When you want to get a TV antenna, the price can change a lot based on many different things. Most times the cost stays between $250 and $700 but you have to keep in mind that a few parts can push that number up or down. Those parts are the kind of antenna you pick how hard the job is to do where your house sits and if you need any extra gear. In this piece we will look closely at what the price of setting up a TV antenna is and what you can plan for with your money.
Understanding TV Antenna Installation Costs
The usual price for putting in a TV antenna sits between $250 and $700 but that can shift because of a few different reasons. For example a simple job in a spot with good signal strength might only run you $250 while tougher jobs in places with bad signals or on houses with many floors can take the bill past $700. The main thing is to figure out what parts are making the price what it is for your own setup.
Factors Affecting the Installation Costs
One of the biggest things that changes the price of the job is the kind of antenna you go with. Indoor antennas stay easy and cheap and they usually cost from $150 to $250. They work best in spots where the signal comes in strong. On the flip side outdoor antennas that get put up on the roof or a pole cost more because of the extra stuff and work needed. Those can run from $400 to $700 based on how tough the setup is and what gear it takes.
Another big part is how easy it is to get to your house. Homes with just one floor are simpler to work on so the price stays lower than for houses with many floors or places that are hard to reach. If your roof sits flat or stuff blocks the way the job can take more time and need more tools which can push the cost up.
Roof Type & Access
The kind of roof your house has makes a big difference in how much the TV antenna job will cost. For example a flat roof can give the workers a harder time because there is not much space to run the cables and putting the mount in place gets tougher. But pitched roofs are usually simpler to deal with so the whole job goes faster and costs less. Plus how easy it is to get up on the roof like if it is quick to reach or you need special gear or tall ladders can change the price too. If the roof is hard to get to, the work takes longer and you will end up paying more.
Existing Home vs New Build
If you are putting an antenna in a brand new house or an old one that can change the total price. For new houses people often suggest doing the wiring ahead of time because setting up the antenna is way simpler and costs less while the house is still getting built. But adding it to a house that is already there can cost more especially if you want extra TV spots or the walls are tough to get into like double brick or Hebel blocks because it takes more time and work to run the cables and put in new plugs.
Location
Where you live is one of the biggest things that sets the price for getting a TV antenna put in. It changes not just the kind of antenna you will need but also how strong the signal you can pick up will be. Based on your spot you might have to get a better antenna or some special gear to make sure the picture comes in clear.
Type of Antenna
The kind of antenna you have to get will change the setup price a lot. Simple digital antennas stay pretty cheap but if you are in a place where the signal is weak you might need a high-gain antenna or one that grabs both UHF and VHF signals. These antennas cost more but you need them in some spots to get a clear picture. Plus stuff made from aluminium or galvanised steel lasts longer and fights rust better especially near the coast but they run more than normal antennas.
Signal Strength and Line of Sight
How strong the signal is and if you can see straight to the closest TV towers can change the price of the job a lot. If your place gets weak signals because of things blocking it like big buildings, trees or hills the setup might need extra special gear. For example you could have to put up a taller mast for the antenna or add an amplifier to make the signal stronger. But if you have a clear view right to the towers the work stays simple and the cost comes down.
Additional Equipment
You might need a few extra pieces of gear to make the signal better or send it to more than one TV. Each one adds its own price:
Amplifiers & Guyed Masting
If the signal comes in weak you might need an amplifier to make it stronger. Same way a guyed mast gets used for taller setups to keep everything steady and pointed right. Both of these can push the total price up for the job.
Splitters
If you have more than one TV and want the signal in different rooms you will need a splitter. How much the splitter costs depends on how many TVs you hook up. More TVs means the splitter costs more.
Attenuators
In spots close to the TV towers where the signal is too strong an attenuator cuts it down. It is not always needed but when you do it adds to the setup cost.
Bird-Proofing
For people in places where birds land on the antenna a lot and mess up the signal bird-proofing might be a must. You can put on spikes or netting to stop them and the price changes with the stuff used and how big the antenna is.
DIY vs. Professional Installation
Some people think about putting the TV antenna in themselves to keep some cash but getting a pro to do it is usually the smarter way. Doing it yourself can get tough especially when you work up high or deal with tricky cable runs. Plus if you don’t have the right tools or know-how you might not place the antenna where it picks up the best signal and that can give you bad picture. Pro workers have the skills and gear to make sure your antenna goes in right and your setup works as good as it can.
Paying a pro might hit your wallet harder at first but you get good stuff like the antenna put in safe real checks for how strong the signal is and a promise that covers both the parts and the work. It also gives you back time and keeps you from maybe breaking something in your house or getting hurt from being up high.
Additional Costs to Consider
Sometimes you need extra gear to keep the signal steady. If your spot gets weak reception you might need an amplifier to make the signal stronger. Same if you want to hook up more than one TV you may need a splitter to send the signal around. These things add to the total price of the job. Amplifiers can run from $30 to $150 based on what kind they are and how big your house is. Plus if you live near the coast where salty air can rust stuff you might need an antenna that fights rust which can push the price up too.
Location and Signal Strength
Where you live makes a big difference in how much the TV antenna setup will cost. If you are in a place with bad signal like out in the country or far away spots you might need a special antenna like a high-gain one. These antennas grab weak signals and they cost more than normal ones. Plus if your house sits in a dead zone or down in a valley where trees or other things block the signal you may have to put up a taller antenna or a mast to get a clear view to the towers which can make the price go up too.
Hidden Costs to Watch Out For
When you think about getting a TV antenna put in you need to watch out for costs that hide. Always ask the person doing the work if the price they give covers every part of the job like the antenna cables, connectors work time and any extra gear. Some low prices only pay for the simple stuff and you might have to pay more for things like longer cable runs, signal helpers or even taking out an old antenna. To stay away from shocks it is smart to ask for a full list of what the money covers and make sure all you want is at that price.
Final Thoughts
In the end the price for putting in a TV antenna comes down to a few things like what kind of antenna you pick, how hard the job is and what gear you need. Doing it yourself might look like a good way to save but getting a pro makes sure the antenna goes in right and you get the clearest picture you can. It is always smart to talk to a licensed worker who can check what you need and give you a real price up front.
Need someone to put in your TV antenna? At Borderless Solutions we give pro antenna setup work that makes sure you get the strongest signal and clearest picture. If you still don’t know which antenna fits your house best give us a call today for a free talk with no strings. Let us help you pick the right one and make sure watching TV looks sharp and clear.