How much does CCTV installation cost?

Thievery is the seventh most common crime in Australia, affecting 4.3% of households each year. Of those break-ins, 70.8% resulted in stolen belongings. Fortunately, having the right CCTV system in place can help deter criminals, protect your valuables, and give you real peace of mind. 

In this post, we’ve compiled an easy-to-refer price guide to help you assess what security system suits your needs, how much CCTV installation actually costs, and the smartest way to get cameras set up in your home. We’ll also go over the factors that affect pricing and show you how to maximise your security investment.

What factors affect CCTV installation costs?

Getting a handle on CCTV pricing means understanding what drives those numbers up or down. The size of your system, the features you need, and how the equipment gets to you all play a part in the final bill. Let’s break down the three biggest factors that’ll shape your quote.

Number of cameras and property size

The number of cameras you need is the single biggest cost driver. A standard 4-camera system averages around $850 for installation, while an 8-camera setup jumps to approximately $1,200. Most homes work well with four cameras covering the front door, backyard, driveway, and side access. However, larger properties or those with complex layouts may require six to eight cameras to prevent leaving vulnerable areas unmonitored.

Your property’s construction affects installation complexity too. For instance, properties with non-standard builds, such as full brick or double brick homes, pose more challenges for concealing cables, which affects installation complexity and results in increased labour time and higher fees.

Camera resolution and image quality

Resolution impacts both upfront costs and ongoing storage needs. Lower-resolution cameras (4MP to 6MP) are suitable for most domestic installations, while high-resolution cameras are more suitable for commercial use due to their enhanced zooming capabilities. 

For most homes, 4MP to 6MP strikes the sweet spot between clear footage and reasonable costs. Need higher resolution? Just note that it also means bigger video files, so you’ll need more storage capacity. A 2TB hard drive handles systems with resolutions of 4MP to 6MP comfortably, but an 8MP system might require 3 to 4TB.

Camera features and capabilities

Basic cameras capture footage, but premium features transform your system into smart security. Infrared night vision is affordable and uses infrared light to capture images in darkness, while Starlight cameras are more expensive but produce colour images in low light using natural light and are more energy-efficient. 

You can also invest in modern AI-powered cameras that distinguish between humans, vehicles, and pets, thereby reducing false alarms. Popular upgrades also include two-way audio, remote smartphone access, spotlights and sirens, and pan-tilt-zoom functionality. 

Delivery

This is already standard practice. The farther you live from your installer, the higher your delivery charge will be. You can either pay this upfront or include this in the total bill that the company will send over. Note that some companies will also waive the delivery fee depending on your expenditure.

What are the different types of CCTV cameras?

Now that you are deciding what cameras you wish to install, there are two categories you must take note of:

• Indoor: These are the smaller, lightweight cameras that are more covert. 

• Outdoor: They can withstand all types of weather and have a wider shot range to cover more ground. 

Their common denominator is the ability to shoot using infrared light. This feature helps them capture high-quality photos, no matter the distance.

Most quotes already include the labour cost for CCTV installation. This refers to the installation fee that is paid after the work is completed. To get a better sense of what the cost entails, you can get a quote and even ask if they can install burglar alarms and other security measures. 

What are the advantages of CCTV installation? 

If the burglary statistics still do not deter you, there are several benefits to having a CCTV camera in your home. Aside from cameras being a source of protection for your home and occupants, we detail three main advantages. 

Better resale value and buyer appeal

If you’re flipping a property or planning to sell, CCTV cameras protect your investment while it sits on the market. Empty homes are prime targets for break-ins, vandalism, and squatters. Visible cameras deter opportunistic thieves who scope out vacant properties, saving you from costly repairs before settlement. 

Buyers also view security systems as a value-added feature during inspections. A property with cameras already installed signals it’s been protected and cared for, plus it’s one less expense for new owners to worry about. For families or first-time buyers, existing security infrastructure can tip the scales in favour of one property over another. 

Assists in identifying criminals

If you experience a break-in, video footage serves as your invisible witness for police investigations. Clear recordings capture faces, clothing, vehicles, and distinguishing features that help authorities identify suspects and track their movements. 

High-resolution cameras can even capture license plates or tattoos, which can become critical evidence in court and be used to support claims, such as insurance, in the event of any damage.

Easy to maintain

CCTV cameras may seem like a difficult device to take care of. But contrary to popular belief, they will not take too much of your time. Once it has been installed, it will last for years on end. The only expense you will have to incur is the occasional cleaning fee. Professionals will do this for you, so that will spare you extra trouble and effort. 

Not only that, some CCTV cameras can be accessed remotely. They have corresponding apps that sync with your phone so that you can do a little check-up every once in a while. 

Secure your home with Airtasker

Now that you know how much it is to install a CCTV, don’t wait for unfortunate things. Post a task on Airtasker, and we’ll connect you with skilled CCTV installers who can provide a free quote for CCTV installation costs in your area. 

After all, nothing compares to having peace of mind!