Whether you want to protect your home with an intruder alarm or you’re looking for a comprehensive CCTV and security system for your commercial property, a fire and security technician can help. Read our cost guides to find out how much to expect to pay for a range of fire and security services.
Cheap fire & security specialist cost
Fire and security specialists charge from as little as £30 per hour to around £80. Make sure you do your research on each specialist before going ahead, checking their qualifications and experience and reading reviews or getting references from previous customers.
While you don’t want to get overcharged, it’s not always worth going with the cheapest specialist. If you hire a fire and security specialist without the necessary skills, you could spend more than you would have on someone more experienced when you have to fix their mistakes.
Fire & Security Cost Guides
Cost Guides for Other Common Fire & Security Jobs
Fire & Security FAQs
Where should I place security cameras outside my home?
To maximise security, place cameras at key points around your property. Common locations include:
- Front door: Most burglars enter through the front door, so having a camera here is crucial. Position it to capture a clear view of anyone approaching your door.
- Back and side doors: These entrances are also potential entry points for intruders. Cameras should be placed to monitor these areas, especially if they are less visible from the street.
- Driveway or garage: A camera here can help monitor vehicles and deter theft. It’s also useful for capturing anyone approaching your home from the driveway or garage entrance.
- Windows not facing the street: Windows that are out of direct view are more likely to be targeted by burglars. Place cameras to monitor these vulnerable spots.
- Gates and fences: If your property has a perimeter fence or gate, consider placing a camera to monitor access points, especially if they are out of sight from the main house.
Ensure cameras are mounted high enough to avoid tampering, but angled to capture clear footage of faces and activity. It’s also wise to ensure cameras are weatherproof and have night vision capabilities for 24/7 monitoring.
How often should I get my intruder alarm serviced?
It’s recommended to have your intruder alarm serviced at least once a year to ensure it’s functioning correctly. Regular servicing helps identify and fix any potential issues before they become major problems, ensuring your system provides reliable protection at all times.
During a service, a qualified technician will check all the components of your alarm system, including sensors, control panels and backup batteries, and they will test the system to ensure it’s operating correctly. If your alarm is used in a commercial setting or you live in a high-risk area, you may need to have it serviced more frequently.
How many fire alarms should I have in my home?
The number of fire alarms you need depends on the size and layout of your home. As a general rule:
- One per floor: You should have at least one fire alarm on each level of your home, including basements and attics if they are habitable.
- Outside sleeping areas: Place alarms in hallways or corridors outside bedrooms to ensure everyone can hear the alarm in case of a fire.
- Inside bedrooms: For added safety, especially if you sleep with doors closed, consider placing an alarm inside each bedroom.
- Kitchen: While not directly in the kitchen (to avoid false alarms from cooking), a fire alarm should be placed near it, such as in an adjoining hallway.
It’s also a good idea to interconnect your fire alarms if possible, so when one alarm detects smoke, all alarms in the home will sound. This provides the best protection and ensures everyone is alerted in the event of a fire, no matter where they are in the house.