How Much Does It Cost To Install A Security System?

The average homeowner would do anything possible to feel safer at home, and nobody can blame them. After all, break-ins are traumatizing whether you’re home or not. So, how much does it cost to install a security system?

It costs at least $1,000 to install a high-end security system with a well-monitored alarm. For example, an alarm with a premium monitoring service costs up to $1,200. It also costs over $1,000 to install a set of 4 security cameras including hardware, labor, and monitoring fees. Home security monitoring services start at $30 to $45 a month. 

Security storm doors can also make it hard for burglars to get into your home. A basic burglar alarm system is the bare minimum of what you need to boost home security. Follow along as we explore how much it costs to install a security system. 

Home Security Installation Cost

1. Alarm

A burglar alarm is essential to basic home security. Statistics show that 60% of burglars avoid homes with a burglar alarm, indicating they are effective. Today, burglar alarms are quite affordable, especially if you buy a basic system without smart features. 

It costs as little as $300 to install a basic burglar alarm system between hardware and installation. However, you can expect to spend over $1,200 to install a smart system in a large house. That’s because it entails more electrical work and takes much longer. 

A standard burglar alarm won’t call the police, but it should at least scare burglars away. You must pay for an additional monitoring service if you want your alarm to notify law enforcement. However, the sound of a burglar alarm is enough to make burglars think twice about breaking in. 

2. Cameras

Security cameras work wonders to boost home security, and they are reasonably affordable. For example, you can get a set of 4 security cameras for $1,000. Otherwise, you can find low-end single cameras for under $200.

Today, you can buy security cameras with facial recognition capabilities, but they are expensive. A set of 4 cameras with facial recognition technology starts at $1,200 before installation. You can expect to spend $80 to $200 on labor per camera if your cameras are wired. 

Not only can a camera keep your home safe, but it can also stop packages from getting stolen. Position your security cameras so they don’t point at your neighbors’ houses. Ideally, you should only point your cameras within your yard, or else you may upset your neighbors. 

3. Smart Locks

Today, every homeowner should consider upgrading to smart locks. Smart locks offer maximum security, as you can control them remotely. For example, you can quickly lock your front door from the comfort of your bedroom at night. 

Some smart locks also work via fingerprint recognition, which makes it quite difficult for burglars to get in. Simple smart locks start at between $60 to $90, but high-end models cost up to $1,200 and include more features. Wi-Fi-enabled smart locks with fingerprint sensors typically cost at least $400 up to $1,000 before installation. 

Installation typically costs much less than the locks themselves. You can expect to spend between $200 and $400 on labor fees depending on who you hire. The cost also varies based on how many locks you’re installing. 

4. Security Storm Door

Many homes have storm doors, but they aren’t always difficult to get past. Simple storm doors made of thin glass cannot reasonably keep burglars out. Luckily, you can find security storm doors made of wood, tempered glass, and strong metals like steel.

Security storm doors typically feature security grilles with welded frames that are hard to get past. The doors themselves cost between $300 and $5,000 before installation. The cost varies based on dimensions and materials. You can expect to spend an average of $100 per hour on labor to install a security storm door.

However, you can avoid labor charges if you install your security storm door without professional help. Keep in mind that you must at least enlist the help of a friend or two. Security storm doors are often heavy and hard to hold up without help. 

5. Video Doorbell

Video doorbells like Ring, Wyze, and Ecobee have taken the world by storm. They save homeowners a trip to the front door when people knock, and they boost security. Depending on the camera and who installs it, it costs an average of $300 to install a video doorbell. 

However, the cost can exceed $1,000 between supplies and installation costs. For example, video doorbell installation can be expensive if lots of electrical work is needed. That said, video doorbells start at $30 to $50, so installation makes up most of the cost.

You can save hundreds of dollars if you install the video doorbell without help. Granted, this requires some electrical knowledge if you live in an old home. However, you can find many wireless video doorbells that don’t require an electrical connection. 

6. Home Security Monitoring

Home security monitoring is an affordable service many homeowners add to their security plans. For example, security companies like ADT offer monitoring services for $30 to $45 a month. The premium monitoring plan that ADT offers includes 24/7 monitoring and alerts. 

This cost is in addition to the cost of your burglar alarm itself. While the cost adds up, it’s worth investing in if you live in an area with lots of break-ins. 

When Should You Replace Your Burglar Alarm?

Ideally, you should replace or update your burglar alarm every 5 to 15 years. Burglar alarms often run into operational problems starting at the 5-year mark. However, burglar alarms become much less effective after 10 to 15 years of consistent use. 

Pay attention to your burglar alarm and replace it sooner if you experience frequent problems. For example, false alarms can indicate electrical problems and a faulty unit. You cannot trust a burglar alarm that isn’t responsive or accurate. 

Battery-operated burglar alarms require frequent maintenance. It’s important to replace the batteries every 3 to 5 years or sooner if you notice problems. Luckily, many burglar alarms notify homeowners when it’s time to replace the batteries. 

Summing It Up

You can expect to spend up to $1,200 to install a high-end burglar alarm security system. Installing cameras can add another $1,000 to your security system costs, depending on how many you have. It’s also worth spending $300 to $5,000 to install a security storm door made of steel, tempered glass, or wood. 

Related Guides:

• How Many Security Cameras Do I Need For My Home?
• Why Does My Home Security Alarm Keep Going Off?