It’s hard to put a price on peace of mind, but getting an alarm system installed can do just that. With advances in technology, alarm systems can become even more integrated with your home and give you a greater sense of safety than ever before. 

When you’re considering installing an alarm system, it’s easy to get overwhelmed with the options available. We’ve collected some information to help you along, including:

• What’s the difference between alarm systems and security systems
• Types of alarm systems
• How much does an alarm system specialist cost?
• How do I find an alarm system specialist?
• Getting quotes for alarm system specialists

What’s the difference between alarm systems and security systems

It’s important to know that an alarm system is different from a security system. An alarm system uses alarms to detect when burglars or other intruders attempt to or successfully enter your home. They use a range of sensors, like ones placed on doors and windows, to detect and alert you to any intruders. 

A security system is more comprehensive. They will often include an alarm system but offer expanded protections for other types of hazards. These can include but aren’t limited to:

• Fires 
• Carbon monoxide 
• Flooding 

If you want a more integrated security system you may need to hire a home security business to give you a more integrated system. 

For more information on integrated security systems read our guide: How much do home security systems cost?

Types of alarm systems

In general, you’ll find that there are two main types of alarm systems, wired and wireless. Each comes with its own advantages and disadvantages depending on your home, budget and security needs. 

Wired alarm systems 

Wired, or hardwired, alarm systems are just what they sound like. They’re alarm systems that are hardwired into the electrical systems of your home. They are the traditional choice for an alarm system and they’ve been around long before wireless systems became available. 

The main advantage of getting a hardwired alarm system is that they are generally more reliable and secure. Being hardwired into your network and electrical systems will mean that it’s harder for them to lose power or connection to the rest of your system. 

These advantages usually mean that it’s a much more intensive installation process that includes internal wiring to be done. The main disadvantage of a hardwired alarm system is usually the price tag, as on average, a wired alarm system will be more expensive than a wireless one. 

It’s good to know that most wired systems these days will include some wireless components as it’s rare to find a completely wired system in modern times. 

Wireless alarm systems 

With so many advances in technology and better wireless networks for residential systems, wireless alarm systems are increasingly becoming the popular choice in Australia. Each sensor and device in the system connects over radio frequencies so that they don’t need to be connected with wires. 

The main advantages of a wireless alarm system are lower installation costs and a less invasive installation process. As they don’t need to be wired into the internal systems of your home, most of the costs go to mounting and securing the sensors and connecting them properly rather than wiring and installation costs. Wireless alarm systems are a great budget-friendly option. 

Due to their reliance on independent power sources and wireless connections, these alarm systems can be less reliable and secure than a hardwired system. Just like your Wi-Fi signal, there are times when the system may lose connection to one or more sensors. They also don’t tend to have a backup power source, whereas a wired system can fall back on mains power if there is an interruption in the power flow. 

How much does an alarm system installation cost?

A typical alarm system installation will include the purchase of several components, including:

• Control panel
• Home security cameras
• Motion sensors or detectors
• Key fobs
• Door and window sensors

The number and type of these components will add to the cost of your overall installation. The size and kind of home you have will also change the price.

Depending on these factors, you can expect to pay anywhere from $300 - $4,000 for an alarm system. This will include the cost of materials and labour, which can be roughly $40 - $80 per hour. 

Some examples of components and their associated costs include:

• $100-$200 for a single Wi-Fi camera with HD and night vision, that works on your existing Wi-Fi network
• $500-$1,000 for a wireless security system featuring a smart base station, 3 x battery-powered, indoor/outdoor night vision HD cameras and free cloud storage
• $1,000-$1,500 for supply and installation of a 4 camera system (IP66 rated for use outdoors) with an 8 channel 960H 1TB PVR, with remote viewing via smartphone
• $1,400-$2,000 for 4 HD cameras with ‘night vision’, 4 channel HD PVR, with remote viewing via smartphone 

Different companies prioritise different aspects of alarm systems. Care Company in Melbourne, for instance, prioritises systems that are flexible and easy to relocate which can be great for rentals or houses with growing needs. 

How do I find an alarm system specialist?

Before you hire an alarm system specialist it can be a good idea to ask them some questions to make sure that you get the right service for your needs. Some of these questions include:

• What services are included in your alarm system installation?
• Are you registered or licensed?
• Are you insured?
• Is the work guaranteed?
• Are your installers vetted?
• Can you provide references?

Getting quotes for alarm system specialists

At hipages, we always recommend getting at least three quotes before hiring an alarm system specialist. The cheapest option may not always be the best one and you may find that there are additional costs down the line that can add up. 

Don’t be afraid to ask questions about anything you’re unsure about. You can always ask about the quotes and get an itemised list of what you are paying for.