There’s no magic number when someone asks, “How much for a CCTV setup?” What you pay changes with the size of your place, how fiddly the wiring job is, and the actual gear you pick. Cameras come in all sorts of flavours, some basic, some loaded with extras and that swings the price big time.
At the end of the day, two things really drive the bill:
- The kit you buy
- How tough the install turns out to be
In this guide, I’ll unpack both so you know exactly what to set aside for a decent system.
What Affects CCTV Installation Costs?
Before we dive into the actual pricing, let’s go over the main factors that determine how much your CCTV system will cost:
Type of CCTV System
When you’re picking a CCTV system for your home or shop, the cameras make the biggest dent in your wallet. Old-school analogue cameras are cheaper and still do the job. But digital IP cameras cost more because they offer sharper images. Plus, you can check the feed on your phone while enjoying coffee on the couch.
Every system needs a brain to store the footage. If you go with an analogue system, which is a DVR, and if you pick a digital one, that is an NVR system. The NVR costs more, but it’s worth it. You’ll need fewer cables. You can add cameras later without hurting your walls. Plus, the video playback is smooth.
Brands like Hikvision and Dahua offer different camera models with varying levels of smart features, so you can match performance to your needs and budget. Meanwhile, Swann Security keeps things simpler with the same basic features across most of its cameras, making it a more affordable choice for homes.
The resolution is the clarity dial. A 4MP or 6MP camera is plenty for most homes; you’ll spot the neighbor’s cat at midnight. Businesses usually spring for 8MP or full 4K so they can zoom in and read the logo on a thief’s hoodie. Yes, the price jumps, but so does peace of mind.
Number of Cameras
The number of cameras you need will have a considerable effect on the cost. A bigger property or a business needs more cameras to cover all of the entry points and the blind spots.
4 camera setup can easily work for a small home. But for a big house or a business, you might need 8, 12, or more cameras to cover all of the entry points and blind spots. This will raise both hardware and installation costs.
Installation Complexity
Installation difficulty impacts the price. Factors such as property size, number of floors, and the need for extra wiring or special equipment can all raise costs.
Easy Access: If the property has easy access to the roof or walls, installing cameras will be simpler and cheaper.
Difficult Access: If the roof or walls are hard to reach, or if wiring needs to run across several floors, labour costs may increase.
CCTV System Pricing Breakdown
To help you better understand the costs involved get the idea , here’s a general price breakdown based on different types of CCTV systems and setups:
Residential CCTV Installation Costs
For homeowners, a basic CCTV system is enough to cover key areas like the front and the back doors or the driveway. Here’s what you can expect to pay:
Basic System (4 Cameras):
Price of 4 camera system can start from $1,200 – $2,000 and it can increase according to the brand you use.
Features: 4MP cameras, basic night vision, motion detection, local storage (e.g., 2TB hard drive)
Premium System (6-8 Cameras):
Price of 6-8 camera system can start from $2,500 – $4,000 and it can increase according to the brand you use.
Features: 6MP to 8MP cameras, remote access, cloud storage, smart analytics
Commercial CCTV Installation Costs
For a businesses or a larger properties, you’ll need a more strong system with more cameras and the higher quality features. Here’s an idea of what that might cost:
Small Business (4-6 Cameras):
Price of the 4-6 cameras can start from $2,500 – $4,500 and it can still increase according to brand camera quality and storage etc.
Features: 6MP cameras, cloud storage, remote viewing, smart analytics
Large Business (12+ Cameras):
Price of the 12 cameras can start from $8,000 – $15,000 and it can increase according to brand camera quality and storage etc.
Features: 8MP or 4K cameras, advanced analytics, large storage capacity (e.g., 8TB hard drive), professional-grade NVR with multiple channels
DIY vs Professional CCTV Installation: What’s the Difference?
When you want to put in security cameras, you have to decide: do it yourself or hire someone? Both ways have good and bad points. It depends on your money, skills, and time.
DIY CCTV Setup
Doing it yourself saves cash at the start. You control everything. You can go slow and put cameras right where you want.
But it’s not easy. You might learn as you go. Common mistakes: cameras in bad spots, not covering enough area, or loose wires. This can make the system not work well. DIY kits usually have short warranties and no real help if things break.
Pro CCTV Setup
Paying pros means it’s done right the first time. They know the best places for cameras to see everything. They use good gear and make sure wires and connections are safe.
You get help later too. If it breaks, there’s warranty and fix options. It costs more at first around $100 to $500 per camera. But many believe the safety and peace of mind are worth it.
How to Save Money on CCTV Installation?
If you think that you have to spend to much to get a good CCTV setup, that is not true. These small choices can reduce your costs while keeping your security strong.
Opt for Wired Systems
Wired CCTV systems can take a little more effort to install, but this system usually more stable. You do not need to worry about the signal issues and buying new batteries later, which saves money over time.
Purchase Cameras Separately
Sometimes installers sell cameras at higher prices. Firstly, check online and then at local tech stores first. If you find a better deal, then just buy the cameras and then hire someone to install them.
Get Multiple Quotes
Don’t go with the first installer you talk to. Ask a few companies for their prices. When you compare the prices, you will see who is charging more and who is offering a fair price.
Choose a Simple Setup
If your home or shop isn’t large, you probably don’t need a big system. A small setup with 2 to 4 cameras is mostly more than enough. Skip extra features or additional cameras that you don’t actually need.
How to Choose the Right CCTV System for Your Property
Best CCTV setup will depend on how big your property is and what you need to keep eye on. Here is the simple way to decide what is best option for you.
For Small Homes or Apartments
If you just want to cover entry points or just your driveway, a setup of 2 to 4 cameras is more than enough. A 4MP CCTV camera will give you clear images without driving up the cost. This is a good choice when you just want basic monitoring and peace of mind.
For Larger Homes or Small Businesses
If your property has several outdoor areas or extra rooms, consider systems with 6 to 8 cameras. A 6MP resolution captures good detail. Also, pick a system that allows cloud storage and lets you view live feeds on your phone.
For Commercial Properties
Most of the shops, offices, and warehouses often need wider coverage and better footage. This is the reason that they use 8 to 12 cameras with 6MP or 8MP resolution. Some businesses enjoy features like facial recognition and motion analytics. These tools help track activity with greater accuracy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I install a CCTV system myself?
You can, but it takes some time and patience. A professional installer will know the best angles and placements, which helps avoid blind spots and makes sure the system works smoothly.
How long is CCTV footage stored?
Most systems keep recordings for around 31 days before overwriting old footage. If you want to store video for longer, you can add a bigger hard drive or switch to cloud storage.
Do I need cloud storage?
Cloud storage isn’t required, but it’s useful if you want to view footage when you’re away from the property or keep a backup in case the recorder gets damaged or stolen.
Conclusion
CCTV cameras are one of the best options to protect your property. When you know the costs and setup options, it will be easy to pick a system that suits your space and budget. Choose equipment that fits your security needs, whether you set it up yourself or get a professional.
Borderless Solutions supplies reliable, professional CCTV systems for homes and businesses. We have various brands and package choices. You can pick what suits your property best.
If you are looking for advice or want to compare options, contact us for a free quote. Our team will help you choose the right setup and we will make sure that everything is installed correctly.