Callaway Security & Sound was founded in 1991 in Alpharetta, Georgia, and has operated continuously as a family-owned, independent company for more than 34 years. We've never been acquired by or affiliated with a national security corporation, and we hold a 4.7-star rating across 60 Google reviews along with an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.
Yes. We're a family-owned business headquartered at 1015 Nine North Drive, Suite 100, Alpharetta, GA 30004, and we've remained independently owned and operated since day one — one of the few independent security companies in Metro Atlanta never acquired by a national chain.
Yes. We hold Georgia Low Voltage Contractor License LVA-004658 and Business License 9700158, both issued by the State of Georgia. All residential and commercial security work is performed under our licensing and insurance.
Yes — Callaway Security was recognized as a Best of Georgia winner in 2023, an honor voted on by homeowners and businesses across the state.
We install and service equipment from DSC, Honeywell, Resideo, 2GIG, and Qolsys across residential and commercial properties. Every monitored system runs on the Alarm.com platform, giving you remote access, smart home integration, and mobile control through a single app.
In most cases, yes. We can take over and monitor systems from most major brands — including ADT, Ackerman, and EMC — as long as the existing equipment is compatible and in working condition. The main exception is proprietary all-in-one panels with a built-in cellular communicator locked to the original provider, such as certain ADT touchscreen panels.
When you switch providers, the outgoing company has to release your cellular communicator before we can connect you to our monitoring center — some companies delay that release for 30 days or more. Callaway releases communicators immediately when a customer wants to leave, because you paid for your equipment and you own it. A new communicator may be required depending on your setup; we'll assess your system during the consultation and give you clear pricing before any work begins.
With Callaway, you deal with the same team from quote to installation to service — not a national call center that routes you to whoever's available. Our technicians live and work in the same Metro Atlanta communities we serve, we know local permit requirements, and when you call us, you reach us. We don't require long-term contracts, and we release your equipment immediately if you ever choose to leave.
We ask for a one-year monitoring agreement to start, which covers equipment programming, setup, and onboarding. After that, monitoring is month-to-month with no long-term commitment and no cancellation fees.
In most cases, we can schedule your installation within the same week you contact us. Timeline varies with project scope and current scheduling, but we work to get you protected as quickly as possible — request a quote online, call us at (770) 395-9692, or email info@callawaysecurity.com to check availability.
We offer free, no-obligation consultations for residential and commercial properties. Request a quote online, call us at (770) 395-9692, or email info@callawaysecurity.com — we'll walk through your property and options and give you clear pricing before any work begins.
Alarm.com is a professional-grade smart security and home automation platform used by independent security dealers nationwide. It brings intrusion alarms, cameras, smart locks, thermostats, lighting, and garage door control into one mobile app. We use it because it offers a level of reliability and encryption that consumer DIY systems typically don't match, backed by professional monitoring rather than just a phone notification.
When an alarm is triggered, our UL-listed monitoring center receives the signal immediately. A trained monitoring professional verifies the event and contacts you first; if we can't reach you, or the situation requires it, we dispatch police, fire, or EMS right away. Read more on whether round-the-clock monitoring makes sense for your home.
Basic equipment — a control panel, door and window sensors, and a motion detector — typically starts around $700. Advanced systems with cameras, smart locks, and home automation typically start around $950 and up depending on scope. See our full breakdown of Atlanta home security system costs for typical ranges by setup.
Installation is priced based on system and property scope, and a senior discount is available on all monitoring plans. Call (770) 395-9692 for a free, no-obligation quote.
No. All of our systems communicate over cellular — no landline required. Cellular is also more reliable than a landline or internet-only connection, since it stays active even if your power or internet goes down.
Some basic systems are built for DIY setup, but professional installation is worth considering for most Atlanta homes — sensor placement, panel programming, and monitoring integration all affect how well a system actually performs. If you're weighing the DIY route, see our breakdown on installing a wireless camera system at home. Our technicians handle the full install, test every component, and walk you through how it all works — no guesswork, no missed zones.
The essentials for most Atlanta homeowners are 24/7 professional monitoring, cellular communication, intrusion detection on every entry point, and remote access through a mobile app. Useful additions include cameras with night vision, video doorbells, smoke and CO monitoring, smart locks, and water leak sensors. We design every system around your specific property rather than a standard package.
Start with four questions: how many entry points does your home have, do you want cameras, do you travel often or have elderly family at home, and what's your budget for upfront equipment versus monthly monitoring? We break this down further in our guide to choosing a home security system. We offer free consultations to walk through your property — no obligation, no prepackaged bundle.
For most homeowners, yes — especially once you factor in more than burglary protection. A professionally monitored system also covers fire, carbon monoxide, and water leaks, and many home insurers offer premium discounts for monitored homes; monitored customers can request an insurance certificate directly through our website. We go into more depth on why home security matters for every household. The bigger question is usually which system fits your property — that's what our free consultation is for.
Professional monitoring means someone is watching your property even when you can't. If an alarm triggers while you're asleep, traveling, or unavailable, our monitoring center verifies the event and dispatches help if needed — see why a monitored system matters for the full picture. You also get protection against fire, CO, and flooding, not just intrusion, and because our monitoring centers are UL-listed, they meet national standards for reliability and response.
No connected device is completely immune to cyber threats, but Alarm.com-powered systems use encrypted communication and follow industry security standards. The most effective steps on your end are a strong, unique Alarm.com password, two-factor authentication, keeping the app updated, and securing your home Wi-Fi — we walk every customer through this at installation.
At its core, it's the combination of equipment, monitoring, and habits that protect a property from intrusion, fire, and other hazards. Our overview of what home security actually means breaks down each piece.
Systems generally range from basic intrusion-only setups to fully integrated systems with cameras, smart locks, and automation. Our guide to the different types of security systems compares the main categories side by side.
A local alarm just sounds a siren on-site; a centrally monitored alarm sends that same signal to a monitoring station that can contact you or dispatch emergency services. See local alarm vs. central alarm systems for the full comparison.
A passive system monitors continuously in the background — like smoke or CO sensors — without needing to be armed or disarmed the way an intrusion system does. More on what a passive alarm system is.
"AC" refers to the AC power indicator on your panel, showing whether the system is running on standard household power or has switched to its battery backup. Read what AC means on a security system for more panel terminology.
The keypad is how you arm, disarm, and check the status of your system, and most also display zone activity and trouble codes. Our complete guide to the security system keypad walks through the icons and codes you'll see most often.
Motion detectors sense movement within a set range using infrared, microwave, or a combination of both, triggering an alert or alarm when something crosses their field of view. See how motion detectors work for the different types available.
Glass break sensors listen for the acoustic signature of breaking glass and trigger an alarm even if a window isn't fully opened. Learn more about how glass break sensors work and where they make the most sense.
It's a monitoring step where our center calls two contacts to confirm an alarm before dispatching police, which cuts down on false-alarm dispatches significantly. Read more about how enhanced call verification works.
Yes — visible signage, cameras, and audible alarms are consistently cited by burglars themselves as reasons to avoid a target. See the research behind whether home security systems really deter criminals.
Beyond the alarm itself, cameras, motion-activated lighting, and yard signage all add friction and visibility that most burglars try to avoid. Our piece on how home security systems deter burglars goes through each layer.
The first electric home security system is generally credited to Marie Van Brittan Brown in the 1960s. Read the full story of who invented the home security system.
A good baseline covers every entry point, layered detection (door/window sensors plus motion), monitored smoke and CO, and a habit of arming the system consistently. See our full list of home security guidelines.
Ask about contract length, equipment ownership, monitoring center response time, and what happens to your equipment if you cancel. Our list of questions to ask about home security systems covers what to bring to any consultation.
Many Metro Atlanta cities require an alarm permit before your monitoring company can request police dispatch, and some charge fines for repeated false alarms without one on file. See do you need a permit for a home security system for city-by-city specifics.
Wired systems are more tamper-resistant and don't rely on batteries; wireless systems are faster to install, easier to expand, and better suited for renters. Compare the two in wired vs. wireless security systems.
Weak Wi-Fi or cellular signal, low sensor batteries, and outdated firmware are the most frequent culprits behind a system acting up. See our list of common problems with security systems and quick fixes for each.
Routine maintenance — testing sensors, checking battery levels, and confirming your monitoring connection — keeps small issues from becoming blind spots. Our essential maintenance tips cover a simple seasonal checklist.
Frequent false alarms, discontinued equipment, no smartphone app, or a home renovation that adds new entry points are all good signals. See signs it's time to upgrade your home security system for the full list, and our guide on how to upgrade home security for next steps.
Removal is generally a straightforward, low-tool process once monitoring has been cancelled. Our step-by-step walkthrough on removing an old security system in 10 easy steps covers panels, sensors, and wiring.
Not always — some cameras record locally to an SD card or DVR — but Wi-Fi is what enables live remote viewing, cloud storage, and push alerts from your phone. Read more on whether you need Wi-Fi for security cameras.
Surveillance is any ongoing observation of a space, typically through cameras, meant to monitor activity and deter or document incidents. See our explainer on what surveillance is for the different forms it takes.
Wireless cameras capture video and send it over Wi-Fi to a recorder, app, or cloud storage instead of running through a physical video cable. Our guide on how wireless security cameras work covers power, signal, and storage options.
Wired cameras offer a more stable connection and don't rely on battery life; wireless cameras are far easier to install and reposition. See wired vs. wireless security cameras for a full comparison.
Resolution, field of view, night vision quality, and storage options matter more than brand name. Our checklist on what to look for in a home security camera walks through each factor.
The right system depends on coverage needs and budget more than any single "best" model — we compare the leading options in the best home security camera systems.
Outdoor cameras need to handle weather, glare, and distance in ways indoor cameras don't. See our picks in the best outdoor home security camera systems.
Low resolution sensors, poor lighting, and heavy compression to save storage space are the usual causes of grainy footage. Our breakdown of why security cameras are sometimes low quality explains what to check.
A dropped Wi-Fi signal, power interruption, or a failing cable connection are the most common reasons a camera feed cuts out. See what causes video loss in security cameras for troubleshooting steps.
The dome housing makes it harder to tell which direction the lens is pointed and adds a layer of tamper resistance. Read how dome security cameras work.
Cover every entry point first — front and back doors, ground-floor windows — then add driveway and side-yard coverage. Our guide on where to place home security cameras walks through height and angle as well.
Range depends on the lens, resolution, and lighting — most residential cameras give a clear, identifiable image out to roughly 25–30 feet, with visible motion much further. See how far a security camera can see for more detail.
Retention depends on your storage type and plan — local storage cycles out in days as it overwrites itself, while cloud plans typically keep footage for 30 days or more. More on how long security cameras keep footage.
Deleting footage is usually a quick action in your camera's app or cloud dashboard, though options vary by storage type and provider. See how to delete footage from security cameras for the specifics.
Most cameras show a small LED indicator or status light when actively recording, and the app will usually flag an offline or paused camera. Read how to tell if a security camera is recording.
A companion app tied to your system lets you view live and recorded footage, get motion alerts, and check in on your home from anywhere with a signal. See how to monitor security cameras remotely for the full walkthrough.
Yes — self-monitoring is possible with most modern systems, though you take on the job of watching alerts and calling for help yourself. See how to monitor your own home security system for how it compares to professional monitoring.
Many systems support casting or a wired HDMI connection so you can view live or recorded footage on a bigger screen. See how to connect a wireless security camera to a TV.
Yes, either through the manufacturer's software, a web browser, or a direct video connection depending on your camera type. Read how to connect a security camera to a computer monitor.
Cable conduit, paint-matched raceways, and routing along trim or eaves all keep exterior wiring clean and protected from weather. See how to run security camera wires outside.
Hiding a camera on your own property is generally legal, though placement in private spaces like bathrooms is not — and visible cameras often deter more effectively than hidden ones. See how to hide a surveillance camera for what's allowed.
A nanny cam is typically a smaller, often disguised camera used to monitor caregivers or children indoors, usually paired with the same app as the rest of your system. Read what a nanny cam is.
Beyond deterrence, cameras give you visual verification during an alarm, evidence after an incident, and the ability to check in on your property from anywhere. See the benefits of security cameras for the full list.
A camera aimed at shared or public-facing areas — like a driveway or street — is generally legal, but there are limits. We cover this, and what you can do about it, in can my neighbor's security cameras record my house.
Landscaping, fencing, and outdoor curtains are the most common (and legal) ways to limit an unwanted sightline. See how to block a neighbor's security camera for options.
It depends on the lease and what the camera captures — cameras aimed only at your own unit are generally safer ground than ones covering shared spaces. See can tenants install security cameras without landlord permission.
Layered protection — monitored alarms, cameras at entry points, good exterior lighting, and simple habits like locking up consistently — covers the most ground. See our full guide on how to protect your home from burglars.
Start with entry points, add visible deterrents like cameras and signage, and round it out with monitored sensors on doors and windows. Our checklist on how to burglar-proof your home covers the full property.
Unlocked doors and ground-floor windows are still the most common points of entry, followed by forced entry through weak door frames. See common break-in methods in Atlanta for what to watch for.
A cat burglar relies on stealth and agility rather than force, often targeting upper-floor windows or skylights that homeowners overlook. See what a cat burglar is and how to deter them.
A secondary track lock, a glass break sensor, and a properly adjusted door track close off the most common vulnerabilities on sliding doors. See how to secure sliding glass doors.
Window sensors, security film, and secondary locks each add a layer of resistance without changing how the window looks day to day. See burglar-proof windows for options by window type.
A reinforced strike plate, a solid-core door, and a door sensor tied into your system address the most common front-door weak points. See burglar-proof front door.
A monitored garage door sensor, a disconnected manual release lock, and a camera covering the driveway close the most common garage vulnerabilities. See how to secure a garage door.
You can reduce risk with strong locks, lighting, and cameras alone, but you lose the automatic dispatch a monitored alarm provides. See how to secure your home without an alarm for what those layers can and can't cover.
Motion-activated lights are one of the simplest additions and pair well with cameras by triggering both light and recording at once. See how to install a motion sensor light.
A visible doorbell camera, delivery scheduling, and a secure drop box are the most effective combination against package theft. See how to stop package theft and our look at porch pirates in Atlanta.
A video doorbell lets you see and speak with whoever's there without opening the door, which is one of the simplest ways to stay safe with unexpected visitors. See what to do when someone knocks on your door.
Consistent habits — arming your system, using your cameras' app, and keeping entry points locked — go as far as any single piece of equipment. See ways to feel safe and secured at home.
Open windows for airflow, longer daylight travel, and more time spent outdoors all shift where your vulnerabilities are. See our summer home security tips.
Increased foot traffic and distracted attention on Halloween night create some unique risks worth planning around. See crime on Halloween for what to watch for.
Visible packages, travel schedules, and holiday decorations all give burglars extra signals to watch for — our Christmas holiday safety tips cover how to minimize them.
Callaway Security & Sound was founded in 1991 in Alpharetta, Georgia, and has operated continuously as a family-owned, independent company for more than 34 years, with a 4.7-star rating across 60 Google reviews and an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.
Yes — Callaway Security was named a Best of Georgia winner in 2023, voted on by homeowners and businesses across the state.
Yes. We hold Georgia Low Voltage Contractor License LVA-004658 and Business License 9700158, both issued by the State of Georgia. All residential and commercial security work is performed under our licensing and insurance.
Yes. We actively work with approximately 30 builders across Metro Atlanta, providing security prewire and system installation for new construction. If you're a builder or developer looking for a local security partner, reach us at info@callawaysecurity.com or (770) 395-9692.
We serve homes and businesses within roughly 50 miles of our Alpharetta office, including Alpharetta, Roswell, Marietta, Sandy Springs, Cumming, Kennesaw, Johns Creek, Dunwoody, Buckhead, Smyrna, Canton, Woodstock, Lawrenceville, Duluth, Buford, Gainesville, Dawsonville, Brookhaven, and surrounding communities. Not sure if we cover your area? Request a quote online, call us at (770) 395-9692, or email info@callawaysecurity.com.
With Callaway, you deal with the same team from quote to installation to service — not a national call center. Our technicians work in the same Metro Atlanta communities we serve, we know local permit requirements, and when you call, you reach us. We don't require long-term contracts, and we release your equipment immediately if you ever choose to leave.
We ask for a one-year monitoring agreement to start, covering equipment programming, setup, and onboarding. After that, monitoring is month-to-month with no long-term commitment and no cancellation fees.
In most cases, we can schedule installation within the same week you contact us, though timeline varies with project scope. Request a quote online, call us at (770) 395-9692, or email info@callawaysecurity.com.
We offer free, no-obligation consultations for commercial properties. Request a quote online, call us at (770) 395-9692, or email info@callawaysecurity.com. — we'll walk your property and give you clear pricing before any work begins.
Alarm.com is a professional-grade smart security and automation platform used by independent security dealers nationwide, bringing intrusion detection, cameras, access control, and building automation into a single app. We use it for its reliability and encryption, backed by professional monitoring rather than just a phone notification.
When an alarm is triggered, our UL-listed monitoring center receives the signal immediately, verifies the event, and contacts you first. If we can't reach you, or the situation requires it, we dispatch police, fire, or EMS right away — see why a monitored system matters for more.
No connected device is completely immune to cyber threats, but Alarm.com-powered systems use encrypted communication and follow industry security standards. Strong, unique passwords, two-factor authentication, and a secured network go a long way — we cover this with every customer at installation.
Commercial properties typically combine intrusion detection, access control, and video into one integrated platform rather than running them separately. Our overview of the different types of security systems covers the building blocks.
A local alarm just sounds a siren on-site; a centrally monitored alarm sends the same signal to a monitoring station that can contact your team or dispatch authorities. See local alarm vs. central alarm systems.
Commercial keypads generally support multiple user codes and zones, so different staff can have their own access schedule. Our complete guide to the security system keypad covers the shared basics.
Motion detectors sense movement in a set range and are especially useful in stockrooms, hallways, and after-hours common areas. See how motion detectors work.
Glass break sensors detect the acoustic signature of breaking glass, which makes them a strong addition for any storefront with large display windows. See how glass break sensors work.
Yes — our monitoring center calls designated contacts to confirm an alarm before dispatching authorities, which applies to commercial accounts the same as residential. See how enhanced call verification works.
Signal interference, outdated panels, and staff turnover on access codes are common issues in commercial environments. See our list of common problems with security systems.
Planning camera placement and coverage, running cabling or configuring wireless links, setting up recording and storage, and testing remote access before handoff. Our complete guide to CCTV installation walks through the full process.
Closed-Circuit Television — a private video system where footage goes to a limited set of monitors or storage rather than a public broadcast. More in what CCTV stands for.
IP cameras send digital video over your network rather than a dedicated analog cable, which typically means sharper resolution and easier remote access. See what an IP camera is and how it works.
IP camera installs generally involve running network cabling or configuring Wi-Fi, assigning each camera to your network, and connecting them to a recorder or cloud platform — our guide to installing IP cameras covers it step by step.
PTZ (pan-tilt-zoom) cameras can be steered and zoomed remotely, which makes them useful for large open areas like parking lots or warehouses. Learn more about what a PTZ camera is.
Thermal cameras detect heat signatures rather than visible light, making them effective for perimeter security in total darkness or through smoke and fog. See how a thermal camera works.
The dome housing obscures the lens direction and resists tampering, which is part of why they're a common choice for retail and office ceilings. Read how dome security cameras work.
Beyond deterrence, cameras give you visual verification during an alarm, documentation for incidents and liability claims, and remote visibility into daily operations. See the benefits of security cameras.
Conduit, drop-ceiling routing, and exterior raceways keep wiring protected and out of sight across a larger property. See how to run security camera wires outside.
Most platforms let you manage retention settings and delete footage directly from the recorder or cloud dashboard. See how to delete footage from security cameras.
Cost scales with camera count, resolution, storage duration, and whether the system needs professional monitoring. Our breakdown of video surveillance costs covers the ranges in more detail — larger or multi-site properties should expect a wider range.
