How Much Does a Home Alarm System Cost in Perth?
If you’re looking at installing a home alarm system in Perth, one of the first questions is usually the price.
Watchdog Alarms currently offers a professionally installed home alarm package from $1,599*. The final cost depends on your property, how many areas need protection, the type of sensors required and whether you want extras such as professional monitoring, CCTV or additional smart-security features.
The important thing is not simply buying the alarm with the most devices. A well-designed system should protect the areas that matter, suit the way you use your home and give you a clear way to respond when something happens.
What Do You Get in a $1,599 Watchdog Home Alarm Package?
Watchdog’s current home alarm package includes:
- Qolsys IQ 4 Smart Panel
- Built-in glass-break sensor
- Bluetooth arm and disarm
- 2 motion sensors
- Door sensor
- Mobile app with notifications
- Optional professional 24/7 monitoring
For many Perth homes, that provides a strong starting point. Larger homes, unusual layouts or properties needing more perimeter protection may require additional equipment.
What Affects the Cost of a Home Alarm System?
Size and Layout of the Home
A compact single-storey home will usually need fewer devices than a large or multi-storey property. The number of entrances, hallways, living areas, garages and other access points all affect how the alarm should be designed.
Number and Type of Sensors
Depending on the property, an alarm system may include:
- Motion detectors
- Door and window sensors
- Glass-break detection
- Pet-tolerant motion detectors
- Garage door sensors
- Smoke or carbon monoxide detectors
- Panic or duress functions
- Additional wireless sensors
More devices increase the cost, but the goal should be effective coverage rather than simply installing as many sensors as possible.
Pet-Friendly Detection
If you have a dog or cat, the system may need to be designed differently. Pet-friendly alarm design considers the size and number of pets, where they move, furniture they can climb onto, stairs, room layout and detector position.
Watchdog Alarms has a dedicated Pet Friendly Alarms service for homes where reducing unnecessary activations from normal pet movement is important.
Wired, Wireless or Hybrid Equipment
Wireless alarm systems can be particularly useful in established homes because compatible sensors can often be installed without running new security cabling throughout the property.
If your home already has a wired alarm, you may not need to start again. Depending on the existing equipment and its condition, some components may be able to be retained, upgraded or incorporated into a newer system. In some homes, a hybrid approach using both wired and wireless equipment can make the most sense.
Does Smartphone Control Add to the Cost?
Compatible Watchdog alarm systems can use the Alarm.com app for functions such as:
- Arming and disarming remotely
- Checking whether the alarm is armed
- Receiving alarm and sensor notifications
- Managing users
- Viewing compatible connected cameras
- Receiving arming reminders
The exact features available depend on the system and configuration. When comparing alarm quotes, it is worth checking whether app access is included and whether any ongoing service charges apply.
How Much Does Professional Alarm Monitoring Cost?
Professional monitoring is an ongoing service and should be considered separately from the initial installation price.
With self-monitoring, alarm notifications are sent to you and you decide how to respond. With professional monitoring, compatible systems can also send events to a dedicated Grade A1 Monitoring Centre operating 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Monitoring personnel can then follow your nominated response instructions and, where appropriate, coordinate services such as alarm response, mobile security patrols or emergency services.
Watchdog offers both self-monitoring and professional home monitoring options, with no lock-in monitoring contracts.
If you are comparing alarm companies, ask:
- What is the ongoing monitoring fee?
- Is there a minimum contract period?
- Who receives the alarm signal?
- What happens when an alarm activates?
- Can I change between self-monitoring and professional monitoring?
- Does the alarm use cellular communications or rely only on home internet?
Can I Upgrade My Existing Alarm Instead of Replacing It?
Possibly. If you already have an alarm system, it is worth having it assessed before assuming it needs to be removed.
Depending on the make, model and condition of the equipment, Watchdog may be able to:
- Connect the existing alarm to monitoring
- Upgrade its communications
- Add compatible sensors
- Add smartphone control
- Retain useful wired equipment
- Replace only the parts that need updating
Sometimes replacement is the better option. Sometimes an upgrade is more practical and economical.
Should I Add CCTV at the Same Time?
An alarm and CCTV do different jobs. An alarm is designed to detect a security event. CCTV gives you visibility over what is happening and provides recorded footage.
If you are considering both, planning the alarm and home CCTV system together can help create a more integrated security solution.
Watchdog installs home CCTV systems with mobile viewing, recording and motion-alert options. Compatible Alarm.com cameras can also integrate with supported smart alarm systems.
What Should I Look for When Comparing Home Alarm Quotes?
Two alarm quotes can look similar while including very different equipment and services. Before choosing an installer, compare:
- The alarm panel brand and model
- Number and type of sensors
- Whether door protection is included
- Smartphone access
- Cellular communications
- Backup battery capability
- Professional monitoring options
- Ongoing app or monitoring fees
- Contract terms
- Expandability
- CCTV integration
- Installer licensing and insurance
- Ongoing support after installation
A cheaper quote is not necessarily better value if it leaves important areas unprotected or does not provide the features you actually want.
How Much Should I Budget for a Home Alarm in Perth?
For a professionally installed Watchdog home alarm, the current starting point is $1,599*.
Your final budget will depend on the home and the level of protection you choose. A straightforward system may stay close to the starting package. A larger or more complex property may need extra sensors, pet-friendly detection, monitoring, CCTV or additional smart-security equipment.
The most useful way to get an accurate price is to have the property and your requirements assessed rather than relying on a generic package alone.
Get a Home Alarm Quote in Perth
If you are installing a new alarm, upgrading an existing system or are not sure what equipment you need, Watchdog Alarms can design a solution around your home.
We have more than 25 years of security industry experience, provide local Perth support and install customised alarm systems with self-monitoring and professional monitoring options.
Home alarm systems professionally installed from $1,599*.
Get a free quote from Watchdog Alarms today.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a home alarm system cost in Perth?
Watchdog Alarms currently offers professionally installed home alarm packages from $1,599*. The final price depends on the property, the number and type of sensors required and any additional features selected.
Can I control my home alarm from my phone?
Compatible systems can use the Alarm.com app to provide functions such as remote arming and disarming, system-status checks and alarm notifications.
Can I have a home alarm if I own a dog or cat?
Yes. A security system can be designed around pets using appropriate detection technology, sensor placement and other forms of protection.
Do I need professional alarm monitoring?
Not necessarily. Some customers prefer self-monitoring through their phone, while others want a professional monitoring centre available around the clock. Watchdog offers both options.
Can Watchdog monitor an existing alarm?
Many existing systems can be assessed for monitoring or communications upgrades. Compatibility depends on the equipment already installed.
Can CCTV be added to my alarm system?
Yes. Watchdog installs home alarm and CCTV systems, and compatible technologies can be incorporated into a broader home-security solution.
*Pricing and package inclusions are subject to the terms and conditions applying to Watchdog Alarms’ current advertised offer