The first step is a property walkthrough to map every door, window, and entry point that needs a contact, and to identify the best choke points for passive infrared motion detectors. For most Houston homes, especially older bungalows where running new cable through finished walls is impractical, a wireless alarm system is the straightforward choice. Newer builds with accessible wall cavities can support a hardwired installation, which suits larger properties where a permanent setup is the priority. The installer confirms the right approach for your specific layout before any equipment is ordered.
Once the system type is agreed, the installer fits the control panel in a central location, mounts door and window contacts at every covered entry, and positions motion sensors at hallways, stairwells, and main entries at the correct height for full PIR coverage. A backup battery is wired into the panel so the system stays active during a power outage, and cellular backup keeps central-station monitoring connected even if the internet goes down. Every sensor is signal-tested zone by zone, a walk-test that confirms no blind spots remain, before the installer moves to the keypad and app setup.
Before the job closes, the installer demonstrates the control panel, walks through arming and disarming sequences, and shows you how to manage user codes and read app alerts on your phone. If your property is inside Houston city limits and the system can trigger a police response, the City of Houston requires a burglar alarm permit with annual renewal, the installer explains the application process so you are not caught off guard after the system is live. We follow up after the visit to confirm sensors are reporting and cameras are streaming correctly, so any fault that surfaces in the first few days is caught before it becomes a gap in coverage.