Home Security Alarm System Cost
It is not as expensive as one would think to employ a
home security monitored alarm system
with prices of little more than a dollar a day.
Standard monthly monitored fees are typically $25 - $40 per month but those that
require a backup capability such as a radio or cellular add on around $10 to your
monthly fees. For an optional remote control add around $85 - $200 and a pet alley
will cost an extra $50 - $300 per year.
Installation and equipment costs depend on the type of equipment installed, the
number of
security sensor devices
required and the size of your property. Typically expect to pay in the region of
$100 - $1500 for both installation and equipment. You may want to include
fire protection
and this will add $200 - $400 to the initial setup cost with $0 - $5 extra onto
your monthly monitoring fees.
Installation time for a typical 1300 sq ft two-bedroom apartment would be around
4 – 8 hours. A larger property, such as a 3000 sq ft house may take up to two days.
It will depend on how much pre-wiring exists or if you purchase a
wireless home security system.
The standard contract term is a 3 – 5 year commitment although contracts could be
month to month, but this is uncommon. The contract will assure you that your monthly
fees will not increase before the contract expires. However, be aware that if you
break the contract before the term is up hefty fees will apply. These fees can range
from 75% right up to the full amount.
There are generally two options that are available when purchasing a home security
deal: buy the equipment outright or lease the equipment. When you buy a system the
basic peripherals are provided such as door contacts, motion detectors etc…and you
will get to keep these after your contract expires. Those that choose to lease the
equipment, you will pay around $300 - $500 per year which will be incorporated into
your monthly fees.
To have a home monitored security system, some local police department require annual
permits. There are typically two permits you will need and these are: electrical
permit to install and monitor the alarm system in your home and a state monitoring
permit with your local police. The costs are around $10 - $50 a year.
As with any contract make sure you scrutinize it carefully, right down to the last
detail. Make sure the fees that you will be charges are genuine. Remember, you will
be signed up to this contract for a long period of time. Make sure you are not charged
for anything that should already be covered in the contract elsewhere.
All home security systems should have some kind of warranty. These may be as little
as 90 days, but usually will be 1 year. Some will cover up to the life of the contract.
Warranty will generally cover parts and labor, but again, check these details in
your contract. Obviously, avoid a home security alarm system that does not offer
some kind of warranty.
There is usually an option to purchase an extended maintenance and repair agreement
when you sign up for you monitoring contract. This costs around $100 - $200 which
will be added to your monthly fees. This will cover all parts and labor costs for
your peace of mind.