Door entry systems can be a source of security and practicality for those living in both houses and flats. Installed at the door, they can save a lot of time letting people into the property – particularly if the tenant or resident does live in a block of flats or multi-storey house.
As technology develops, different types of door entry systems are available to purchase, each with its benefits.
Our guide takes a comprehensive look at door entry systems, including how much these systems cost, what affects the cost of purchasing or installing a door entry system, how you can save money and the best way to find an installer!
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How Much Do Door Entry Systems Cost?
There’s a variety of different door entry systems available for purchase, all with different costs. You can spend anywhere from £200 to £1,000 on a door entry system.
| Type of Intercom | Time Required | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Hard-wired intercom | One day | £300-£450 |
| Wireless intercom | One day | £200-£300 |
| Video wireless intercom | One day | £600-£800 |
| Music distribution intercom | One day | £800-£1,000 |
If you’re hoping to instal a hard-wired intercom it is estimated to cost you between £300 to £450 with the estimated time required of one day.
To instal a wireless intercom it is estimated to cost between £200 to £300 with the estimated time required of one day.
If you’re hoping to instal a video wireless intercom it is estimated to cost between £600 to £800 with the estimated time required of one day.
A music distribution intercom is estimated to cost between £800 to £1,000, with the estimated time required of one day.
If you’re hoping to find the perfect installer for your door entry system, use HouseholdQuotes’ search function to compare three to four quotes from reputable tradespeople and companies!
Click To Get QuotesWhat Affects the Cost of Installing a Door Entry System?
Different factors will impact the cost of a door entry system.
Type of System
Hard-Wired Intercom
This type of intercom is connected by electrical wiring. It’s a very reliable and secure intercom system because there won’t be any interference, which you may experience with other intercoms.
Whilst this is one of the more expensive intercom and entry system options, the reliability and clarity it can provide your home or property is a worthy investment.
Wireless Intercom
This type of intercom usually relies on WiFi, but can also operate with Bluetooth or 3G.
The clarity this type of system provides does depend quite heavily on the strength of your router and if there’s any bad weather or faults with the router, this can have a knock-on effect with the intercom.
Video Wireless Intercom
If you opt to go for a video wireless system, this type of door entry system can be quite expensive and on average is likely to cost an estimated £650 to £700.
A video wireless system is great because it lets you identify the person at your door before you decide to allow them into your property, or even open the door. This provides an extra level of security for your home.
Music Distribution Intercom
This type of software is an add-on for your door entry system. As its name suggests, it’s able to transmit music throughout your home which can be a really useful setting to have for social events.
However, this kind of software is pretty expensive and usually priced at the £1,000 mark.
Installation or Replacement
Be aware that if you’re installing a brand new door entry system in your property it is going to be more expensive than if an existing door entry system is being replaced.
There is because if you’re simply having a door entry system replaced there’s no need for new electrical connections, wiring or circuit breakers. Existing cables can be followed or even reused, as well as other elements of the systems – such as handsets – making the project cheaper overall.
There are also downsides to replacing a door entry system. It can sometimes be a long job to strip out the existing system and replace it with a new one, and any costs saved in supply may be eventually outweighed by labour charges.
Additional Joinery Work
Joinery work may need to be done to instal your door entry system, so it’s vital you budget beforehand to ensure that your costs for this type of work are covered.
Doors could need to be replaced or adjusted to ensure the system opens and closes effectively. Frames may need to be strengthened to make sure there’s no bursting or cracking and, in some cases, a specialist may need to be called in to complete the lock fitting.
All of this can impact the final cost of the project.
Type of Authentication Method
Due to all the developments in technology in the modern era, there are a few different types of authentication methods available when it comes to door entry systems.
Access Cards
These portable cards can be inserted, swiped or scanned depending on the system you choose to grant access through electrically locked doors.
Keypads
Like an ATM, a keypad operates by granting access to the home or property once the correct pin code is entered into the keypad.
Biometrics
Biometrics will use a unique biological feature of the homeowner, such as a fingerprint or facial scan to grant access to the home. As you can imagine, this type of authentication method is one of the more expensive ones.
How Can I Save Money on a Door Entry System?
Making sure you’re aware of what kind of door entry system you want for your home is one of the key ways you can save money.
It might seem obvious, but having a clear plan and budget for what you want implemented means you’ll be able to easily go through any quotes you receive and see which one is most cost-effective.
Make sure you go for the cheapest type of system and intercom available to you, which will most likely be a wireless one.
Do be aware of the possibility for interference and any additional costs that you might have to part with if your WiFi isn’t particularly strong or stable enough to operate the system.
We recommend you seek between three to four quotes from different companies and installers who can provide you with door-entry systems before you choose which one you’ll spend your money with.
HouseholdQuotes’ easy to use search function allows you to compare quotes from reputable companies and installers to find the best fit for you when it comes to a door entry system!
Click To Get QuotesWhat’s Involved in Installing a Door Entry System?
It largely depends on the type of system you want to be installed, so don’t be surprised if some installation processes look a little different from others.
When it comes to working with an installation company, you will firstly meet with their design consultants. At this step of the process, they will discuss the type of intercom or door entry system you want and what specifications you have for the system that need to be taken into account.
If you have requested a bespoke system, this will then be designed for you. If you have opted for an existing system, then the installers will arrange for qualified engineers to come to your property and instal the door entry system for you.
Typically, installation is done with one master substation installed at the location best for you, several interior substations and an outdoor substation which is usually located at the front door.
All these parts will usually be installed in holes in the wall and the wiring will be routed through the wall and potentially the floor.
As installing a door entry system involves electrical wiring, we don’t recommend you undertake this job yourself as a way of potentially cutting costs.
If you have experience in the field and feel you’re able to undertake the role safely then this could be an avenue for you to explore, but it’s not one for amateur DIY-ers.
How Do I Find and Hire an Installer?
It’s best to first seek recommendations from family, friends and neighbours. Find out if they’ve recently had a door entry system installed and if they were happy with the way the project turned out.
This way you can source good recommendations from people you trust.
Using HouseholdQuotes is another fab way to find the right installer for you as well as potentially cut costs as we can save you up to 40% on your project quote, giving you the ability to quickly and easily see contractor quotes.
Click To Get QuotesEnsuring the Professional Is the Right Fit
It’s good to make sure you’ve got the right questions ready to ask that will verify the tradesperson’s abilities. We recommend you ask them:
- For a written quote. Any contractor worth their salt will be happy to provide you with a written quote.
- For their experience. It’s best to go with a tradesperson who has experience in this field and will be sure of what they’re doing.
- For their references. If they can provide you with references you can be sure of their ability and may even be able to see some of their previous work.
- For any photos of their previous jobs. This will offer you the opportunity to see the quality of their work and could also provide you with some good references for your project designs.
- If they and their tools are insured. This can protect you from lawsuits if they or your property is damaged when they come to your home.
Final Checklist
Use this checklist to make sure you have got everything you need before you hire an installer for your door entry system:
- Consider what type of door entry system would work the best for you in your home.
- Set an adequate budget, taking into account potential joinery work.
- Use HouseholdQuotes to search between vetted companies and installers and compare quotes to find the best deal for you!
Click To Get QuotesFrequently Asked Questions
How Does a Door Entry System Work?
A doorbell or specific button on the keypad or interface on the outside of your home will be pressed by a person who may want to enter the property.
Your door entry system can also be downloaded with software that can alert you if there’s suspicious activity occurring around the outside substation.
Once this button has been pressed, an alarm or tone will be set off inside the property, alerting the resident or homeowner that someone is outside. If you have a visual door entry system, you may be able to see who the person is.
If you have an audio system you may be able to communicate with them directly – like speaking over a telephone.
The resident can then decide whether they want to let the person into their home by unlocking the door with a specific button or remote control.
Should I Choose a Wired or Wireless Door Entry System?
A wired system tends to be more expensive than a wireless one, due to the electrical wiring that needs to be installed. However, a wired system is also a lot more sturdy and reliable than a wireless one because it will not suffer from hacking or interference the way a wireless system might.
How Much Does a Burglar Alarm Cost?
The simplest type of burglar alarm installation is estimated to cost between £125 to £300, with the price rising to £350 for more expensive systems.
HouseholdQuotes has put together a useful cost guide on burglar alarms, covering their estimated costs and what factors could impact this pricing so that you can have a good idea of what kind of budget should be set if you’re thinking of having one installed.
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