How Much Does an Alarm System Cost in Perth?

2 Sept

If you're considering a new alarm system for your Perth home or business, one of the first questions is usually: how much will it cost?

The answer depends on the property.

Unlike an off-the-shelf alarm kit, a professionally installed security system should be designed around the building, the areas you need to protect and how you want to use the system. A small single-storey home may have relatively straightforward requirements, while a large multi-storey home, office, shop or warehouse can require a very different combination of equipment.

Watchdog Alarms installs wired, wireless and hybrid alarm systems throughout Perth, with each system tailored to the individual property.

We also offer a professionally installed wireless alarm package from $1,599* for properties where a fully wireless system makes sense.

What Affects the Cost of an Alarm System?

Several factors determine the final installation price.

Property Size and Layout

The size of the property is important, but the layout can matter just as much.

The number of entrances, hallways, living areas, offices, staircases, garages and other access points influences how many detectors are required and where they should be positioned.

A large open-plan property may require a very different system from a smaller building divided into numerous rooms and access areas.

Wired, Wireless or Hybrid Alarm System

One of the biggest considerations is how the alarm devices will communicate with the control panel.

Hardwired alarm systems use security cabling between the alarm panel and compatible detectors. They can be an excellent choice for new builds, renovations and properties where suitable security cabling already exists.

Wireless alarm systems use wireless detectors instead of running alarm cabling throughout the property. They're particularly useful for established or multi-storey buildings where installing new cabling would be difficult, disruptive or sometimes impractical.

A hybrid alarm system combines wired and wireless equipment. This can be an excellent option when useful existing cabling or sensors can be retained while wireless devices are added to areas that are difficult to reach.

There isn't one option that's automatically better for every property. The right choice depends on the building and the installation.

Learn more about wired vs wireless alarm systems.

When Does a Wireless Alarm System Make Sense?

A fully wireless alarm system can be particularly useful when you want to minimise cabling and disruption to the property.

Common examples include:

Rental properties
Short-term or temporary tenancies
Established homes with finished walls
Multi-storey homes where running new security cabling is difficult
Apartments and townhouses
Commercial tenancies where extensive alterations aren't desirable
Properties where the alarm may need to be relocated in the future

Because compatible wireless sensors don't require security cabling back to the panel, installation can often be completed with significantly less impact on the building.

Wireless systems can also be easier to remove and relocate. This makes them particularly attractive to renters and businesses operating from leased premises who may want to take their security system with them when they move.

How Much Does a Wireless Alarm System Cost?

Watchdog Alarms currently offers a professionally installed wireless alarm package from $1,599*.

The package includes:

Qolsys IQ Panel 4 smart alarm panel
Built-in glass-break detection
Two wireless motion detectors
Wireless door sensor
Bluetooth arming and disarming
Alarm.com mobile app with notifications
Optional professional 24/7 monitoring

This package can provide an excellent starting point where a fully wireless alarm system is appropriate.

It isn't intended to represent the price or design of every alarm installation.

Additional detectors, perimeter protection, pet-friendly detection, CCTV integration or other security features will affect the final price.

Explore Watchdog's alarm systems.

How Much Does a Hardwired or Hybrid Alarm System Cost?

This is where providing a single advertised price becomes less useful.

Hardwired and hybrid alarm systems are generally quoted according to the individual installation.

The final cost can depend on:

Size and layout of the property
Existing security cabling
Accessibility for new cabling
Number of areas requiring protection
Number and type of detectors
Alarm panel and keypad requirements
Existing equipment that can be retained
Smartphone and cellular communication requirements
Monitoring requirements
Integration with CCTV or other security technology

For example, a property with existing usable alarm cabling may be suitable for a straightforward panel and detector upgrade. Another property may require significant new cabling and additional detection across several levels.

That's why Watchdog Alarms assesses the property and recommends a system based on what is actually required.

What Types of Alarm Sensors Affect the Price?

An alarm system can include much more than a couple of motion detectors.

Depending on the property and the level of protection required, we may recommend:

Motion detectors
Pet-friendly motion detectors
Door and window sensors
Glass-break detectors
Garage door sensors
Smoke or carbon monoxide detectors
Panic or duress functions
Perimeter protection
Additional wireless detectors

More sensors will generally increase the installation cost, but more devices don't automatically mean better security.

Good alarm design is about putting the right protection in the right locations.

Can I Upgrade an Existing Alarm Instead?

Often, yes.

If there's already an alarm system installed, it's worth having it assessed before assuming everything needs to be removed and replaced.

Depending on the make, model, condition and existing cabling, we may be able to retain useful components while upgrading other parts of the system.

This could include:

Retaining existing wired detectors
Replacing an outdated alarm panel
Adding wireless devices to difficult-to-reach areas
Upgrading to modern cellular communications
Adding smartphone control
Connecting a compatible existing alarm to monitoring

A hybrid upgrade can sometimes provide modern functionality without unnecessarily replacing equipment that's still suitable.

Learn more about upgrading and monitoring an existing alarm system.

Does Smartphone Alarm Control Cost Extra?

Modern compatible alarm systems can connect to the Alarm.com platform, giving you much more control over your security from your phone.

Depending on the system and service selected, features can include:

Remote arming and disarming
Alarm and sensor notifications
Checking whether the alarm is armed
Managing individual users
Arming reminders
Viewing compatible security cameras
Smart security automation

App access and ongoing services can vary depending on the system and configuration, so it's worth considering these costs when comparing alarm quotes rather than looking only at the initial installation price.

Explore Alarm.com smart security.

What About Alarm Monitoring?

Monitoring is another factor to consider separately from the installation cost.

With self-monitoring, compatible alarm events and notifications can be sent directly to your smartphone, allowing you to decide how to respond.

With professional alarm monitoring, compatible alarm events are also transmitted to a dedicated monitoring centre operating 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The monitoring team can follow your nominated response instructions when an alarm occurs.

Watchdog offers both self-monitoring and professional Grade A1 monitoring options with no lengthy lock-in contracts.

Learn more about home alarm monitoring.

Does Adding CCTV Change the Cost?

Yes. CCTV is normally designed and quoted separately according to the number and type of cameras required, recording requirements and the property itself.

However, if you're considering both an alarm and CCTV, it can make sense to plan them together.

An alarm is designed to detect a security event, while CCTV gives you visibility and recorded footage. Compatible smart security technology can also allow elements of both systems to work together.

Explore CCTV and security camera systems.

What Should You Compare When Getting Alarm Quotes?

Price is important, but two alarm quotes with similar totals can include very different systems.

When comparing alarm installers in Perth, consider:

Is the proposed system wired, wireless or hybrid?
What alarm panel and detectors are being installed?
How many areas of the property are actually protected?
Is smartphone access available?
Does the system use cellular communications?
Is battery backup provided?
Can the system be expanded later?
Can useful existing equipment be retained?
What monitoring options are available?
Are there ongoing app or monitoring costs?
Can CCTV be integrated?
Is the installer appropriately licensed and insured?
What support is available after installation?

The cheapest alarm quote isn't necessarily the best value if the system isn't suited to the property or doesn't provide the protection and functionality you need.

So, How Much Should I Budget for an Alarm System in Perth?

There isn't a single price that accurately represents every professionally installed alarm system.

Watchdog's fully wireless alarm package starts from $1,599* and can be an excellent solution for rentals, short-term tenancies, established properties, multi-storey buildings and other situations where running alarm cabling is difficult or undesirable.

For hardwired and hybrid alarm systems, the system is designed and quoted according to the individual property.

The best approach is to consider what you're trying to protect, what infrastructure already exists and which features you actually need — then have a security professional design the system accordingly.

Get an Alarm System Quote in Perth

Watchdog Alarms has been protecting Perth homes and businesses for over 25 years.

Whether you need a fully wireless alarm, a new hardwired system, a hybrid installation or an upgrade to existing security equipment, our WA-licensed technicians can assess your property and recommend an appropriate solution.

Call Watchdog Alarms on 1300 123 400 or contact our team for an obligation-free quote.

*Advertised package pricing and inclusions are subject to Watchdog Alarms' current terms and conditions.

Michael D