Electronic Alarms and Home Security Devices - A professional to assist with installation?

I'd like to install an alarm system in my house. Sometimes I think I should install a partitionable system that could cover my home and, separately, the in-home office suite where my wife and I and several renters work. Am I right that I need to upgrade to a Concord Hybrid to create a partition? The Hybrid looks like a system with a lot more capacity than I otherwise would need. Are there other benefits to that system over the Express that will make the fact that the board costs twice as much feel less important?

Also, while I'm reasonably handy, I have limited time for this project, with a 2-year old running around insisting I pay her all my attention on weekends and evenings. If I wanted to hire a professional who could assist with the installation of the board, the phone jack, and a few hard-wired sensors, should it be an electrician or an alarm tech? Any ideas about how I might find a alarm tech in my area (greater Boston) who might want to do side work?

Thanks,
Sam

Check around new home construction sites. Ask the GC who is doing their alarm prewire work (nearly all new construction gets prewired these days).

First of all, you're much better off having a trained professional do your pre-wire than to hire an electrician. While some of them may have <i>some</i> experience wiring security, phones, cable, etc. - they usually do it wrong.

Hire someone who knows what they are doing.

And, yes, you are correct in saying that the Express does not do partitioning. Only the Concord Hybrid, Ultra, and RF systems will parition.

However, I think you may be mistaking the Hybrid system for the RF Integrated systems. The Hybrid is not twice as much as the Express (depending on where you shop, of course.)

On the other hand, if you are going to spend twice as much as the Express, you may as well get everything - go for the Concord Ultra system (includes 2-way voice, phone/voice module, x-10 and more.)

Good luck!