Burglar Alarm Installation Cost

How Much Does a Burglar Alarm Cost?

The cost of installing a burglar alarm system will depend on your home, personal preferences and budget. Within this article we aim to simplify home security systems and give you the basic information required to decide on the right security alarm system for your needs.

The average cost to have a security alarm system installed varies on the type of system you would like and what you would like it to cover.

The most basic of home security systems is a bells-only alarm which emits a loud siren when the home alarm system is triggered. This burglar alarm installation costs around £125 to £300. This is effective as it can deter intruders as well as alerting neighbours or the authorities.

You can also opt to have a silent home alarm installation. which is usually the same material price as a bells-only alarm, the only difference is that instead of making a noise it will send an alert directly to the police or monitoring station without the noise of a siren sounding off in your home. This is usually controlled by either a panic button or a duress code. To set up a police response for this alarm you may be required to pay out around £300 to £700.

A wireless security system consists of cameras, sensors and detectors which are controlled by a radio signal and is typically priced at £200 to £600, unlike wired security systems which are connected to the electric and telephone lines in your home and cost £400 to £800, as the material is less costly but it requires a more complicated installation.

Dialler alarms are similar to wired alarms and cost around the same, however, when activated they can contact up to 9 phone numbers and can also leave a pre-recorded message warning of a potential intrusion. These usually cost up to £200 for installation.

Smart security alarms are the most advanced type of alarm system, which are either controlled by Wi-Fi or Bluetooth and are typically connected to smartphones. This could cost up to £400 for professional installation for a complete smart security alarm.

The above price may vary depending on the size of your home, the security systems you choose and whether you opt for a monitoring service alongside professional installation which can cost around £400 to £1,800.

Burglar Alarm Prices

Below are some estimated costs of having a security alarm system fitted:

Supply Only Costs

Here is a breakdown of the different supply costs for a DIY security alarm installation:

Additional Costs

When it comes installing extra security features to your property in addition to having a burglar alarm fitted, there are a number of options ranging from security stickers (available between £3 and £5) to fully automated gates (£7,000 to £8,000).

Here are just some of the additional costs to take into consideration:

• Magnetic contact sensors – Typically used with wired and wireless alarm systems, these are placed on doors, windows, and other entry points to trigger alerts for any unauthorised access.
• Security stickers - Often used as a visible deterrent to opportunistic burglars, they can be a simple and cost-effective way to enhance home security.
• Key fobs – Allow you to arm or disarm your security system with the push of a button, providing convenient access control for all household members.
• Back-up batteries – Essential for ensuring your security system remains operational, especially during power cuts. Battery type depends on your system but is critical for reliability.
• External lighting – Can complement a burglar alarm installation by improving visibility and deterring intruders, especially around entry points.
• Automation for gates or garage doors – Enhances both convenience and security by allowing remote or scheduled access control to your property.

Labour Costs and Time Frames

The average security specialist will charge around £150-£200 per day for their labour depending on location. The time frame will depend on the type of security system you want in your home.

Smart home security systems may only take an hour or two to fit so may only cost up to £50, while a bells-only alarm would cost around £175 for a day’s worth of labour. For a silent alarm system with police-calling services, this will be priced at £300 for up to 2 days work.

Installing a Security Alarm

Each security system has a different method of installation. Here is a breakdown of what each job entails, along with the alarm cost and pros and cons of each system.

Bells-Only Alarm

A bells-only alarm is typically installed near a front entrance by sticking or nailing it to a wall. Infra-red and motion detectors will then be placed in optimum positions to detect intrusion. Magnetic contact switches will be placed on the perimeter your home to act as the first point of contact for intruders.

Price: £125 to £300

Pros

✔ Omits a loud noise which acts as an effective deterrent against intruders.

✔ One of the cheapest alarm systems to install.

Cons

✖ Does not automatically alert the police.

✖ An unmonitored system is more vulnerable.

Wired Alarm

A professional wired alarm installation will usually begin with a full site survey to determine your requirements. Once the type and number of sensors are established, these need to be mounted and the wiring concealed. Then the final stage is to connect all the sensors and other devices to the main control panel. If you choose a monitored alarm system, it will need to be connected to a phone line or your internet service.

Price: £400 to £800

Pros

✔ Do not require as much maintenance.

✔ No battery replacement cost.

Cons

✖ Must be fitted professionally.

✖ Installation is expensive as hard-wiring is required.

Silent Alarm

If you would prefer a silent alarm, experts suggest that you should get used to your system first before turning on the silent function. They usually recommend waiting a month before they can help you set up your silent alarm system which includes creating a duress code should an intruder break into your property.

Price: £200 to £300

Pros

✔ This type of alarm can trick an intruder into thinking they have gained access and will most likely be caught.

✔ Police will be verified when unauthorised access is detected.

Cons

✖ As there is no noise detected you will not be alerted of the intrusion so it could put you in danger especially during the night.

✖ Increased chance of confrontation with the intruder.

Wireless Alarm

If you’re opting for a wireless home alarm installation, then a professional will install your home security panel by hammering a nail into a wall near your front door in proximity to a power outlet. If you’re living in a rented property, it may be possible for your panel to be installed using adhesive. Once this is complete sensors and motion detectors can then be stuck on doors and windows using adhesive. The system will then be tested to ensure it is working correctly.

Price: £200 to £600

Pros

✔ Quick and easy to install.

✔ Little to no labour costs.

Cons

✖ Sensor batteries will need to be replaced regularly.

✖ Require regular maintenance.

Smart Security System

There are various types of smart security systems that are usually fitted by homeowners, however, if you have difficulty setting it up you can ask a professional to do it for you. The installation process will typically involve setting up the security system, downloading an app on your smartphone and connecting it to the device through Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.

Smart doorbells may be more complicated as they will need to be mounted on a wall or door in order to function effectively. Before doing this, a professional will make sure that there is enough space left to load and remove a rechargeable battery within the doorbell before it is secured in place. They will then switch off the power to your existing doorbell via the circuit breaker, then they can be attached to the wall, the wires will connect to the screws and the power can then be turned back on.

Price: £190 to £400

Pros

✔ Can pick up the smallest levels of detection and alert you on your phone.

✔ Smart doorbells allow you to monitor your home in real-time.

Cons

✖ Requires a smartphone.

✖ Can be costly for a full smart home automation kit.

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Cost Affecting Factors of Installing a Security Alarm

There are several cost factors you need to consider before deciding on the right home burglar alarm system for your needs. For example:

Size of Property

• The larger your home, the more sensors and detectors you will need (both inside and out)
• Installation within larger properties will take longer, increasing labour costs
• Example: If you have a 3-bedroom house you could end up paying up to £1,100 for installation (including monitoring)

Type of Alarm

• Wireless alarms - Material costs are typically higher than wired systems, however there is no hardwiring required, keeping installation costs down
• Wired alarms - Require installation and potential rewiring, so although materials are cheaper, the increase in labour costs will put the price up

Extra Features

• Example: A dialler alarm that automatically calls your number (and up to 8 others) when the alarm goes off
• The installation of this type of feature typically costs an additional £150-£200

DIY vs Professional Burglar Alarm Installation

Wireless alarm systems can be fitted by anyone with basic DIY skills, as they are easier to install due to no wiring being required - as such you don't even need to worry about an electrician.

As wireless systems are battery-powered and communicate via radio signals, you need very little equipment to get them installed. If you are doing so yourself, once you've purchased the alarm system all you require is a hammer (£3 to £15), nails (£2 to £10) and self-adhesive (£1 to £3 a pack).

However, wired alarms should ideally be fitted by a professional, as they need to be connected to your home electrical system and also the wires have to be hidden, all of which increase the labour costs.

Hard-wired alarm systems are robust and require less ongoing maintenance, compared to wireless systems.

DIY Alarm System Installation

Pros

• ✔ Low cost - No additional labour fees, just the cost of tools and equipment
• ✔ No commitment - Without any additional fees or contracts, you can easily change your mind
• ✔ Convenience - Install at your own leisure, without any intrusion

Cons

• ✖ Time-consuming - Installation can take hours, potentially across several days with hard-wired systems
• ✖ Lack of support - No security assistance to advise on where to place your cameras or how to use them
• ✖ Potential mistakes - Chance of damaging the system or your property, may also void any warranty

Professional Alarm System Installation

Pros

• ✔ Expert knowledge - Professional set-up from positioning of cameras to installation of technology
• ✔ More efficient - Installation won't take as long as DIY, especially for hard wired systems
• ✔ Customer support - Likely to include maintenance, troubleshooting and security monitoring

Cons

• ✖ Additional fees - Labour costs for installation unlikely to be included in initial cost price
• ✖ Inconvenience - Installation won't be instant, will need to be allocated a slot
• ✖ Harder to move - Likely to be permanent fittings, especially with hard-wired security systems

Should I Install a Security Alarm?

According to police statistics, you are much less likely to become a victim of burglary if you have a professionally fitted and well-maintained security alarm system. So, fitting a burglar alarm is definitely a worthwhile investment.

While it is advised that everybody should have a security alarm installed, it is especially important for those living in areas with high crime rates. If you have just moved into a neighbourhood, you can check the statistics in your area before deciding on the level of security you need. You could also ask your neighbours about burglaries in your area and whether they are a common occurrence.

Benefits of Having a Security Alarm

There are a variety of advantages for having a home security alarm installed, from protecting against a potential burglary to peace of mind for you and your family:

• Protects against intruders and robbery
• Added protection for your belongings
• Potentially lowers your home insurance
• Therefore could also increase the value of your property
• Ideal for when you're away on holiday or for work

If you install a smart security system, these come with the ability to monitor your home from your smartphone. This is a great way to keep an eye on your property when you are not close by and will also help provide evidence should there be anything untoward.

Will Installing an Alarm System Add Value to My Home?

Having a security system installed in your home can increase the value of your home, while also offering additional discounts for you and potential buyers. As a lot of insurance companies will actually lower monthly premiums by 20% for homes with an alarm system in place.

What Is a NACOSS Alarm?

The National Approval Council for Security Systems (NACOSS) is now known as the National Security Inspectorate (NSI). It is an accredited organisation used by local authorities to deem whether an alarm installation is of a high standard.

This offers homeowners reassurance that their alarm system is good quality and is also reliable.

The British Security Industry Association (BSIA) only represents companies who are certified NACOSS Gold suppliers, and the price these firms charge is usually around £950 for installation in an average home.

However, if opting for servicing and monitoring services you should expect to pay around £400 per year.

NACOSS alarm systems that meet the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) security systems requirements - and are monitored by a registered Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC), can automatically call for police back-up in the event of an emergency. This adds another layer to your security system that will protect your home, contents and anyone that lives at your property.

Cost of Removing a Security Alarm

If you are looking to upgrade your security alarm or are planning to move and want to take it with you, then you will need to have it removed.

A wired system will require a professional’s help to ensure that everything is powered down properly. This should cost around £50 to £100 per hour for an electrician’s help, although this cost may vary depending on the extent of the job.

A wireless system, on the other hand, should cost nothing at all, as all you need to do is unscrew it from the wall and take it with you.

If you plan to remove the alarm yourself, you should follow the below steps:

1. Before removing the alarm, you must contact your alarm monitoring company to inform them of your plans. If you do not do this and the alarm is tampered with, the police may be called out to your home.
2. The first step involves disabling the control panel by putting it in maintenance mode, then the power will be disconnected from the alarm and the siren if it has one to prevent false alarms.
3. When disconnecting the power, you should use a multimeter to make sure there is no power flowing through the system to prevent any electrical shocks
4. If the alarm is battery-powered you should disconnect the battery then take out any screws and nails or if glued you will need to pry it away from the wall.
5. Detectors, sensors and other components should all be removed, making sure that screws, nails and glue are taken out of the walls or fixtures.

FAQ's

Don't alarm systems just annoy everyone with false alarms?

Modern wireless alarm systems that are professionally fitted suffer very rarely from false alarms, though they can never be completely eliminated. If you have pets, there are pet-proof systems that are specially designed to not set off the alarm when your pets are moving around the home.

I rent my home, does that mean I cannot have an alarm fitted?

No, wireless alarm systems work via radio transmission so laying cables is unnecessary. So, you can have your own personal security solution installed even in a rented home and take the system with you when you move.

What features are typically included in a basic home security system?

Basic features include magnetic sensors for door and windows plus one or more infrared motion sensors inside the home. These sensors all link to a central control panel that usually has a siren and sometimes also a connection to a monitoring company which can contact the Police directly if necessary. in addition, many security companies will offer keychain remote controls for arming or disarming the system or even alerting emergency services. Mobile apps are also available on more expensive security systems.

What is NSI?

The NSI (National Security Inspectorate) is the leading certification body for the security and fire protection industry in the UK. Established over 40 years ago, they help protect businesses and homeowners by auditing home and business security and fire safety service companies.

What is the benefit of using an NSI approved company?

An NSI approved company works to the highest recognised industry standards including those demanded by the Police, Fire and Rescue Services and the insurance industry. NSI approved companies install high-quality equipment in a professional manner to provide the customer with peace of mind.

How much does it cost to install an alarm system?

Alarm system costs will vary depending on the type of system you choose; however, a ballpark average is typically around £200. Although for a monitoring system you should expect to pay up to £50 per month.

How much does it cost to install security cameras?

Most homes will have around 3 to 4 security cameras inside and outside of their home, which will cost around £525 for a professional installation, however, larger homes may require up to 8 cameras which could cost up to £900.

Are wireless alarm systems reliable?

Wireless alarms used to be unreliable as they often triggered false alarms, however, new technology has enabled the improvement of wireless alarms making them one of the most reliable alarm installations.

How to Find & Hire a Security Specialist

If considering having an alarm system installed, it is recommended that you get at least three quotations from reputable installers which are current members of a recognised trade association for the security industry, such as SSAIB or NSI.

Your insurance company may also be able to recommend particular companies and may even offer a discount on your home contents insurance. You should also check that the company you choose has public liability insurance to protect everyone in the event of a problem or incident.

When shopping around for quotes, note the cheapest quote is not always the best option. Be very wary of alarm companies that cold call and use high-pressure sales tactics. If alarm monitoring services are offered make sure they are recognised by the police.

You should also check any installation contract carefully and ensure you are fully aware of the maintenance requirements and costs. British Standards requires that there is a handover period in which the alarm company ensures the homeowner is familiar with the system, so make sure that the company you choose offers training to show you how the system works!

Sources

https://www.angelsecurity.co.uk/blog/benefits-of-silent-alarms/