Installing a CCTV is a great investment in your security as there is only so much monitoring you can do on your own. Even if you have security guards on your property, some things could get past them. A security camera will satisfy your security dilemma, making you feel more protected and safe.
However, CCTV installation can get very expensive if you do not consider a few things. A CCTV typically comes with the camera, other parts of the system and installation fees if you hire a professional team. Further costs could be added, such as alarm systems and other peripheral security gadgets.
Even if you are willing to spend as much as possible on what you want, it will not hurt to get the best bargain on price and value. That is why we are covering the average costs of CCTV installation in 2022 to help you make an informed decision. We will also let you know the things that could affect the price of your CCTV, how you can save on it and where you can hire a great professional at an excellent price.
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How Much Does CCTV Installation Cost?
The total price will vary depending on how many cameras the CCTV has. Moreover, how complex the model of your CCTV is and how state-of-the-art it is will also come into play. These estimates are for a complete installation package:
| Specifications | Estimated Cost |
| 1 Camera Package, wired installation, with a hard drive | £650 |
| 2 Camera Package, wired installation, with a hard drive (5MP cameras) | £800 |
| 3 Camera Package, wired installation, with a hard drive (5MP cameras) | £1000 |
| 4 Camera Package, wired installation, with a hard drive (5MP cameras) | £1100 |
| 4 Camera system (dome), NVR with a hard drive (5MP cameras) | £1300 |
| 8 Camera system, wired installation with a hard drive (HD cameras) | £700 |
| 8-channel wireless system with four cameras, a hard drive, four bullet cameras and an inbuilt microphone | £2250 |
If you are going for the one-camera package, getting 5MP quality with a one-terabyte hard drive and a 4-channel DVR will cost approximately £650. Firstly, 5MP provides greater image clarity than your typical HD camera. Then the hard drive is where your footage will be stored, and a 4-channel DVR means you can connect up to 4 cameras to the system. DVR refers to the method of recording and is usually a wired installation.
Getting this same set-up but two cameras will increase the cost to about £800. A three-camera one should go for about £800. For four cameras, you should expect to pay around £1,100. The CCTV system set up with 8 HD cameras should cost less at about £700. Finally, an ace set-up consists of a wireless 8-channel 4K NVR with an 8 TB hard drive and cameras with built-in microphones. To get all of these, you should be willing to have a budget of over £2,000.
Note that the prices may differ with camera types, installation fees and other details. However, this should give you a rough idea of reasonable prices when requesting quotes.
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What Affects the Cost of CCTV Installation?
These are a few factors that could increase or reduce your CCTV installation cost. If you are working with a limited budget, consider these to make an informed decision on your chosen package. If you’re looking for other services like tree surgeons, you can find them on Bark.
Hard Drive Size
A larger hard drive costs more money. The size of storage you need will depend on your camera resolution and how many days of footage you want to keep at once. If your camera is of very high resolution, like 4K, the footage will take up more space on your hard drive. This will mean that you will need a larger hard drive than a 1 TB hard drive if you want to store several months of footage on it for rewatching.
You can save space on your hard drive by setting your recorder to motion record. Many systems come with this feature, allowing you to save a lot of space since your camera will not be recording periods when nothing is happening within its view.
Other ways include reducing the frame rate of your camera or changing the technique your camera compresses footage. Frame rate has to do with how smoothly your video flows and the ability of the camera to capture most, if not every, action it picks up. Most CCTVs will offer real-time recording, but you can reduce the frame rate (if your camera has this option) to save space. The downside to doing this is that your video qualities will reduce. Regarding the camera compression technique, you can change from the standard MPEG-4 video formats. A more modern video compression technology like HEVC (H.265) will help your videos occupy less space without sacrificing quality.
Wired Vs. Unwired Installation
Some people prefer wireless installation because it is more convenient. With a wireless set-up, one can locate the camera anywhere in or around the building. On the other hand, a wired installation is reliant on long wires and requires strategic positioning. Also, when it comes to aesthetics, it is much more pleasant to look at a wired CCTV installation (if it is not a covert camera).
A wired CCTV might look clumsy or take more hours of installation to hide the wires. However, wired CCTVs are usually more reliable because of the hardware and less susceptible to network disruption. It is up to you to choose which of the perks you would prefer, but generally, wired installation costs more. This is because of the extra hardware you would require and the extra time it would take to set up. If you’re looking to renovate your house, you can also check out the house extension costs and services on Bark.
Commercial Vs. Residential Installation
One of the things that would increase the cost of your CCTV installation is where you plan to install it. If it is for a house, it will most likely be cheaper than doing it for a commercial building like an office or a warehouse. The reason is because of the many intricacies of a commercial installation.
For many professional installers, home installations are a routine thing and are probably only slightly different in the process required. Commercial buildings are a whole new ball game, however. First, the size of commercial buildings means that the required cameras will likely be way more than a regular house. More cameras mean more buying costs and more installation time which would increase what you are charged for setting up. Also, locating CCTV cameras on commercial buildings could be quite tricky as they vary wildly from each other in terms of structure. For some buildings, the contractors may need to fix the camera at a position requiring them to use specialist tools they would not need in a home installation.
Lastly, commercial installations usually need higher-end equipment than home installations do. Seldom does a commercial CCTV installation end with the cameras. There may be security lights to set up, and locks and other advanced equipment. The cameras would also likely be the more expensive ones with more unique features.
Instrument Specifications
As mentioned earlier, unique CCTV specifications will cost way more than generic ones with no outstanding features. There are DIY kits that will not cost you more than a few pounds to set up and will come cheap, for that matter. You can go for these if you are on a tight budget but be mindful of buying fake or substandard products. However, if you want a more robust, high-quality and professional set-up, you will have to pay more.
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How Can I Save Money on CCTV Installation?
A good CCTV installation could easily cost a few hundred pounds with every added specification. Thus, consider these tips if you want to save a little money:
DIY Your Installation
This is the easiest way to save money on CCTV installation. Buy a DIY kit from a physical or online store and follow its instructions to set it up. The danger is that many cheap kits come from fraudulent manufacturers who create substandard products. You might think you are saving money, but if your camera turns out to be bad quality, you will still have to spend more money getting an authentic one.
Before buying a kit, do your research well and buy from a trusted seller. If you are not buying DIY equipment but feel like you have enough skills to set up your CCTV, you can also give it a shot. However, this goes without saying that you should be very careful so that you do not damage your equipment.
Use a Less Advanced System
Instead of opting for a system with so many pizzas and advanced features, a simpler system may be perfect for you. This is so, especially when you do not live in an area with high crime rates and have very few security concerns. Perhaps you even want to set up inside your house so that you can monitor your infant or children. In that case, you can easily do a simple set-up that will cost you much less.
Install Fewer Cameras
This may or may not be something you are willing to compromise on. If your camera needs are settled, and you need five or more cameras, then go for it. But if you need to save money, consider reducing the number of cameras you are getting to maybe one or two. Two good cameras may serve you much better than five average ones, and they will likely cost less. Just position the cameras in strategic areas, or better still, get one that auto-rotates.
Watch Out for Special Offers
A great way to save on CCTV installation is to cash in on special offers or discounts from your favourite brand. Firstly, you will need to research some of the top brands in your area regarding CCTV installation. You can follow them on social media or frequent their website, and you can even request quotes from them so that you will be able to compare prices. Then find out if they have ongoing sales, discounts or offers you can benefit from. If not, you can find out if they have particular periods when they run these sales.
All you have to do after this is wait for their special offers and hire them for your CCTV installation. You will find that most companies do this during festive seasons or occasions like their anniversary or other significant occurrences. This is a great way to save on your CCTV installation, but you may not be able to follow through on this if your installation needs are rather urgent.
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Is CCTV the Best Choice for Security?
There is a reason that using CCTV cameras has become more prevalent today. It is because it has shown to be more reliable and helpful with security than other traditional measures. However, if you are still debating whether to get one, here are some of its advantages and disadvantages to make your decision clearer.
Advantages of Installing CCTV
- Peace of Mind
When your property is located in a place with a high crime rate, you might get worried, especially when you are not around. With a CCTV camera installed, you will be more comfortable knowing that you can check the state of your property any time you want. Being able to pick up your mobile device and know that everything is alright will give you peace of mind. You will be able to concentrate better on other things during the rest of your day instead of fretting about your home’s security.
- Enforcement
There have been many incidents where people escape after committing crimes because the culprit cannot be identified. Installing a CCTV camera helps make sure that you can identify whoever committed a crime. It also helps to get other vital details leading to a crime because you can see what the criminal did. This way, you can know where there are loopholes and improve security measures.
- Prevents Crime
Crime prevention is better than cure. If one of your cars gets vandalised, you cannot undo the damage, even if the culprit gets caught later. When you have a CCTV camera watching your valuables, and people are aware of its presence, it will deter them from doing unlawful things to your property. With the help of a CCTV camera, you can keep your property safe and criminals at bay.
- Monitoring and Record-Keeping
Sometimes you misplace your things in your house or forget where you kept something. When you have a CCTV camera indoors, you can always check where you kept it. It is handy for business owners and homes with little children. When you have little children in the house, it is safer and better to be able to monitor them at all times, even when you have a nanny.
For business owners, you can monitor the actions of all your employees. It will also help you monitor whoever enters and exits the building and be accountable for your organisation’s activities.
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Disadvantages of Installing CCTV
- Privacy Issues
When installing CCTV, you must be careful where you put it. There are privacy laws that regulate the use of CCTV. Thus, you might face a lawsuit from a neighbour or some other offended party if you are not careful. Likewise, the government can sanction you for the irresponsible use of CCTV. Even if you do not get sanctioned, an indoor CCTV might make people uncomfortable with coming to your house.
- Will Not Stop an Ongoing Crime
Although CCTV cameras can help deter crime, they cannot stop an ongoing crime. Someone determined to commit a crime will go ahead to do it even when there is a camera watching. The person may get caught because the camera can provide helpful details of what might have happened. But the damage will still occur unless you pair your CCTV with other useful alarm systems.
- Compromised Cameras
A CCTV can be handy when you are in control, but you can lose this control in a case of hacking. When someone who wants to commit a crime knows there is CCTV, they can find ways to disable the system so they can carry out their activity easily. All security cameras can be hacked though it is easier to do that to a wireless camera than a wired one. This is because a wireless camera would usually need access to the internet.
If an unauthorised user gets access to your camera, it can be very dangerous. They would be able to monitor everything without your knowledge, which would be a gross invasion of your privacy and a security breach.
How Do I Find and Hire Someone to Install My CCTV?
The easiest way to find an installer is by asking around. More likely than not, you know someone who knows someone who has a CCTV installed. You can ask them about the company they used and if they would recommend them to you. You can get many opinions and compare the costs and what people say about them. Usually, you would get good recommendations from your friends and family, and it would be less risky to hire that company than a new one.
Sometimes, you might not get the same quality of service someone else who recommended them got. If you do not want to toe this line or have done this to no avail, using Bark.com is one of the surest ways to get the best CCTV installer near you. Their website is relatively easy to use and can connect you to many CCTV experts.
All you need to do is specify your search terms, so they know your requirements, and then you will get completely free quotes from various professionals within your vicinity. After that, contact your preferred installer directly and get to work. You will get access to authentic customer reviews via their site. They also have helpful resources on their website and customer support to help you make the right decision.
Ensuring the Professional Is the Right Fit
The first thing you want to find out is whether their pricing is in line with your budget. You need to request a quote and ensure that the quote contains all the costs you will have to pay. Do this for a bunch of professionals and pick the best.
Afterwards, you can do a little research concerning the background of your installer. If it is a company, you may want to find out how long they have been operating and what people have to say about them via online customer reviews. On the other hand, if it is an individual, you can inquire about their experience, certifications (if you like), if they have insurance and other details you think are necessary. Always keep inquiries objective and professional.
Final Checklist
By now, you have decided on whether or not you are getting a CCTV and what to expect from the process. Here is a final rundown of everything you need to do for your CCTV installation process.
- Decide on the basic specifications for the CCTV. Do you want one, two or more cameras? Will it be wired or not? Would you prefer remote viewing?
- Set a realistic budget that will accommodate your needs and expectations.
- Get quotes from trusted CCTV installers and compare.
- Look out for sales and special offers from them.
- Hire your professional for installation and enjoy your new CCTV.
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FAQs Regarding CCTV Installation
- Can I install my own CCTV?
Yes, you can. There are many easy-to-install CCTVs that you have purchased. You can also set up more complicated installations if you have the know-how. If you lack the knowledge and experience, it is better to hire professionals to do it for you. But if you are feeling adventurous and want to DIY it, you can. Do enough research, watch lots of videos and take enough safety precautions.
- Does the government regulate CCTV?
The government provides guidelines for the responsible use of home CCTV systems via the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO). These guidelines align with the Data Protection Act and General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Failure to adhere to these guidelines can lead to regulatory sanctions. If people feel like someone is infringing their right to privacy with CCTV, they can also report to the ICO.
However, for the most part, the government allows and even encourages the responsible use of CCTV cameras for civilians to protect themselves. If you want to be entirely sure of the role of the government and what laws you will need to abide by, you can visit the government’s website here.
- Where should I install my CCTV at home?
This is a problem many face when installing CCTVs in their home. Especially with limited cameras, you must be strategic with where you place your camera to ensure that you meet your security goal. To decide where to install your CCTV, you need to consider why you are putting it up in the first place.
If you install it as a deterrent for criminal activities, you could place it at the entrances to your home. You may place it at the back entrance of your home that is not within the street view. However, if you have more than one camera, you can place them at all entry and exit points, including your garage door.
To monitor toddlers with a home CCTV camera, consider putting it in the room of the house they frequent. You may also want to put one in the kitchen or any areas they can hurt themselves.
- Will CCTV work without the internet?
CCTV can work without the internet just fine. However, there would be some certain features you will not be able to access; this should not bother you. When your CCTV is not connected to the internet, you cannot access it remotely. However, it will keep recording and saving footage on its storage. Also, you will still be able to watch it live if it is connected to a desktop in your building.
Some people choose to deliberately not connect their CCTV to the internet because it increases the likelihood of cyber attacks. Not to worry, using your CCTV with the internet does not automatically expose you to cyber criminals. You can consult your installation company to find out some safety practices that will keep you protected. You can also ask if they offer extra services for this certain security aspect.
- Is installing CCTV inside my home legal?
Yes, it is perfectly legal to install a home CCTV provided you adhere to the relevant Data Protection Act. In your home, you should let people know they are being recorded and oblige if they ask that you delete their pictures or other data like voice recordings and videos. Also, if your camera captures footage from beyond your property, you must have a reasonable reason. Other people that could be recorded should be aware of the possibility. Generally, you should adhere to the ICO’s CCTV guidelines.
Final Thoughts
Installing a CCTV camera on your property is a great investment in your security and that of others. If you are going to take this step, you might as well get the best deal for installation. Hopefully, we have been able to help you get some clarity on how to do this while providing you with realistic average CCTV installation costs in the UK as of 2022.
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