Cost to Set Up a Home Security System
The cost to set up a home security system is totally worth it for peace of mind and protection. It’s more than just locks and fences.
Smart cameras and alarms help keep your rental safe and sound. Your tenants feel secure, and you sleep easier too.
Safety builds trust and happy long-term renters. A little investment now can prevent big headaches later.
With the growing variety of home security options out there, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.
It’s important to know what to consider before installation can help you make smarter choices.
While the idea of adding security might sound like just another big expense, it can increase the value of your property and appeal to quality tenants.
In light of this, continue reading below as we’ll break down what goes into setting up a home security system.
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Main Purpose of a Home Security System
1. Installation Costs
DIY vs. Professional
A home security system’s most important overall objective is protecting people & property.
However, for landlords, this means protecting your investment and providing tenants with peace of mind and a reliable security system.
A good security system will deter break-ins, monitor activity, and notify you or your tenants about any suspicious activity.
Before the benefits of a security system come the installation, there will be a great difference in the time to install and professional installation based on the installation procedure you choose.
Home security systems that can be installed by the tenant as a DIY (do it yourself) typically have the easiest time to install, often having enough install instructions in the box to put the system together and install it yourself for less money.
DIY systems work well for landlords who are ok with hands-on setup or for small apartments.
Professional installation will offer tried and true professional installation direction, reduction in installation mistakes, and integration with existing infrastructure, especially for larger or multi-unit installations.
The right choice often comes down to the complexity of the system and how involved you want to be in the setup.
Bay Property Management Group San Antonio Texas reiterates that the true cost of not investing in a home security system is peace of mind.
Either way, installation is about laying the foundation for a more secure property that tenants will feel good calling their home.
2. Monitoring Costs
Self-Monitoring vs. Professional Monitoring
A home security system’s primary goal is simple: protection. It is intended to protect your property, deter trespassers, and provide comfort to you and your tenants.
However, protection goes beyond installing a home security system.
It also covers the monitoring of the system after it is installed. Both professional and self-monitoring systems are useful in this situation.
Self-monitoring allows the landlord or tenant to receive alerts directly through a mobile app whenever something triggers the system.
It is usually less expensive and provides more control, but it also requires someone to be present to respond to those alerts in real time, whether it is a break-in or a false alarm.
Professional monitoring utilizes a third-party service to monitor your system 24/7/365.
The monitoring service will contact emergency services if it detects suspicious movement on your system.
Professional monitoring is less hands-on and ideal for landlords who do not live locally or manage multiple properties.
All options will have their own set of advantages and downsides. The best approach in the end is often determined by your budget, whether you want to be involved, and your tenants.
Tips for Managing Home Security System Costs
1. Start with the Basics
Advanced technologies and turnkey systems may not be necessary when protecting your rental property.
First and foremost, you need not spend your life savings on this. Start with the bare basics, including motion detectors, door and window sensors, and an alarm that will make as much noise as an alarm can make.
The basics can help deter intruders and alert you if anything suspicious activity occurs.
After you have completed the basics, you can upgrade at any time if needed.
Keeping it simple will help you minimise your upfront costs so that you and/or your tenants can have peace of mind knowing that there is sensible security in place.
Investing in a home security system should not be too complicated or expensive.
2. Compare Monitoring Plans
Not all monitoring plans are the same, and sometimes, the dollar amount displayed doesn’t reflect value.
As a homeowner, make sure to compare what each provider is offering before committing.
Some professional monitoring service offerings have monthly fees in exchange for a long-term contract, while others have no commitment.
Check the fine print about response times, customer support, and whether emergency services are contacted directly by the service.
You will also want to see if the plan has options for things such as mobile app access or smart home capabilities, as that might be additional value for your tenants.
The aim is not necessarily to find the cheapest plan, but one that provides reliable security that fits your needs, without the extra fluff you don’t want.
Be patient, read the fine print, and ensure that their service meets your budget and property needs.
3. Invest in Long-term Value
It can be tempting to just go the cheapest route when it comes to your home security needs to “check the box,” however, thinking ahead can save you more money in the long run.
Rather than picking up random cheap objects that meet a minimal need, look for a home security system that meets your property needs now and has the size and scope to expand with future property needs.
Research for smart home systems that are scalable and have add-on features such as forced entry sensors and video cameras, so you are not rebuilding the system from scratch every time you expand or upgrade.
If you can, also keep in mind how easy it is to transplant the home security system you install should you move tenants or properties.
While a one-time investment in smart, flexible home security equipment might seem excessive upfront, it will ultimately save you time and headaches over regular maintenance and provide peace of mind, too.
Conclusion
An effective home security system isn’t just a great investment to protect your property; it also helps establish trust with your tenants, as well as the possibility of increasing the value of your rental.
While there are many costs associated with these components, there are ways to keep the cost low by not compromising on safety.
It’s important to educate yourself on DIY and professional installations, so you can choose the appropriate monitoring plan.
The most important aspect is to find a solution that suits your finances while offering long-term security.
If you install a home system, not only are you investing in home devices, but you are also making a more secure and desirable place to call home for your tenants.
