If keeping your
home safe is your main priority, investing in a home security system should be on your mind. If you're only beginning your search for the system that's right for you, one of the things you'll need to consider are the costs. From installation to maintenance to removal, find out about the different expenses associated with a home alarm system so you can
protect your home. Installation
Installation is an obvious cost for a home security system, but sometimes there are extra fees added onto the installation that you may not have considered before purchasing.
The cost estimate for a
home security system installation generally includes:
- Costs for local material--equipment delivery and service provider transportation to and from the job site
- Costs to prepare the work site for the alarm system installation which can include costs to protect the existing structure, finishes and materials.
- Costs for job cleanup and debris removal
- Labor
The estimate for your alarm system installation will likely
not include sales tax on materials and supplies, contractor fees and licensing or permit fees required by your municipality's building department (if any).
Another thing you'll need to consider about installation is the type of home alarm system you choose: hardwired or wireless alarm systems. A hardwired system will be a bit more labor intensive than a wireless system but is often more reliable. Installation for a hardwired alarm system includes
drilling holes into your home and wiring work to be completed. Higher labor costs will increase the total cost of your alarm system.
Monitoring
Home alarm systems are either monitored or unmonitored systems. If choosing a monitored system, be sure to calculate the long-term annual costs of the monitoring service to compare systems and companies more accurately.
Monthly monitoring costs can be as low as $8.95 a month or as high as $30 a month depending on options and vendors. To save some money, you could consider installing a home alarm system yourself that still allows access to monitoring for a much lower price than leasing or purchasing through a third-party vendor.
You may find that other homeowners have paid several thousand dollars for a system they purchased through a third-party vendor when they could have purchased the same protection for less through a DIY option.
Options
Many companies have advertisements for special packages and pricing that may only be for a limited time. You see the ad, call up the company and find that it only includes certain aspects of a security system, so you begin to add on other features and options and the price increases.
While it is recommended that you have two separate systems of security throughout your home, you need to consider what security measures are already included in the different packages and monthly premiums you'll be paying and decide which ones suit your needs and budget.
Repairs and maintenance
Installing a security system is a long-term commitment to your home and family's safety. At some point, a circuit might short or a component may break and it will need to be repaired or replaced. Are the cost of repairs covered under your installation or any warranties or will they come directly out of your pocket?
With a monitored system, the equipment is usually leased, therefore many companies offer warranties and provide free or reduced-cost technical support, repairs or even replacement equipment.
If you've gone the DIY route, the repairs and support are coming from you, the homeowner.
Contracts
The service contract should be considered part of the monthly fees but should you decide to terminate your contract with that particular company, you may be required to pay a fee or buy out the remaining portion of your service contract.
Now that you've considered the different costs associated with a home security system, you can decide which type of system best suits the needs of
your new or current home. The final consideration won't be financial, however--it will be the price on your peace of mind.