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February 8, 2008
Gorilla Estimate for Alarm System
Hi,
Just got and estimate for installing security for an Upper West Side townhouse by Gorilla Security. It came up to about $10,000.
What do you people think about this price?
Thanks,
Ron
Comments
Gulp. This post is another example of how different worlds collide on the web! I myself didn't install any alarm system in my house - all they seem to do is go off at the wrong times. But honestly I am typing his on a five year old computer, so I would have to be burglarized about 20 times to make 10k worth it!
Posted by: Putnamdenizen at February 8, 2008 7:55 AM
Don't do it. 95% of the people with alarms never turn them on. Just get the window stickers or put up a fake siren outside. Invest in making the house harder to get into.
Posted by: guest at February 8, 2008 8:11 AM
This is a good price.
Posted by: Espresso at February 8, 2008 9:58 AM
i don't get it.
i have a Guardian alarm system. electronic keypad, connected right to my phone line. sensors in my basement, on the doors, hardwired smoke detectors, etc.
i think the initial fee was $500.
what am i missing?
Posted by: guest at February 8, 2008 10:46 AM
What are the components of the system, and how big is the house? We paid less than half of that for our system, but we're in a three-story house.
Posted by: zeebee_in_bklyn at February 8, 2008 10:58 AM
Having been through an evaluation for a security system, there are a lot of variables - do you want windows alarmed, how many doors, how many roof openings. And there are levels of service -some use your phone some use cell phone connectivity, how many control panels. OP, check the archives on this site, there are lots of good companies listed and get another quote.
Posted by: guest at February 8, 2008 12:11 PM
Having used Gorilla as a subcontractor on several jobs I can tell you they are pretty reasonably priced and do above average work. I would like to see the equipment list on the proposal to tell you for certain, but I have done several town houses where the alarm was in excess of 50k. Is this in the course of a renovation, or is this a finished space? If it is a renovation, I would farm out the majority of the labor to your electrician (they do better work), and leave only final terminations and programming to the alarm company.
Posted by: Bklyn Fire Alarm Guy at February 8, 2008 1:54 PM
$10K? $50K that is insane, most security companies will have basic packages and add to there say $70 per entry point with add-ons like motion sensors and venting.
Per month charges run from $30-$50, this is where the profit is for them, mostly.
To pay that much is nearly 10 yrs worth of homeowners insurance.
How about getting multiple estimates?
Posted by: bmfesq at February 8, 2008 2:30 PM
Is this your typical Slomin's/ADT system or a high tech connected to your PC and cell phone smart home type of system?
Posted by: guest at February 8, 2008 4:12 PM
We used Protection One and the setup was $3600.
Posted by: guest at February 8, 2008 4:42 PM
To BMFESQ,
You get what you pay for in this world. You can drive a Toyota or a Lexus. However if you want the Lexus, don't expect to pay Toyota prices. Recurring monthly revenue is great don't get me wrong, but a quality installation using quality components will cost you more no matter the trade.
Posted by: Bklyn Fire Alarm Guy at February 8, 2008 5:39 PM
R I P O F F
As usual we hear from greedy contractors who are nostalgic for the good old days of the bubble when they could charge an arm and leg and people gladly paid it. Thereby helping sink the nation into recession. Nice people! Real trustworthy.
We have Protection One. We paid $3,000 for our wireless system in our 2-story house. About 7 years ago, I paid the same amount for a wired system for my house in California.
Let's say you get a wired system now, not wireless, and maybe your house is bigger than ours who knows, I STILL can't see anyone in their right mind paying more than $6,000 for the alarm installation. And if you think you need alarms on all the upper floor windows you don't. That's just the sales dude making you paranoid. NOBODY gets alarms on the 2nd, 3rd, 4th floor windows.
As for what's worth paying or not for this or any work on your house, LET THE MARKET SPEAK. As in all things. They want to charge that much? And call you cheap for questioning it? Then let's see what the competition quotes you. Call at least 2 more alarm companies and get quotes from them, THEN and only then decide. Nobody ever goes with the first person who walks in the door.
By the way, I bet anything you're being charged more because your house is in Manhattan. They wouldn't be caught dead charging a Brooklyn brownstone owner that. They'd be laughed at and kicked out of the house.
Posted by: guest at February 8, 2008 8:35 PM
8:35 is right, Manhattan priced.
Shop around. And put some nice wrought iron security on the bottom windows. I did it after a foiled break-in. That and the alarm (barely used) makes me feel safe.
Posted by: guest at February 9, 2008 3:41 AM
8:35 is not right. I've bought a computer before but that doesn't make me an expert in IT. Protection One is a hack outfit in the same vein as ADT and Slomins. As a "greedy contractor" who gives away free advice to strangers, I can tell you that cost is dictated by quality of work, difficulty of job environment (if you're a prick or you live in the sticks you're going to pay more), and type of equipment used. If you want high end financial institution caliber security from a reputable outfit expect to pay more than if you go with the guy who operates out of his trunk and uses double sided tape to install components.
To the OP, if you'd like to show me the proposal I'd be glad to look it over and give you a real answer.
Posted by: Bklyn Fire Alarm Guy at February 9, 2008 9:10 AM
My house was broken into recently. I did not have an alarm. I asked the detective whats the best home alarm. He said they are all worthless and to just get a dog!
Posted by: guest at February 9, 2008 11:28 AM
To "Guest" at 11:28, and I imagine the officer was an expert in residential security. I don't recall seeing Fundamentals of Burglary Protection on the police academy course load. It's your home, secure it in whatever manner gives you piece of mind but don't be lulled into a false sense of security by morons.
Posted by: Bklyn Fire Alarm Guy at February 9, 2008 11:38 AM
many valid points expressed...IMO, get multiple apples to apples estimates, check references, and make a decision on who to go with. Like any purchase, given all things the same you may choose to go with the person you liked most, I agree but only should all things be the same. Another important item is warranty, and the likelihood the contractor will come back and service the installation. Last thing you want is a system that doesn't work and nobody to fix it.
Some contractors charge more, which isnt a bad thing, could just mean they have different overhead (higher paid and more experienced employees, higher rent, insurance, training programs, etc). In the end, the higher priced contractor is targeting a consumer willing and able to pay more thus the reason for multiple bids,
Is a Toyota any better/worse then a Lexus, all depends who you ask. I think a bicycle is best of all, again all things considered.
Posted by: guest at February 9, 2008 12:34 PM
What makes an alarm company dude an "expert?" A one-day workshop when he starts the job? Or is it his special, personal agenda to ensure people are made terrified enough that they will spend anything someone tells them to spend?
Right.
Enough of this nonsense. Longtime homeowners have a particularly unique and valuable expertise on all matters of homeownership.
Thus the multitude of extremely successful blogs and websites that are entirely comprised of homeowners giving each other advice.
Posted by: guest at February 9, 2008 1:10 PM
"Guest" @ 1:10 -
Have a good weekend.
Posted by: Bklyn Fire Alarm Guy at February 9, 2008 9:07 PM
If homeowner-to-homeowner advice forums and blogs were not popular and very widely read by consumers these days, Bklyn Fire Alarm Guy, you wouldn't be here defending Gorilla Security. You wouldn't bother.
Your presence here supports what I was saying.
Have a good weekend yourself!
Posted by: guest at February 10, 2008 11:41 AM
The price is correct I've used this firm in the past. The price includes an 800 pound Gorilla that stays quitely in your closet. And as soon as the alarm is triggered the Gorilla (mine is called Chauncy) leaps out and stomps the bad guy.
Posted by: guest at February 12, 2008 3:19 PM
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