Alarm Pre-wire

If you want to simplify your life, run 22/4 everywhere. There is not much difference in cost from 22/2 and you only need one roll. Simple contact closures only require two wires, but other things like motion sensors, keypads, etc. typically require three or four. You are going to have to decide what to home run and what to daisy chain. Take pictures of everything before the drywall goes up so you can find it easily later. There are a number of reliable manufacturers. I think most of my gear is Ademco.

I would definitely run 22/4 to each location you want a sensor. Plan out smoke/fire, motion, window and door entries. You can daisy chain each zone (I wouldn't daisy chain the entire way). Make sure the sensor you get is compatible with your alarm (most are but I would double check).

If you want a simple alarm system that offers monitoring and cell backup, I would look at DSC or Ademco Honeywell. If you want any home automation down the line, I would pre-wire for ELK or HAI alarm systems (cost more).

Are you planning on doing automation? You posted this in the automation section. If so, go with the Elk or HAI - no brainer.

I suggest you pick the alarm now, before the prewire. The distributor that sells you the alarm will help with wiring questions.

Automated Outlet would be a good choice for distributor. I know they sell Elk and HAI.

You need to decide on whether to use End of Line Resistors, EOLRs. These resistors are wired in series with the sensors, 1 for each zone. Many people don't use them, many do. Some panels require them, and the resistors are sometimes wired into the circuit at the panel for this reason. At the panel they are useless, but when installed near the sensors they can help detect faults. It's a decision that you need to make. Maybe the distributor can help you decide.

AO may sell some other alarms as well, besides HAI and Elk. Both Elk and HAI offer basic alarms too, that don't provide much automation.

Cocoontech.com forums have a Home Security subforum where people discuss alarm install issues. Most users in that forum use Elk and HAI panels, but installation is very similar for all alarms.

AO can sell you cable, call for the best pricing.

Your local electric supply house is a good source for 22/4, 22/2, 18/2, and ethernet cable.

You'll need to figure out which cable your keypads will need. Elk and HAI are easiest with ethernet (cat5/cat5e/cat6)-type cable, unsure of other brands.

Your alarm can be wired to the line-voltage smoke alarms so that the fire department (and/or others) are called if the smoke alarms go off.

You may want to wire your garage doors to the alarm, too.