If you’re looking into getting a security system for your property, you’ve probably had a look at what’s available, spoken to some people, and maybe even got some quotes. And you might have noticed that the prices can vary quite a lot. It’s not just one company using more expensive parts or charging more for labour, the cost of a security system genuinely can range from fairly cheap to expensive with several extra 0’s. But there is method behind the madness. Here are some of the things that can affect the price of a security system.
System Type
The type of system you choose is your base point here. The more complex the system, the higher the price will be. For example, bell-only alarms are usually the cheapest upfront cost, while systems with ongoing monitoring or a direct police response cost significantly more.
Then there’s whether you choose a wireless or wired system. Wireless ones usually cost 10%- 20% more for” the equipment itself, but the labour is less for installation, whereas wired systems tend to be the other way around.
finally, if you choose smart home integration features like app control, video doorbells, smart locks or high- definition CCTV. All of these will bring the cost of the hardware and installation up. So the smarter it gets, the more expensive.
Property Size & Layout
Naturally, the size of your property will affect your cost, both in terms of hardware and Installation. Larger properties need more door contacts, motion sensors, glass- break detectors, external cameras etc. A small 2-bedroom flat might only need 4 or 5 sensors, while a 4-bedroom house would need at least 10.
Then you need to consider the layout of the property. Awkward wall cavities, high ceilings or multi-storey layouts all make things a little more complex in terms of installation. And that’s before we get onto listed buildings!
Installation and Labour
Once you’ve got the hardware sorted, you need to factor in the labour cost of installing it. This is often where people don’t realise the cost can vary hugely. For example, D14 and self-installed systems cost you nothing but your own time, even if they lack professional guarantees or monitoring. But having a system professionally installed means you’re paying for that expertise and time.
Where you are. in the country can also affect how much labour will cost you. Installers in London and the South East will typically charge 20% – 30% more for labour than their counterparts in Wales, Scotland, the Midlands or Northern England. Then there’s qualifications. Using installers that have been assessed and certified by the National Security Inspectorate (NS1 for short) or the Security Systems and Alarms Inspection Board (S SA1B) will cost you more, but you will know that their work meets standard insurance policy and police criteria
Ongoing Costs
Finally, there’s the long term to consider. Once your system has been installed, it should be maintained. That means annual servicing, which can be done as one-off payments or monthly maintenance fees.
And if you’ve chosen a monitored system, you will need to pay for the monitoring too. Basic app notifications are usually free with most systems, while key holder or 24/7 professional monitoring can run from £15 to £60 + per month. At the very top end you have the full police response packages, which will run your monthly bill up substantially.
So really, asking how much your security system will cost is like asking how long a piece of string is. It really depends on what you want, and the property you’re putting it into. If you’d like to know more about choosing the right security system for you, or advice on how to upgrade what you already have, we would love to have a chat. Just get in touch with the Securifix team today to speak to one of our security experts.
