We're still in the design phase of our new build, but have received some preliminary bids for the construction. We plan to pre-wire for low voltage - cameras, A/V, internet etc. But there's another line item for security: $5500 for prewire, contacts, key pad, glass breaks, etc. It seems that there are more and more wireless systems out there that would be a fraction of this cost. Is it worth it do pay more for the wired security? And any recs for good wireless systems if that's the way to go?

Granted it's been 14 years, but I don't think we paid more than $1,200-$1,500 for a pre-wire on a new build.

I would definitely skip the security pre-wire for that cost. Plenty of wireless options out there for a fraction of that cost.

I probably didn't word it properly. Low voltage pre-wire is 2500. I'm talking about 5500 for a wired security system vs. cheaper alternative wireless system.

This is a wireless system on sale for $100. To get everything else you need is no doubt going to be less.

https://www.androidcentral.com/thrifter-deals-transform-your-home-100-smartthings-home-monitoring-kit

No matter what, I don't think a wired system is required anymore. Especially for that price. I think that Ring also has a full system, along with Nest. Just do some google-fu.

$5500 for running low voltage wire when the house is open to every stud? That's a rip off, and I wouldn't put it past a builder to charge you for pre-wiring and then install all wireless. Killer margin on that to make for something else that went wrong that they have to rebuild.

That seems high. We aren't much higher than that for all low voltage and security pre wire for what we are currently building. That's no builder add-on. We have the numbers by room straight from the company.

Low voltage pre-wire is 2500, which we are definitely doing. The wired alarm system is a separate 5500, which includes all alarm contacts, components, etc. Trying to decide if we should do wired or wireless security system.

We are ~1500 less for low voltage + security. ~4500 sqft. Hard to really compare I guess though without knowing exactly what's included.

Maybe look at Rings wireless home security ?

We built in 2010 and this sounds like highway robbery. We just signed a contract to build again so we'll see if that is the going rate today. Our new home comes w/2 keypads but a 3rd location wired for a keypad, then all exterior doors. We'll need to pay extra to wire to each window and any additional keypads we desire.

Our 2010 build included wiring to all doors/windows, but I don't recall the a/v wiring being much. The most expensive add-on was $100 per cat6 line we dropped.

It amazes me how much builders will charge to install Cat-6 and Coax Quad. That stuff costs nothing in bulk and it does not take any special skill to drill holes to run it.

It's not necessarily builders only, but the actual companies. And I'm not going to go buy a spool of cat6 so I can go crawl around between subs and do it myself.

how big is your house? that seems really High

Why can't your alarm provider just send their guy out to the site independent from your contractor?

Because Ive never been impressed by the quality/competence of those guys the alarm companies send out. Sort of like the independent contractors the cable companies send out. You never know what you're going to get and there's no accountability.

I obviously didn't state it well, but my main question is it worth it to do wired vs wireless, which is much cheaper.

Absolutely. Cameras. Cameras. Cameras. Power to them is the key.

I would wire to cameras for sure and i think to sensors too. Feel like with the cameras you get better video with no worries about batteries, and quite frankly i think you're taking out a variable for failure.

MAS444 said:

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Because Ive never been impressed by the quality/competence of those guys the alarm companies send out. Sort of like the independent contractors the cable companies send out. You never know what you're going to get and there's no accountability.

I obviously didn't state it well, but my main question is it worth it to do wired vs wireless, which is much cheaper.

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Wired is Always best.. What is your location? Happy to help guide you

MAS444 said:

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Low voltage pre-wire is 2500, which we are definitely doing. The wired alarm system is a separate 5500, which includes all alarm contacts, components, etc. Trying to decide if we should do wired or wireless security system.

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Your money and decision. I Go in My attic frequently as of late and shake my head every time i see a bundle of 30 wires running all over the place, not to mention every single door has a wired module near the frame.

Wired was old 10 years ago even. Doing a wired system today would be....silly.

can buy a lot of guns and ammo for $5500

Kenneth_2003 said:

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I would wire to cameras for sure and i think to sensors too. Feel like with the cameras you get better video with no worries about batteries, and quite frankly i think you're taking out a variable for failure.

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Certainly want power to cameras which I have but they do fine with signal on wifi for video.

We haven't really caught on to the whole security camera craze thing yet. Is it just a sense of security kind of thing? A tech toy to play with/have? Living in crime ridden neighborhoods?

Our local police station had a public meeting a few years ago that we attended. It was organized by one of our neighbors after another neighbor had his home broken into twice in the same week.

The police said the 2 best things you can do are to have a big loud dog, and very visible security cameras. Alarms don't scare thieves who intend to smash and grab.

It's just 1 data point, but my wife had me pricing within a week.

Edit: We don't live in a crime ridden neighborhood.

Quote:

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Is it just a sense of security kind of thing?

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Security cameras are definitely a security kind of thing.

Security and I keep my garage door down unless I'm in there working. Doesn't matter the neighborhood now a days, there are those who cruise looking for hits per the news spots on this subject.

MAS444 said:

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Quote:

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Is it just a sense of security kind of thing?

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Security cameras are definitely a security kind of thing.

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DM me for any other advice, would love to help no matter where you are located.

MAS444 said:

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Low voltage pre-wire is 2500, which we are definitely doing. The wired alarm system is a separate 5500, which includes all alarm contacts, components, etc. Trying to decide if we should do wired or wireless security system.

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For that much, wireless. And that's coming from someone who hardwires basically everything.