Home Alarms Costs

Before you buy, there are a few things you should do:

• Do a safety audit of your home to get an idea of security issues and needs
• Consider what level of security you think you need or want - do you want a simple approach or a more comprehensive solution?
• What is your budget - how much can you afford?
• What do you need to protect - can you afford not to?
• Does your insurer require certain levels of security?
• Does your insurer offer discounts on insurance premiums and/or security products and services?

Whether it's a simple door lock or a 24/7 security surveillance system, if you want it to be effective, you should make sure that you always buy quality products and services from reputable suppliers.

Reputable security companies will:

• Be licensed and accredited.
• Have qualified and certified staff.
• Be happy to assess your needs and provide a written obligation-free quote.
• Give you quotes that include all costs - from set up to fees and warranties.
• Suggest relevant and effective solutions to meet your needs.
• Give you the names of other customers to talk to.
• Promise to be available when you need them.

Costs
The costs involved will depend on the products, services and service levels you buy.

As an indication, here are some ballpark figures:

• Security bars from galvanised steel with powder coating: $190 per square metre
• A peephole for your door: $15
• A sliding door patio bolt: $30
• Sensor floodlights: $40+
• A screen door lock will cost around $45
• Imitation surveillance camera: $50
• Window locks: $50 for a pack of four
• Stainless steel flyscreens: $250 per square metre installed
• Intercom system: $700
• Basic DIY alarm system: $400+
• Advanced alarm system: $1,000 plus monthly fees and call out fees.
• Video surveillance camera: start at $150; complete monitored system $1,000+. Look out for new deals on alarms and monitoring systems. Packages are available from around $800 per year, including equipment and monthly fees - but there are terms and conditions, so check these out.

Security and insurance
Check out the security requirements of your home and contents insurance. Some insurers will require you to have keyed locks on windows. On the up-side, insurance companies may also give you a discount if you have a certain level of security.