pe Already have a security system? In many cases, we can reuse your existing equipment and connect it to our 24/7 professional monitoring. We support landline, cellular, IP, and AES—and pair local, white-glove service with national-grade monitoring resources.
Get my takeover quote | See monitoring plans
Pricing starts at $30/month (landline) and $40/month (cellular). 12-month agreement, then month-to-month.
Can we monitor your existing system?
Very often, yes. Many popular panels can be taken over with a communicator swap or programming update. If a system is locked out or uses a proprietary platform, we’ll advise whether a panel replacement is the smarter path—and we’ll reuse wiring and compatible devices wherever possible.
Common systems we can often work with
- Brand-agnostic panels such as Honeywell/Resideo, DSC, Qolsys, 2GIG (model-dependent)
- Hardwired zones and wiring (doors, windows, motions, glassbreaks)
- Sirens, power supplies, and many existing keypads (where supported)
Systems that may not be directly taken over: some proprietary or closed systems (e.g., certain “DIY-only” brands) are not designed for third-party monitoring. In those cases, we’ll quote a communicator or panel upgrade to connect you to our monitoring.
What we typically reuse vs. replace
| Component | Usually Reuse | Replace When | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Door/Window Contacts, Motions, Glassbreaks | Yes | Old/failed devices or incompatible wireless protocol | Hardwired sensors are commonly reusable |
| Control Panel | Often | Locked-out firmware, proprietary platform, end-of-life hardware | If locked, a new panel avoids ongoing headaches |
| Communicator (Cell/IP/AES) | Sometimes | Not compatible with our monitoring or carrier sunset/coverage issues | Swap enables cellular, IP, or AES to our monitoring center |
| Keypads | Often | Obsolete or incompatible with new panel | We keep what’s functional and supports your features |
| Wiring & Power | Yes | Damaged or undersized | Reusing wiring saves time and cost |
| Backup Battery | Case-by-case | Old or fails load test | We test and replace if needed |
How a takeover works
- Quick compatibility check. Share your panel brand/model (a photo of the keypad helps), current communicator type (landline/cell/IP/AES), and your address.
- On-site visit. We program the system and, if required, swap the communicator so signals reach our monitoring center.
- Testing & certificate. We run full tests, train you on any new features, and provide an insurance monitoring certificate.
- Cancel your old monitoring. Once you’re live with us, you can cancel the previous provider.
Pricing & terms
- Monitoring: from $30/month (landline) and $40/month (cellular). We also support IP and AES.
- Agreement: 12 months, then month-to-month.
- One-time costs: if your communicator or panel needs replacement, we’ll quote that up front.
Have a business or multi-site setup? We’ll recommend dual-path (cell+IP) and options like open/close reports, user code management, and video verification.
Communication paths we support
| Path | Best For | Advantages | Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Landline (POTS) | Basic, budget-friendly | Lower monthly cost; uses existing phone line | Vulnerable to line cuts; aging infrastructure in some areas |
| Cellular | Most homes & small businesses | Reliable, no phone line needed | Requires adequate carrier coverage; communicator hardware |
| IP | Sites with robust internet | Fast signaling; leverages existing network | Depends on power/internet; add backup for resilience |
| AES Radio | High-reliability or code-driven sites | Independent radio mesh; resilient where available | Regional availability; specialized hardware |
| Dual-Path | Uptime-critical applications | Redundancy (e.g., Cell + IP) | Slightly higher monthly; often recommended for business |
Options that improve response & usability
- Video Verification: operators review clips tied to alarms—fewer false dispatches and clearer decisions.
- Video Monitoring & Virtual Guard: live agent talk-down and deterrence for outdoor areas and after-hours coverage. Learn more
- Security Audit: we’ll review your current setup and suggest targeted upgrades (not a rip-and-replace).
- Custom Design: new builds, remodels, or multi-site rollouts—done right the first time.
Local white-glove service, national-grade resources
You’ll work with our local team for design, programming, and support, while your alarms are handled by our monitoring partner, Affiliated Monitoring—UL Listed, TMA Five Diamond, and FDNY Approved. It’s the best of both worlds: friendly, accountable service with the reliability of a top-tier monitoring center.
What to gather before your call
- Panel brand & model (photo of keypad helpful)
- Current communication path (landline, cellular, IP, AES)
- Any app you currently use (if applicable)
- Your address and any alarm permit details
- Primary contacts and call list
Service area
We serve customers across Maine and the North Shore of Massachusetts from our local offices:
- Falmouth, ME
- Wiscasset, ME
- Topsfield, MA (formerly SOS Home Systems)
Takeover FAQs
Can you monitor a system you didn’t install?
Often, yes. Many systems can be monitored after a programming update or communicator swap. If your system is locked or proprietary, we’ll recommend the simplest path to get you onto our monitoring.
Will my existing keypad or app still work?
Keypads are often reusable. Apps depend on the platform—some are tied to your previous provider. We’ll explain your options and set up a new app if needed.
Do I need an installer code?
Having the installer/programming code makes takeovers faster. If it isn’t available, we can usually proceed by replacing the communicator or panel as needed.
What are your monitoring prices and terms?
Monitoring starts at $30/month (landline) and $40/month (cellular). Agreement is 12 months, then month-to-month. We also support IP and AES.
Who handles my alarm signals?
Our partner is Affiliated Monitoring—UL Listed, TMA Five Diamond, and FDNY Approved—so you get national-grade redundancy with our local, white-glove service.
Do you offer video verification and proactive video monitoring?
Yes. We can tie cameras to alarm events for video verification, and we offer proactive video monitoring with live agent talk-down. Learn more.
How do I switch from my current provider?
We’ll confirm compatibility, complete programming and testing, and provide your insurance certificate. Once live with us, you can cancel your previous monitoring.
Ready to switch?
Tell us what panel you have and how it’s connected today. We’ll outline the simplest path to reuse your equipment and connect you to our 24/7 monitoring.
Get my takeover quote | See monitoring plans
From $30/month landline, $40/month cellular. 12 months, then month-to-month.
