11554 Alarm system cost.

Hi all,
I've done a search and found lots of old threads about alarm systems but none really about cost.
My preventivo from the electrician includes installing an alarm but not the system itself. As extras seem to have crept up I am now told by him that an infrared type model would set me back €5000. This seems rather a lot and I was wondering if this is a 'prezzo straniero' or has anyone had a system installed and it was indeed around this price?
A google search doesn't really help with prices either. :smile:

Category
Building/Renovation

Friends of mine had an alarm connected to their house in Italy a couple of years ago. Not too sure of all exact details, but it was one of the types that are connected up to a local security firm, who also make regular patrols and guarantee to respond within a certain time frame. From what I remember, there were no installation costs - just a monthly fee about about 30 euros and a minimum contract of one year (may have been two years).

Be very careful of which company you choose. Sometimes you sign up with the same people that you want to be protected against!!!

Well, in the UK, a self-install wireless system from a DIY store will cost around £120 to £250, depending on number of infra-red sensors and so on. Say an average of €200. So €4800 commission?

I bought mine on the Internet for about £120, and it's certified for automatically phoning the police or a security firm if you choose to use it that way. (Instead, I have it set to call my mobile, a neighbour and my relatives if activated. Seeing as I'm 20 minutes from the nearest police station and too mean to pay a subscription.)

[quote=juliancoll;109366] From what I remember, there were no installation costs - just a monthly fee about about 30 euros and a minimum contract of one year (may have been two years).[/quote]

Well if a firm supplies the equipment it may well be worth the monthly fee.

[quote=livarandsofie;109374]Be very careful of which company you choose. Sometimes you sign up with the same people that you want to be protected against!!![/quote]

:eeeek:

[quote=Steve Graham;109375]Well, in the UK, a self-install wireless system from a DIY store will cost around £120 to £250, depending on number of infra-red sensors and so on. Say an average of €200. So €4800 commission?
[/quote]

I thought it appeared a bit steep. Don't people just have to try it on sometimes.
Thing is, it's always with me. :frown:

It sounds too expensive. You can look at the systems which are sold at any of the Brico shops and check prices, but the installation should not cost that much. Regarding security companies that install their own equipment and then charge you monthly, I do not think there is a similar one in our area. I used a similar service when I was living in Marbella, but the population density justifies to have this type of companies in certain areas. The closest thing I found through the Yellow Pages is Gruppo Il Globo in Lucca and you can call them on their free phone: 800 098220 or 0583 269525. They do not install alarms themselves but they could give you advice or point you in the right direction. I my case, I do not need security. Our neighbour is the best guardian we could ask for. Good luck!

The price is much higher than friends in Umbria were quoted by and electrician who installed theirs this summer but one thing to remember is that you can easily kiss goodbye to your alarm system if it is struck by lightning, which easily happens in Italy, no matter how expensive your system is, therefore check if your house insurance will cover this eventuality before spending loads of money.

Well here's the thing. Do I really need an alarm or not?
The location is not especially remote and the neighbours are pretty good. There is a bar across the road which closes just after midnight and opens again at 6.00am. There is a certain amount of life from early morning until late at night. I have seen carabinieri and security people check the area after hours. They are building a mini shopping centre opposite my house (I was horrified at first but now look forward to it) which will bring more life and I think may bring extra security checks at night. I pray for a bakery as they usually start work about 4 or 5am. My house during renovation was for several months totally open, covered in scaffolding with all shutters, doors and windows removed for re-conditioning/re-varnishing, etc. There was quite a lot of original furniture in the house along with all the usual building things including new copper guttering and the like. Not a thing was ever taken but that doesn't gaurantee it won't be a happen in the future. Am I being paranoid or better safe than sorry. Mind you, if the system was struck by lightning it wouldn't be much use then. :veryconfused:

It sounds pretty safe to me... I would only install those lights that detect any presence near the house, if you are too worried.