Home security is one of the best securities one can have in their home and this can be done through the installation of an alarm system. However, let us find out how much does a home security system cost. Home alarm systems available in the market are quite cheap, with DIY Home Security Systems going for as low as $200 while professionally installed home alarm systems are very expensive, with some going for as high as $1,500. The cost varies depending on the type of system, extent of monitoring, number of devices, and features. To help you understand what to expect in terms of cost when investing in home security, this guide categorizes the various factors that influence the cost and gives approximations on the average cost of each factor.

Simple Features of Home Alarm System

  • Control panel – The central management of the system, interacts with the sensors and controls the system. Control panels can be wired or wireless depending on their design and layout.
  • Sensors – these alert a central control panel with signals when doors, windows, motion, glass breakage, floods, smoke/fire, carbon monoxide, etc are threatened. Wired sensors can be used as well as wireless sensors.
  • Keypad – This lets the user activate or deactivate the system through the keypad with the help of the code. Today, many systems come equipped with mobile applications that enable system control with a smartphone or a tablet.

Monitoring Services

In most home security systems, you have people at a central location who constantly monitor your home alarm system. When the alarm is activated, the monitoring center informs you and/or the personnel from the police or even the fire department. This comes with a monthly subscription fee and offers the extra protection that many car owners will find invaluable. In this case, the alarm will ring locally but there will be no one to inform that the system has been triggered.

DIY Home Security Systems

DIY home security systems are relatively cheap; initial installation packages are available at $100- $200. These consist of a control panel, one to three door or window contacts, a motion detector, and usually a siren or sounder. This system allows you to install the sensors and connect the system on your own, thus saving money on professional installation. DIY systems are available in stores such as Costco, Sam’s Club, Lowes, Home Depot, and Amazon.

DIY home security system SimpliSafe, Ring Alarm, Abode, Nest Secure, and Owl. If you are running a basic system and have a small number of devices, expect to pay anywhere from $100 up to $500 for a do-it-yourself installation. However, do-it-yourself security systems provide significantly less protection and connectivity to the home as compared to professionally installed ones, which can be extremely affordable for basic security. As there will be no professional monitoring, the alarm will sound loud when you are at home, if the sensors are triggered by an intruder.

Professionally Installed Security Systems

Burglar alarms that are professionally fitted need the service of a security firm to install, configure, and monitor your security system. This provides high security and compatibility with alarm sensors, cameras, lighting systems, smart home devices, and monitoring services. Systems that are professionally installed cost from $500 up to $2,000+.

Professionally installed alarm systems vary based on: 

  • Hardware – The number of security cameras, sensors, touchpads, smoke detectors, etc.
  • Type of monitoring – Security provider monitoring rates are usually $15-$60+ depending on the type of monitoring and how fast the company responds.
  • Additional functionalities & connections – Features such as home automation, controlling the app, video analysis, and smart door locks also contribute extra costs.

Some of the top home security companies that offer professionally installed and monitored systems include ADT, Vivint, Frontpoint, Protect America, Brinks Home Security, and Xfinity Home. Purchasing directly from such providers will cost you $500-$1500+ for equipment plus the monthly monitoring charges. Contract control terms are usually for 36 months. But some firms such as SimpliSafe and Cove have monthly monitoring plans that you can terminate after the first three months.

Choosing the local security company for installing and monitoring your home security system may cost up to 50% less compared with the national companies. The costs for the equipment and installation range between $500-$1000. Monitoring fees differ with a basic fee being between $15-$40 per month.

Elements That Affect Home Security Systems Prices

Several factors determine how much your total investment will be for a home security system:

  • Home size - A large home has more points that need protection through sensors and equipment hence the cost of the system is relatively high. Small apartments or single rooms may use simple, mini types of equipment.
  • Home layout – when construction is multi-story, many require a separate control panel for each level which is expensive. The construction of your home can raise costs too if sensors are difficult to connect.
  • Monitoring type – The detailed monitoring response here is much more useful than the lower levels because it costs more per month.
  • System capabilities - Home automation platforms, video analytics, and mobile app controls are convenient features but are cost drivers.
  • Additional equipment – Additional security cameras, doorbell cameras, flood & fire sensors, home automation devices, and many others contribute to the equipment costs. But also are associated with more confidence and satisfaction in the decision-making process.
  • Installation challenges – some constructions may be hard to wire or require outdated methods of installation, and large properties that require a lot of equipment will also lead to high installation costs.

In other words, when you decide that you want to get a home security system, you have to consider the following: your family’s financial standing, potential threats, property that you cannot afford to lose, and what is most important to you. This way, you will be able to know the right level of protection you need to get useful security features without having to pay more than you need.

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