The Cost of Installing a Home Security System

Home security systems are of two kinds: do-it-yourself packages and professional systems provided by companies that install and monitor alarm systems. The former are usually wireless systems, and are cheaper to install than professional systems.

Before you opt for one system or the other, it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with the benefits as well as shortcomings of each.

Do-it-yourself systems can be bought off the shelf from any home improvement or hardware store, and are undoubtedly inexpensive. However, these can leave much to be desired in terms of quality and effectiveness. The smallest and most easy to install are relatively cheap, and can cost as little as $100. Choose these if you live alone or in a small home with two to three people, and no valuable possessions other than the standard ones (TV, VCR, etc). But if you have a home with children and/or valuables such as jewelry or antiques that you keep in the house, you will probably want to consider the more expensive home security systems.

The most cost-effective home security systems are those that guard the perimeter of your house. Arguably, if a burglar is stopped at the first hurdle, he can’t do you or your loved ones any harm. Perimeter systems are programmed to sound an alarm when someone tries to cross over your grounds. Most of the latest ones are programmed to identify the weight and shape of intruders, and are not likely to be triggered by apples falling to the ground or your toddler crawling out onto the lawn to retrieve his favorite beach ball. 

The least costly systems, which you can get for a couple hundred dollars or so, include such devices as door and window sensors and surveillance cameras. The degree of sophistication of the gadget increases as the price goes up. For example, a PowerMax home security system with a keypad attached for access cord protection will cost you $195. A similar system provided by Ademco will cost you $224.95.

If you live in a large house, if you're away from home a lot, or if your home is in an isolated area, you might want to think about remotely monitored systems. These are the most expensive to install, since they require monitoring by your service provider.

Remote monitoring is a useful option because your service company will directly contact the police or fire department, should the appropriate alarm go off. A monitored system will cost you about $1000 to install, as well as a monthly fee of approximately $30. Such systems also usually require you to sign a contract with the providing company, generally for two or three years. Monitored systems also cost about $300 a year in terms of maintenance.

Before choosing your system, also check with your insurance company about prices, since most companies have links with security services providers, and can sometimes offer you home security at a discounted rate. Alternatively, if you don’t have insurance yet, most insurance companies offer you a discount on their home-owners’ policies if you set up a home security system. The rate of the discount varies according to your choice of system. For example, if you opt for an inexpensive burglar alarm, you are likely to get a discount of 10% on a premium policy. 

There is a wide range of choices in home security systems, so pick one that suits your budget and also caters to your individual needs.

Remember that the key to security is also to visually enforce the fact that you have a home security system. Put up signs in your yard that deter burglars from approaching your home, and set up a prominent ‘Beware of Vicious Dog’ sign, even if you don’t have a dog. You can even purchase a porch light with a timer, set to go on and off every few hours, so that anyone watching the house may believe that there is someone home, even if there isn’t. Ultimately, though, if you live in an independent house, a basic home protection system is essential at the very least. Once your system is installed, it only costs you a reasonable fee to maintain it – a fee that is worth paying for the security of your home and your family!

source: homesecurityinformation