What does home security installation cost in Denver? You’re looking at $52-87 per hour for professional installation, with most homeowners paying around $69 per hour. But that’s just the labor. Between equipment, monitoring fees, permits, and ongoing costs, a complete security system runs $800-3,500 upfront plus $20-80 monthly.
Here’s what actually drives these costs and how to get the best value for your money in the Denver market.
Understanding Total Security System Costs
The sticker shock comes when you realize installation is just one piece. Here’s the real breakdown:
| Cost Component | Low End | Average | High End |
|---|---|---|---|
| Equipment | $200 | $800 | $2,000 |
| Installation Labor | $150 | $350 | $700 |
| Permits/Fees | $25 | $75 | $150 |
| First Month Service | $20 | $45 | $80 |
| Total Upfront | $395 | $1,270 | $2,930 |
Installation costs vary because a basic door/window sensor system takes 2-3 hours, while a full smart home integration with cameras, smart locks, and access control can take 8-12 hours.
Why do you pay $52-87 per hour when the base wage is $34.69? That hourly rate covers business overhead (insurance, licensing, specialized tools, vehicle costs), company profit margins, administrative expenses, and employer-paid benefits. This is standard across all skilled trades - from deck builder services to security installers.
How to Get and Compare Multiple Quotes
Get at least three quotes, but make sure you’re comparing apples to apples. Here’s how:
Request detailed written quotes that include:
- Itemized equipment costs
- Labor hours and rates
- Permit fees
- Monitoring service details
- Warranty coverage
- Timeline for completion
Red flags to avoid:
- Door-to-door sales (common in Cherry Creek and Highlands Ranch)
- Pressure to sign immediately
- Quotes without seeing your property
- No local business address or license number
Most reputable Denver companies will schedule an in-home consultation within 3-5 business days. Expect the quote process to take 30-45 minutes as they assess entry points, WiFi coverage, and your specific security concerns.
ADT Security System Reviews and Monthly Costs
ADT dominates the Denver market, but their pricing structure confuses many homeowners. Here’s the straight truth:
| ADT Plan | Monthly Cost | Contract | Equipment Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Secure | $45.99 | 36 months | $99 |
| Smart | $60.99 | 36 months | $99 |
| Video | $62.99 | 36 months | $99 |
ADT Pros:
- Established monitoring network
- Quick emergency response (average 45 seconds in Denver)
- Works during power outages
- Professional installation included
ADT Cons:
- Long-term contracts (typically 36 months)
- Equipment fees on top of monthly costs
- Limited flexibility for upgrades
- Higher monthly costs than many competitors
Many Denver homeowners ask about ADT security with no contract options. While ADT primarily operates on contracts, they occasionally offer month-to-month plans at higher monthly rates ($65-85). Your best bet for no-contract service is local providers or DIY systems.
Monthly Security System Costs Breakdown
Understanding ongoing costs helps you budget accurately:
| Service Level | Monthly Range | What’s Included |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Monitoring | $20-35 | Door/window sensors, 24/7 monitoring |
| Smart Home Integration | $40-55 | App control, smart alerts, automation |
| Full Video Monitoring | $55-80 | Camera monitoring, cloud storage, mobile alerts |
Local companies like Peak Alarm and Byers Security often beat national providers on monthly costs while offering better local service. Peak Alarm, based in Salt Lake but serving Denver for 30+ years, typically runs $5-10 less per month than ADT for comparable service.
Best Timing and Seasonal Considerations
Denver’s climate affects installation timing and costs:
Best Installation Months: April-June and September-October
- Mild weather makes outdoor camera installation easier
- Technicians aren’t rushed by extreme weather
- Better availability means competitive pricing
Avoid if possible: December-February
- Snow and ice complicate outdoor installations
- Higher demand during holiday season
- Emergency service calls increase technician rates to $85-120/hour
Summer installations work fine for indoor systems, but outdoor camera mounting can be challenging during July heat waves. Many installers start work at 7 AM to beat afternoon temperatures.
Money-saving tip: Schedule installations during shoulder seasons (April-May, September-October) when companies offer promotions to fill schedules.
Local Permits and Regulations Denver
Denver requires alarm permits, and the costs add up:
City of Denver Alarm Permit: $27 annually False Alarm Fees:
- First false alarm: Warning
- Second: $50
- Third: $100
- Fourth and beyond: $200 each
Registration must happen within 30 days of installation. Many companies handle this for you, but verify it’s included in your quote. Some neighborhoods like Stapleton and Green Valley Ranch have HOA restrictions on visible security equipment, so check those rules first.
Commercial systems need additional permits and inspections, running $150-400 depending on system complexity.
Emergency vs Scheduled Service Pricing
Understanding when you’ll pay premium rates:
Scheduled Service (Normal Hours): $52-87/hour
After-Hours (6 PM-8 AM): $78-130/hour
Weekend/Holiday: $95-150/hour
True Emergency: $120-200/hour
What counts as emergency? System completely down, break-in damage, or safety concerns. A camera going offline or false alarm issues can usually wait for normal business hours.
Pro tip: Many monitoring companies offer remote troubleshooting first, which can resolve 60-70% of issues without a service call.
Questions to Ask Before Hiring
Licensing and Insurance:
- “What’s your Colorado contractor license number?”
- “Do you carry liability insurance, and can I see the certificate?”
- “Are your technicians background-checked?”
Service Details:
- “What’s included in the installation cost?”
- “How long is the warranty on equipment and labor?”
- “What happens if I move before my contract ends?”
- “Can I upgrade or downgrade my service level?”
Local Knowledge:
- “How many Denver installations do you complete monthly?”
- “What’s your average response time for service calls?”
- “Do you have a local service center?”
Companies serving areas like LoDo, RiNo, and Washington Park should understand urban installation challenges like WiFi interference and limited exterior mounting options.
Always verify license numbers through Colorado’s Department of Regulatory Agencies website. Legitimate companies welcome these questions - sketchy ones will dodge them.
Getting the best value means balancing upfront home security installation cost with long-term reliability. Choose installers who understand Denver’s unique mix of historic homes, new construction, and urban density challenges. The cheapest quote often becomes the most expensive mistake.
For related home improvement needs, consider bundling consultations with painter services or gutter contractor services to maximize your investment in home security and maintenance.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is ADT a month?
ADT monthly costs in Denver range from $45.99 for basic monitoring to $62.99 for video monitoring plans. These require 36-month contracts with $99 equipment fees. Add-on services like smart home integration or additional cameras increase monthly costs by $10-25. Remember that these advertised rates often exclude taxes and fees, which can add another $5-8 monthly to your bill.
How much does security system cost per month?
Monthly security monitoring in Denver runs $20-80 depending on service level and provider. Basic monitoring with local companies starts around $25-30, while comprehensive smart home security with video monitoring reaches $60-80. National providers like ADT fall in the middle at $45-65 monthly. DIY systems like SimpliSafe or Ring can run $15-35 monthly but require self-installation and troubleshooting.
How much does it cost for a security system?
Complete security system costs in Denver range from $800-3,500 installed. Basic door/window sensor systems with keypads start around $800-1,200. Mid-range smart systems with cameras and mobile apps run $1,500-2,500. High-end systems with professional cameras, smart locks, and home automation reach $2,500-3,500. Monthly monitoring adds $25-65 to your ongoing costs regardless of system type.
How much does home security alarm system cost?
Home security alarm systems in Denver cost $200-2,000 for equipment plus $150-700 for professional installation. Basic wireless systems start around $350 total, while hardwired systems with multiple zones run $800-1,500. Add cameras, smart home features, or commercial-grade equipment and costs reach $2,000-3,000. Installation typically takes 3-6 hours at $52-87 per hour, depending on system complexity and your home’s layout.
Pricing data sourced from Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS survey. Consumer prices calculated using industry-standard multipliers. See our methodology for details.