Walk Through Notes 7/12/12

Security 
Don Martini from Lexington Alarm walked through the project this morning and gave us the following notes.

1. There are two existing security systems and traces of a third system in the house, a GE wireless system, an ITI wireless system and traces of a Honeywell System.  Of these systems the GE is functioning and providing  a basic system.
2. He recommends using wireless sensors on all first floor exterior doors with access to the main house including the door to the garage.  Installing wireless motion sensors strategically on the first floor and to a lessor extent on the second floor.  Installing wired keypads in the mudroom and master bedroom.  Wireless fire and CO monitoring devices can be integrated into the system along with water and temperature sensors in the basement.  A new radio would be installed in the 3rd floor storage area over the master bedroom replacing the non functioning existing radio, this would provide communication should phone lines be down.  This system would be monitored locally by Lexington Alarm, our clients have found this to be an advantage over outsourced monitoring stations.
3. Don is of the impression that the windows are fairly secure with one weak point.  The construction of the windows in inherently resistant to breaking out the whole window and climbing through, where they are vulnerable is in breaking a single pane to reach in and open the lever.  In the past he has drilled a hole through the tab of the lever and center stile the to insert a pin with a decorative finial.  This will prevent the handle from being opened

Audio/Video/Data

1.  In addition to the A/V system in the scope of the project we recommend installation of a Sonos Music System.  These systems integrate music from your own library, internet radio services, subscription music services and auxiliary inputs into an expandable distribution system.  Each zone can play independently or in combinations. They are controlled by a wireless touch screen or by apps available for iPhones/iPads.  We recommend installation in the kitchen and existing speaker locations in the dining room, living room, study and outdoor patio.  These wires and speakers look to be operational and could accommodate a Sonos system.
2. The wire lathe and plaster is known to cause poor WiFi signal.  Consideration should be given to the type of data system desired in the house.  We will follow up with recommendations on this.