If the quote feels too good to be true — it probably is.
The Real Cost of a “Cheap” Security Install
What to Watch For — and What to Ask — Before You Hire Anyone
The Truth About “Cheap” Security Camera Installs
A $800 quote might sound good — until the footage doesn’t record, the camera dies after three months, or no one shows up when something breaks.
Here’s what you need to know before you say yes to the lowest number.
What to Watch For
These are the red flags that usually come with budget quotes:
1. No Planning, No Walkthrough
If there’s no conversation about camera angles, coverage areas, or what you want to protect — they’re not building a system, they’re just putting up cameras.
2. “Everything’s Included” With No Details
If they won’t name the camera brand, hard drive size, or type of recorder — you’re likely getting generic hardware with limited reliability and support.
3. Coaxial Cable in 2025
Old-school wiring is outdated, limited in resolution, and a red flag that the installer isn’t up to date with current standards.
4. Wi-Fi NVRs
NVRs should be hardwired — period. Wi-Fi connections can drop, buffer, or fail completely when it matters most.
5. Split Power = Shortcut Trouble
We’ve seen setups where 2 cables are used to power 4 cameras. It might save the installer time, but it’s not how a reliable system should be built. Every camera should have a dedicated power and video run — no exceptions.
6. Cheap Cameras That Aren’t What They Claim
If they’re suggesting cameras off Amazon — run. “4K” on the box doesn’t mean anything if the lens is weak, the sensor is cheap, and the frame rate drops the moment the lights go out.
7. Vague or Verbal Warranties
If they can't show you written warranty terms — or if everything is “covered” but never explained — you're on your own when something fails.
8. No Insurance
Ask if they’re insured. If they aren’t, and something goes wrong — property damage, injury, or liability — you're the one holding the bill.
What to Ask Before You Hire Anyone
Use these questions to spot real professionals from corners cutters. If someone dodges these, they’re hoping you don’t know what to ask.
1. What brand cameras are you using, and how long have you used them?
→ Reputable brands offer better quality, updates, and support — not mystery gear off the internet.
2. What’s the brand are you installing, how many TBs is the hard drive?
→ Cheap systems often come with the smallest hard drive possible, limiting your recording history.
3. How many cables are you running?
→ Every camera should have its own cable. 8 cameras = 8 cables. Shortcuts here lead to failures later.
4. Will I be able to access the system remotely — and can you show me how?
→ If you can’t access your system when you’re away, it’s not doing its job.
5. Is this quote for hardwired or Wi-Fi connection?
→ Hardwired systems are more reliable. Wi-Fi setups drop signal and fail more often.
6. Do you carry general liability insurance?
→ If something gets damaged or someone gets hurt, you want to be protected.
7. What exactly is covered under your warranty — and is it in writing?
→ A “four-year warranty” means nothing if it’s not clear what’s actually included and whats not...
What We’ve Been Called In to Fix
Too many times, we’ve seen victims of the Craigslist guy or the high-volume installer — someone who finishes a “quick job” and disappears, leaving homeowners or business owners stuck with the problem.
Improper cabling or cable count
CAT6 cables split to power 4 cameras off 2 lines (Every camera should have its own dedicated cable — no exceptions.)
Poor equipment placement
NVRs hidden in closets with no ventilation
(This leads to overheating, failure, and short equipment lifespan.)
Wrong hardware for the job
Indoor cameras installed outdoors that failed within weeks (They weren’t weather-rated and couldn’t handle temperature swings.)
Bad coverage strategy
Cameras installed that missed driveways, entrances, or blind spots (You get footage — just not of the things that matter.)
Undersized storage
Told they’d have a month of recording — given 1TB for 8 cameras at 4K (That storage runs out in days, not weeks.)
No training or system access
Clients left without logins, mobile setup, or basic instruction (They had a system — but no idea how to use it.)
No accountability
Installer disappeared after the job
(No callbacks. No support. No warranty follow-through.)
Why This Page Exists
This isn’t a sales pitch — it’s a warning. We’ve spent years fixing other people’s work, and honestly, we’re just tired of seeing people get burned. Too many lose time, money, and peace of mind because they didn’t know what to ask — or what to look for. Whether you work with us or not, we want you to make an informed choice.
Final Word
Whether you work with us or not, protect yourself. That “cheap” install? It’s usually the one that ends up costing you again — if the system fails and you’re forced to pay someone else to fix or replace what you already paid for. We’ve seen it time and time again. So if a quote feels too good to be true — it probably is. Ask questions. Look for proof. And don’t confuse price with value.
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