When it comes to securing your home and communicating with visitors, choosing the right doorbell and doorbell fitter is key. Doorbells have come a long way from simple chimes to smart devices and choosing the right one for you makes a big difference in convenience and security. Finding the right person to fit it will make sure your doorbell works as it should.
In this we’ll go through the things to consider when choosing a doorbell and doorbell fitter such as RM Plumbing so you can make an informed decision for your home.
Things to Consider When Choosing a Doorbell
- Type of Doorbell
- Wired Doorbells: These are the traditional type of doorbells, hardwired into your home’s electrical system. They are more reliable and can produce louder chimes as they draw power from your home. But installation is more complicated and often requires professional help.
- Wireless Doorbells: These run on batteries and communicate via radio frequencies or Wi-Fi. They are easier to install as they don’t require wiring but you’ll need to monitor the battery life. Wireless doorbells are often part of smart home ecosystems, offering additional features like video cameras and smartphone notifications.
Pros of Wired Doorbells:
- No battery worries
- No wireless interference
- Can support louder chimes and multiple sound options
Cons of Wired Doorbells:
- More complicated installation, requires electrical work
- Higher cost of installation as you need a professional fitter
Pros of Wireless Doorbells:
- Easy to install, no need for professional help in many cases
- More modern features like video, smartphone connectivity and two-way communication
Cons of Wireless Doorbells:
- Needs regular battery changes or recharging
- May suffer from connectivity issues especially in areas with weak Wi-Fi signals
Video Capabilities
- Standard Doorbells: These only provide an audio notification when someone presses the button.
- Video Doorbells: These have built in cameras so you can see who’s at your door, whether you’re at home or away. Many video doorbells also have two-way communication so you can talk to the person through your phone or smart device.
Video doorbells are highly recommended for extra security. Some options even have motion sensors, night vision and the ability to record video clips which can be useful for reviewing any suspicious activity.
Smart Features
Modern doorbells often come with smart home integration. Some of the common smart features include:
- App Integration: Many doorbells can connect to your smartphone via an app so you can receive alerts, view video footage and talk to visitors even when you’re not at home.
- Voice Assistant Integration: Some doorbells are compatible with voice assistants like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant or Apple’s Siri. This allows you to control or monitor the doorbell using voice commands.
- Cloud Storage: If you opt for a video doorbell, check if it has cloud storage for video recordings. Some brands offer free limited storage while others may require a subscription.
Chime Options
Doorbell chimes come in various forms, from simple tones to customizable melodies. Traditional wired doorbells have a chime box inside the house. But wireless models may have more advanced options like multiple chime tones, volume control and even the ability to connect to Bluetooth speakers.
Weather Resistance
Since the doorbell will be mounted outdoors, make sure it’s weather proof, rain, snow or high temperatures. Many doorbells especially video ones have an IP (Ingress Protection) rating that indicates their resistance to water and dust.
Range and Connectivity
If you choose a wireless doorbell, you’ll need to consider the range between the doorbell and the receiver (chime). For larger homes, make sure the doorbell has sufficient range or the ability to add extra receivers throughout the home.
If you’re opting for a smart doorbell, make sure your home Wi-Fi signal is strong at the door. A weak signal can result to poor video quality or missed notifications.
How to Choose a Good Doorbell Fitter
Some doorbells, especially wireless ones, are easy to install yourself, others—wired and video doorbells—require a professional. Here’s how to find a good doorbell fitter for the job.
- Research and Recommendations
Ask friends, family or neighbours for recommendations. A recommendation from someone you trust is always a good starting point. You can also research online for local fitters who specialise in electrical or security systems. - Qualifications and Certification
Make sure the fitter is qualified and certified to do the work. In the UK for example, electrical work should be done by a certified electrician who adheres to the latest standards (BS 7671). Check for qualifications like NICEIC (National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation Contracting) or similar certifications that means they are competent. - Experience with Smart and Video Doorbells
If you’re going for a video or smart doorbell, make sure the fitter has experience with these types of systems. Smart doorbells require not only physical installation but also setting up the device with your home Wi-Fi and any associated apps. A fitter with experience in this area will save you time and hassle. - Reviews and Testimonials
Look up online reviews for the doorbell fitter, on Google, Trustpilot or trade specific platforms like Checkatrade. Testimonials from previous customers will give you an idea of the fitter’s reliability, punctuality and workmanship. - Warranty and Aftercare Services
Ask the fitter if they offer any warranty on the installation work. If something goes wrong after the doorbell has been installed will they come back to fix it without charging extra? Also ask about aftercare services, do they provide support for troubleshooting or device setup. - Get Multiple Quotes
Don’t settle for the first fitter you find. Get quotes from at least three different professionals to compare prices and services. The cheapest option isn’t always the best—focus on value for money, the fitter’s experience, reviews and any guarantees they offer. - Understand the Scope of Work
Before you hire make sure you fully understand what the installation entails. Does the fitter just mount the doorbell or do they also handle wiring, app setup and troubleshooting? If it’s a smart doorbell make sure they’ll walk you through setting up the device and its features. - Check for Liability Insurance
A professional fitter should have liability insurance in case something goes wrong during installation. This insurance covers any accidental damage to your home during the fitting process. Ask to see the insurance before you agree to the work
Summary
Choosing a good doorbell and a good doorbell fitter doesn’t have to be scary. By considering the type of doorbell you want—wired or wireless, with or without smart features—and hiring a qualified and experienced fitter you can have security and convenience for your home. Whether you’re upgrading your existing doorbell or installing one for the first time follow these tips and the process will be smooth and your home will have a working entry notification system.
