The average cost of a home security system is about $700, ranging from $280 to $1,150. Costs to consider include equipment, surveillance fees, and other additional features. Cost factors that determine your system’s price include the type of security system, materials, labor, activation fees, monthly fees, and permits. Additional features and upgrades may include:

• Video surveillance monitoring: $40–$65 per month

• Smart home locks: $150

• Smart home lighting: $15–$90

• Smart smoke, fire, and carbon monoxide alarms: $35–$100

• Smart thermostat: $130–$500

Door installation usually takes three and four hours, including removing the old door and frame, fitting the new door and frame in place, shimming it to make sure it’s perfectly level, and making adjustments to the hinges and locking mechanisms to ensure proper functionality. A door-hanging professional can replace an interior door in between one and two hours. Door installation will take significantly longer if your installer needs to create a wall opening, and it can take less time if the existing door frame remains.

The average cost to install a door is around $1,100, but you could pay anywhere from $150 for a hollow-core interior door installation up to $2,000 or a high-end exterior door installation. There are a few cost factors to consider to get an accurate price, including whether your wall opening exists, the type of door, the quality and security of the door, whether you need to replace the frame, and the door size. You can expect to pay $150 to $700 for a standard 36-by-80-inch door and between $400 and $1,600 for an 80-by-48-inch door.

Yes, a home security system can be worth it for your peace of mind alone, but it can also save you up to 20% on your home insurance. The insurance savings will help defray the initial setup costs and subscription costs over time. Locations with higher crime rates also make home security systems a valuable investment, but it ultimately depends on your personal preferences and asset values.

It’s possible to install a door yourself if the wall opening already exists, but the work is rather complicated, and a professional installation is usually well worth the investment. For your door to work and close properly, you’ll need to shim and level the door frame in your wall perfectly, which can be difficult. Additionally, we recommend you always hire a professional door installer to place an exterior door, as mistakes during the installation process can lead to poor security for your home.