The cost of a home surveillance system can vary widely, depending on the type of equipment you choose and whether you need to pay for professional monitoring.
Cameras can range from inexpensive consumer-friendly options to high-end, feature-rich cameras that can be used as a whole-home security system. Regardless of what you choose, the right security camera will make your house more secure and protect your family.
Cost of Cameras
Security cameras can be a great addition to a home surveillance system, not only helping prevent burglaries but also helping homeowners catch criminals after they break into their homes. If you’re looking to install cameras in your home, the cost can vary depending on a number of factors, including the types of cameras you choose and the extra features they offer.
Camera resolution is a key factor in image quality, and it’s important to consider what level of detail you want your video to contain. The higher the resolution, the better. Most standard HD cameras produce 720p, but some high-resolution models can support 1080p or even 2K resolution.
Another key factor in camera quality is lens size. Larger lenses produce a larger field of view, and they typically produce more detail over a longer distance than smaller lenses. Smaller lenses, however, produce a wider field of view but only capture footage over shorter distances.
There are a number of different types of lenses, including varifocals, telephotos, and fisheyes. Each type has its own pros and cons, so you need to research each one carefully before purchasing.
A camera’s lens can make a difference in the amount of detail it captures, so choosing the right one is a crucial part of the camera shopping process. A high-quality lens will ensure that the images it captures are crisp, clear, and free of blurry or pixelated areas.
Cameras that include motion detection and night vision are great for catching burglars if they break into a home, as they can detect movement and record it when it occurs. The cameras also often have facial recognition and other features that help catch criminals based on their appearance.
Many cameras come with a built-in microphone that allows for communication between the camera and the person being filmed. These cameras usually work with apps or Cloud-based systems to allow you to communicate either one-way or two-way, with the person you’re recording.
Some cameras with microphones come with built-in alarms, which are great for alerting you to any suspicious activity that may be occurring around your home. Some cameras also feature E911 capabilities that allow you to contact law enforcement in case of an emergency.
Cost of Installation
The cost of a home surveillance system depends on the number of cameras and equipment you need, as well as whether it’s wired or wireless. The costs are also affected by whether you want to install the system yourself or hire a professional to do it.
A single camera usually costs $20 to $40, but it can cost more if you want to add multiple cameras or a motion detector. You’ll also have to pay for installation labor, which can range from $50 to $100 per job.
You’ll have to decide whether to go with a wired or wireless camera, as each has advantages and disadvantages. Wired cameras send footage over a cabled connection, while wireless cameras use Wi-Fi to communicate with the camera’s DVR or NVR.
If you choose to go with a wired camera, your professional installer will need to drill holes in the wall and run wires throughout your home to connect the cameras and your DVR or NVR. If you go with a wireless camera, the installation will be much easier and cheaper, but you’ll need to ensure that your home has a stable internet connection to get the best quality video.
Some cameras can support a microSD card, which will allow you to store footage for weeks or months. A large card may cost you $10 to $50, while smaller ones are typically free or very low-cost.
Many cameras come with a mobile app that lets you watch live or recorded video from your device. Depending on the brand, this can either be free or an optional service, but most providers offer it for a fee.
Another optional service is 24/7 professional monitoring. Some companies, like Ring and Frontpoint, offer it for free, but others require it. These services are usually a good investment and can protect your home from theft, fire, and burglary.
Most systems include a monitoring subscription, which can range from $10 to $50 a month. This service includes 24-hour security and emergency response, including a police officer. It also allows you to receive alerts when the system detects suspicious activity and is connected to an alarm panel.
Cost of Monitoring
A home surveillance system isn’t cheap, but it’s a good investment that can help you prevent burglaries and other dangerous situations. Having a security system is the best way to ensure you don’t lose any of your valuables or sentimental items in a break-in, and it can also save you money in the long run by preventing damage from a fire or robbery.
A typical wireless security system costs about $200 to $300 for the basic system. This includes the sensors, a control panel, and a keychain remote, but it doesn’t include the monthly monitoring fee. The cost for monitoring varies depending on the company and the type of service, but it’s generally $10 to $65 per month.
Most systems come with a silent alarm that alerts the monitoring company, but many residents prefer to add an audible siren or a panic button to their system. This can add an additional $20 to $50 to the overall cost, but it’s well worth it since it will scare off intruders and may even allow you to summon medical attention in case of a serious accident.
If you’re interested in adding a standalone camera or sensor, the cost is usually around $100 to $200. These can be purchased alone or added to a monitoring plan.
The cost of video storage is a big factor in the overall cost of a surveillance system, as you’ll need to pay a subscription fee each time you want to view the footage. Most cameras give you 24 hours of free cloud storage, but some require a monthly subscription, which can quickly add up.
Some companies offer financing plans that can help you pay for the up-front cost of equipment. These often involve a credit check, but they can be helpful for those who are short on cash or have trouble paying the upfront cost.
ADT, for instance, offers a range of home security packages, from simple to advanced. Their smart features and app-based capabilities make it easy to connect your entire home’s safety to one centralized platform. They also provide a six-month money-back guarantee and the largest network of professional monitoring centers in the country.
Cost of Extras
When putting together a budget for your new home surveillance system, it’s helpful to take into account all the elements that go into making a great system, from the right type of cameras and sensors to installation and monitoring services. The most cost-effective option is to start with a package from your local security company and then add on the pieces that are important to you as your needs evolve.
The most important decision to make is what kind of cameras you want in your home. There are many types of cameras on the market, from inexpensive, low-resolution models for smaller homes to high-end, HD video equipment for larger properties. Some of the better-quality cameras feature features like infrared night vision, motion detection, and tamper-proofing.
A few of the more expensive ones also boast a number of other features including remote viewing, live-streaming video, and motion-triggered alerts when certain events occur. Some even have integrated sensors that detect when your pet is missing or the kids are playing in the pool.
Aside from the cameras, the best way to estimate a system’s costs is by sketching out a map of the house and identifying all the areas that need coverage. It’s also a good idea to have an idea of how you want your cameras to be positioned to achieve optimal coverage and the lowest possible false alarms.