recorder or app. Customer-supplied equipment carries its own manufacturer warranty, and JT’s does not install cameras on the federal covered-equipment list. Owner James Tackett (AESBL #2059) runs the cable, mounts each camera and connects it to your recorder or app, anywhere in Alabama. Call or text (205) 593-9507 with your camera model.
Do you install video doorbells?
Yes. JT’s installs video doorbells, including Alarm.com doorbells that tie into your security system, and installs a compatible doorbell you’ve already bought for $450, labor and materials included. Customer-supplied doorbells carry their own manufacturer warranty. Owner James Tackett (AESBL #2059) installs from Hoover to anywhere in Alabama. Call or text (205) 593-9507 to schedule, and have your doorbell’s make and model handy.
Who actually installs my system?
James Tackett installs your system, or a technician he trained and registered with the Alabama Electronic Security Board under this license, and James inspects every job. He is a second-generation alarm technician who started in the trade with his father in 1998. He is licensed by the Alabama Electronic Security Board (AESBL #2059), an Alarm.com partner, a Sonos-certified integrator and central-station monitoring certified. JT’s Surveillance and Media, LLC was established in Hoover in December 2019.
What areas do you serve?
JT’s is based in Hoover and works across Alabama, with most jobs in the greater Birmingham area: Birmingham, Hoover, Vestavia Hills, Homewood, Mountain Brook, Pelham and Alabaster. If you’re a long way from Hoover, James will tell you on the phone, but the circle is bigger than you’d think. Business and project work is statewide. Call or text (205) 593-9507 to schedule an install or a quote.
What are your hours, and how do I reach you?
The office is open Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM. The fastest way to reach James Tackett is to call or text (205) 593-9507, or email JT@JTs-Surveillance.com. Your alarm doesn’t keep office hours: monitored systems are watched around the clock by a professional central station, and an alarm at 3 AM on a Sunday gets the same response from the central station as one at noon on a Tuesday. Project schedules, including weekend and off-hours work, are set in the contract. JT’s is based in Hoover and serves all of Alabama.
Do you offer a warranty?
Yes. Residential alarm systems purchased from and installed by JT’s carry a three-year guarantee on parts and labor from JT’s Surveillance and Media, LLC, on top of the factory warranty. Cameras and customer-supplied equipment are covered by the manufacturer’s warranty. Business and project work carries the warranty written into that contract. If something we installed isn’t working right, call or text (205) 593-9507 and we come back out, even if it’s been a good while. JT’s is AESBL-licensed (#2059) and BBB A+ Accredited.
Smart home & automation
Which smart home platforms do you support?
JT’s integrates Alarm.com security with Amazon Alexa and Google Home, and on Apple devices through the Alarm.com app, widgets, Apple Watch, Siri Shortcuts and CarPlay. Lutron and Sonos tie in as well: Alarm.com officially supports Lutron Caséta (Smart Bridge Pro), RA2 Select, RadioRA 2, RadioRA 3 and HomeWorks QS, so one app can arm your alarm and set your lights and shades. For Apple Home itself, James builds on Home Assistant. James Tackett is an Alarm.com partner and Sonos-certified integrator based in Hoover.
What home automation can you set up beyond security?
JT’s automates lighting and shades (Lutron), thermostats, whole-home audio (Sonos), smart locks and garage doors, tied into your Alarm.com security system. Alarm.com rules can react automatically, like shutting down HVAC when a carbon monoxide or smoke alarm trips. For fully local control, James Tackett also builds on Home Assistant. Call (205) 593-9507 to spec a build.
Business security
How does Alarm.com business access control work?
Alarm.com access control replaces keys with mobile credentials, keypad codes, or key cards, managed from your phone or laptop. You grant or revoke a person’s access in seconds, set schedules, and see who entered each door. It’s cloud-based, so no server is needed on site, and it works across multiple locations. Call or text James Tackett at (205) 593-9507 for a walkthrough.
Do you install security systems for businesses?
Yes. JT’s designs and installs Alarm.com for Business systems for offices, retail, restaurants, warehouses and multi-site properties across Alabama. One dashboard covers intrusion alarms, video, access control and thermostats at every location. Systems include encrypted networking with cellular backup and 24/7 monitoring through the central station, designed and led by the license holder, James Tackett, AESBL-licensed (#2059) and BBB A+ Accredited.
Will I get fined for false alarms?
Fewer than you’d think, and the system is set up to keep it that way. With video verification, the central station sees a clip before anyone is dispatched, so a cook coming in early doesn’t send the police. Entry delays, schedules and user codes are built around how your people actually open and close. False-alarm fines are set by your city and stay with the business, so the goal is to never trip one. Call or text (205) 593-9507 and James will walk your opening and closing routine with you.
What happens at 2 AM?
The same thing that happens at 2 PM. When a sensor trips after close, the panel sends the signal over its own cellular connection to a professional central station staffed around the clock. Trained operators typically see it within seconds, call your contact list in order and dispatch police if nobody can clear it. If someone destroys the panel on the way in, Crash and Smash means the station still gets the alarm. Alarms go to the station. Service calls and questions go to James, at (205) 593-9507, when the sun is up.
Can I see who opened the back door?
Yes. Every person gets their own code on the panel, so the app shows who disarmed, when and from which keypad, and you can get a text when the back door opens after hours or the system isn’t armed by closing time. Add access control and it goes further: a credential or a phone instead of a key, a log of every door open by name, and access that ends the day someone leaves. A camera on the cash office or the stockroom pairs with the log so you see the moment, not just the record. Call or text James Tackett at (205) 593-9507.
Does my insurance care?
Usually, yes. Many commercial carriers discount premiums for a professionally monitored alarm, and some require monitoring or cameras for certain coverage, like a bar, a pharmacy or any business with a stockroom full of inventory. The monitoring certificate they ask for comes from James. Ask your agent what your policy credits, then call or text (205) 593-9507 and James will send the certificate.
Credentials
Is JT’s licensed in Alabama?
Yes. JT’s Surveillance and Media, LLC is licensed by the Alabama Electronic Security Board, license #2059, which is required to install and service alarm systems in Alabama; you can verify it at aesbl.alabama.gov. The company is also BBB A+ Accredited, an Alarm.com partner, a Sonos-certified integrator and central-station monitoring certified. Owner James Tackett has been in the trade since 1998.
Still have a question?
Ask James directly. Call or text any weekday, or email JT@JTs-Surveillance.com anytime.
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