You don't need to install brand new systems to fix your existing system. You don't need to sign multi-year contracts paying over $40 a month for services that cost a fraction of that to provide. I'm sharing my 50+ years of experience in the home security industry through a wealth of articles, videos, and affordable services.
Alarm system monitoring is BIG business. Many companies, and almost all the national alarm companies, will not sell, install or service an alarm system unless it is accompanied by a long term monitoring contract. When you see that companies are charging $35 - $70 per month to provide a service that is costing them $5 or less per month to provide, you begin to understand.
Brinks, Protection One and ADT are owned by hedge funds. Their primary focus is to increase the number of accounts that they monitor and thus their recurring revenue. How much money does ADT, and subsequently each of their customers, spend to be prominently displayed at every televised sporting event?
Alarm system monitoring is BIG business. Many companies, and almost all the national alarm companies, will not sell, install or service an alarm system unless it is accompanied by a long term monitoring contract. When you see that companies are charging $35 - $70 per month to provide a service that is costing them $5 or less per month to provide, you begin to understand.
Brinks, Protection One and ADT are owned by hedge funds. Their primary focus is to increase the number of accounts that they monitor and thus their recurring revenue. How much money does ADT, and subsequently each of their customers, spend to be prominently displayed at every televised sporting event?
Services
In today's world of mega-sized corporations, many of the values and relationships we enjoyed with vendors in years gone by no longer exist. My goal is to become the customer's agent in dealing with the burglar and fire alarm companies, and provide the service and installation for your unique needs and alarm systems.
Month to Month alarm monitoring for nearly any home alarm system, utilizing a cellular network. You control who gets notified of an alarm trigger, and how - APP push, text, email, or calls. Fire alarm signals will be routed to a central monitoring station for immediate emergency response. Month to Month Contracts and only $20 a month.
Russ VanDevanter has been involved in the security industry in the Pacific Northwest since 1969. He installed and monitored over 15,000 alarm systems through his company Security Holdings from 1984-1996. Alarm Monitoring Service (AMS), which Russ founded in 1975, was the Northwest's largest central station monitoring company.
Property protection is the easier of the two types of protection to evaluate. It is primarily "objective" as it takes into consideration the operating statistics of burglaries and the observed methods of operation of burglars. 90% of burglars gain entrance through unlocked doors and windows. Once inside, the first action a burglar takes is to open an exit door to ensure he can escape quickly in the event he is "discovered" during the burglary.
How much time and money is budgeted to this project? Will this be a wired system, wireless or combination of both? Wired systems are by far the least expensive equipment-wise but significantly more labor intensive. Wireless on the other hand is fairly quick to install but the equipment cost is higher.
Reviews (19)
Sara T.
Oct 18, 2017
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Linda S.
Aug 10, 2017
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Grant C.
Jul 18, 2017
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Believe the hype!! I had an old alarm system I was interesting in repairing/testing/upgrading.
Another company took one look and said it was junk and I needed to replace everything with their overpriced selected models and then lock me into a 3 year contract.
Russ came out the same day I called, replaced a battery, fixed a loose wire and presto the system was back. Instead of having to replace everything now all I need is an inexpensive cellular communicator to bring my system (which previously operated on land line/telephone) up to date.
Great experience. Highly recommend.
Another company took one look and said it was junk and I needed to replace everything with their overpriced selected models and then lock me into a 3 year contract.
Russ came out the same day I called, replaced a battery, fixed a loose wire and presto the system was back. Instead of having to replace everything now all I need is an inexpensive cellular communicator to bring my system (which previously operated on land line/telephone) up to date.
Great experience. Highly recommend.
Larry K.
Apr 03, 2017
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After doing some research on Yelp and other places I found Russ VanDevanter to be highly recommended when it came to home alarm systems. I knew that I wanted a an old school hard wired system and a specific brand of alarm panel that was compatible with some other equipment I had. We arranged an appointment for Russ to visit my new home in Puyallup, WA to see exactly what we needed. I personally had installed three alarm systems in my younger years and never trusted battery type sensors but Russ convinced me that they have come a long ways over the years and would last several years between battery
Ira W.
Dec 21, 2016
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Russ, Travis and Tom were awesome. Their no BS approach to alarm security really won me over to call them and they were the first/only company I felt comfortable moving forward with.
I called Rev Associates to schedule a consultation for my home. Russ arrived promptly at my home for the scheduled consultation. He's a very personable guy with nearly 50 years in the business.
I trust his expertise and he didn't try to add any fluff to items he felt the house needed. I received an email from him that same afternoon and decided to proceed with the install.
Tom arrived to perform the install
I called Rev Associates to schedule a consultation for my home. Russ arrived promptly at my home for the scheduled consultation. He's a very personable guy with nearly 50 years in the business.
I trust his expertise and he didn't try to add any fluff to items he felt the house needed. I received an email from him that same afternoon and decided to proceed with the install.
Tom arrived to perform the install
Opal D.
Apr 27, 2016
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Russ is fantastic.
He is knowledgable and was able to help me get the system that came with the house I purchased up and running. He was also patient with me (I took up more of his time than necessary because I was not prepared).
Really appreciated the fast response and great communication.
I have nothing but good things to say!
He is knowledgable and was able to help me get the system that came with the house I purchased up and running. He was also patient with me (I took up more of his time than necessary because I was not prepared).
Really appreciated the fast response and great communication.
I have nothing but good things to say!
Dave S.
Aug 26, 2015
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I gave Russ a call after deciding to upgrade my existing home alarm system, and I couldn't be happier with the process and results. Russ came to my house, took a look at my setup, and made a few reasonable upgrade recommendations...all at no charge to me. He didn't "push" anything on me, just gave me the facts, briefly mentioned his Blockwatch service, and let me decide how I wanted to proceed. He actually dissuaded me from spending more money on upgrading my panel unit or adding sensors he deemed unnecessary...fine with me!
I was so happy with Russ's inspection and advice
I was so happy with Russ's inspection and advice
D. C.
Nov 13, 2014
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Very FEW companies meet my full expectations... and it 's so rare for anyone to exceed them. So, I'm using my own time to reward Blockwatch Alarm / (aka REV Associates) for being one of the few, rare companies that did!
After researching the alarm industry, services offered, price-shopping, and comparing many companies, it was up to Blockwatch to win my business with their product, customer service and price.
After the first phone conversation, I'd already learned new, valuable and detailed insight about options that were completely unexpected and exactly what we needed. (Russ
After researching the alarm industry, services offered, price-shopping, and comparing many companies, it was up to Blockwatch to win my business with their product, customer service and price.
After the first phone conversation, I'd already learned new, valuable and detailed insight about options that were completely unexpected and exactly what we needed. (Russ
Marina S.
Sep 20, 2014
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Erin T.
Sep 02, 2014
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Russ was extremely helpful. He also came all the way to Tacoma at a drop of a dime and answered all of my questions because of his years of experience. Him and his team explained all of my options and also had me use most of the equipment that was already installed. I would highly recommend his services.
Jacob K.
Jul 14, 2014
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When my house alarm system panels started to have sticky keys, I couldn't find replacements on-line ... it seemed they were too out-dated. I went to Bulger Locks, who referred me to Russ VanDevanter.
Russ told me he had some of these panels in his storage. They weren't new, but they worked perfectly, and best of all, they were free. He came by very promptly, and replaced 2 of my sticky panels, and showed me how to replace my third one when I felt like I needed it, and left me with a third unit.
He only charged me for his time and expertise. Very reasonable, very polite, and very knowledgeable
Russ told me he had some of these panels in his storage. They weren't new, but they worked perfectly, and best of all, they were free. He came by very promptly, and replaced 2 of my sticky panels, and showed me how to replace my third one when I felt like I needed it, and left me with a third unit.
He only charged me for his time and expertise. Very reasonable, very polite, and very knowledgeable
Jim B.
Jun 23, 2014
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I found Russ when seeking repair on my old ITI SX-V alarm system's keypad. I wasn't ready to upgrade my entire system due to a broken keypad, but the system is so old that most providers surely would tell me I need a new one. Russ found the keypad I needed, programmed it to work with my system and even reset a sensor that had dropped from the system. I love repairing rather than replacing and Russ exceeded all my expectations. He even left me with an older broken keypad that I later disassembled. I discovered the internal keys on the keypad are common to a number of newer systems, so
Laura M.
Mar 02, 2014
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Had a problem with my security system, and Russ came over to help me assess my options. He was both friendly and professional. What I most appreciate is that he did not use scare tactics to try to pressure me into doing business with him. In the end, he disabled my alarm system and the whole visit was FREE of charge! Most impressive- Thank you, Russ!
Jody R.
Jul 24, 2013
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Russ is a pro. Extremely professional, knowledgeable, friendly and fast. He was also flexible with my infant's nap needs and not just tolerant, but very sweet, to my large and needy dog that followed him around the house the whole time he worked. I would definitely recommend him for any scope of home security system project.
Tanya W.
Mar 24, 2013
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Russ did a great job advising me with my existing alarm system. He listened to my concerns /needs and installed the necessary items and the system worked perfectly. Costs were reasonable for the system and install. Russ was fast to respond to a question regarding the system after the install. I would highly recommend his services.
Chadd B.
Sep 19, 2012
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Russ was very helpful, knowledgeable and professional. We were looking to install a few new sensors and smoke alarms, and from our first contact with him, he was able to give us a reasonable quote and complete installation within a few days - the install itself was just a few hours.
A heads up about his telephone number: it rings many times before going to voicemail - we thought for a sec it was disconnected after so many rings.
Highly recommended!
A heads up about his telephone number: it rings many times before going to voicemail - we thought for a sec it was disconnected after so many rings.
Highly recommended!
Band E.
Jul 26, 2012
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Came down to help me figure out a security system that was left in a house I bought. Didn't charge for the visit. Came down again to set up monitoring (after I had my phone line put in). Very reasonable monitoring rate. Great guy to work with. Knows what he's doing.
Would do business with him any time.
Thanks Russ. Great job!
Would do business with him any time.
Thanks Russ. Great job!
George T.
Jun 29, 2012
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Shannon S.
Jun 20, 2012
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