There are hundreds of security companies in DFW — national chains, local installers, and DIY brands all competing for your money. Before you sign anything, here’s what you actually need to know to make the right call.
The 6 Questions to Ask Any Security Company Before You Hire Them
1. Are you licensed in Texas?
In Texas, security alarm installers must be licensed by the Department of Public Safety (DPS). Ask for their Texas Alarm License number — and verify it at dps.texas.gov. If they can’t give you a license number on the spot, walk away.
Complete Elite Technologies: Alarm License #B12702301 | ACR License #2536735
2. Is there a long-term monitoring contract?
National chains like ADT typically require 2-3 year monitoring contracts at $35-$60/month. That’s $840-$2,160 locked in before your first year is up. Read the cancellation terms. Ask what happens if you move.
Local companies often offer month-to-month monitoring or no monitoring at all (local storage systems). Make sure you understand what you’re signing.
3. Who actually does the installation?
Many national security companies subcontract installation to third-party technicians. You may be sold by one company and installed by someone else entirely — with no accountability if something goes wrong.
With a local company, the person you call is the person who shows up. We’re a family-owned operation — Matt installs what he sells.
4. What happens when you need service?
Call a national company at 2pm on a Tuesday — you’ll get a call center in another state with a 3-7 day service window. Call a local company — you’ll get someone who knows your system and can often fix it same day or next day.
5. Do you own the equipment?
Some companies lease equipment — meaning you never own it, and it stays theirs when you cancel. Ask explicitly: “Do I own this equipment outright after installation?” The answer should be yes.
6. What’s included in the quote?
Get everything in writing. Some companies quote low then add “activation fees,” “monitoring setup fees,” or “cellular fees” that weren’t mentioned. A straight installer will give you a clean quote: equipment + labor. Period.
Local vs. National: The Real Comparison for DFW
| National Chain (ADT, Vivint, etc.) | Local Installer (like Complete Elite) | |
|---|---|---|
| License | Usually licensed | Licensed (verify the number) |
| Contract | 2-3 year required | Month-to-month or no contract |
| Installation | Often subcontracted | Owner does the work |
| Service speed | Days to a week | Usually same/next day |
| Equipment ownership | Often leased | You own it outright |
| Price | Higher (marketing overhead) | Lower (no middlemen) |
| Knowledge of your system | Call center agents | Person who installed it |
Red Flags to Watch For
- High-pressure sales tactics (“this deal expires today”)
- Won’t give you their Texas license number
- Equipment “included free” but requires a 3-year contract
- No local address or office — just a 1-800 number
- Online reviews that all sound the same / obviously fake
- Sub-$200 installation quotes for complex systems (something’s being cut)
What to Expect From a Good Local Installer
- Free consultation — they look at your property before giving a price
- Written quote with itemized equipment and labor
- Proof of license upfront — no hesitation
- Real reviews from people in your area (check Google Maps location of reviewers)
- Clear answer on monitoring — what it costs, who provides it, can you cancel
- They answer their phone
Why DFW Homeowners Choose Complete Elite Technologies
We’re based in Caddo Mills — between Rockwall and Greenville — and we serve the entire DFW east metro. We’ve been doing this for 20+ years. We’re family-owned, fully licensed, and we don’t use subcontractors. When you call us, you get Matt. When we install your system, Matt installs it. When something needs fixing, Matt fixes it.
We don’t do long-term monitoring contracts. We don’t lease equipment. We give you a straight quote and straight work.
Get a Free, No-Pressure Quote
Call or text: (972) 807-0075
matt@tx-cet.com | complete-elite.tech
Serving Rockwall, Greenville, Heath, McKinney, Frisco, Allen, Garland, and all of DFW.
Alarm License #B12702301 | ACR License #2536735 | Licensed | Family-Owned | 20+ Years | 5-Star Rated
Schedule a Free Consultation | Read Our 5-Star Google Reviews