Things to know
Wired and wireless systems trade off differently. Wired systems cost more in cabling labour, but they're generally more reliable and don't depend on Wi-Fi signal strength around the property. Wireless systems install faster with less mess, but they can be more vulnerable to interference. State which one you're quoting and briefly why it suits the property, instead of assuming the customer already understands the tradeoff.
A one-off installation and an ongoing monitoring subscription are two different products, not one bundled price. Being clear that monitoring is optional and separately billed, usually monthly, lets a customer choose a self-monitored system if that's all they want, without feeling upsold on a subscription they didn't ask for.
Camera positioning has a genuine legal dimension worth a line on the quote. Cameras that capture a neighbour's property or a public footpath more than incidentally can raise data protection obligations under UK GDPR. A brief note confirming coverage was planned to minimise this is a real compliance consideration. It's the kind of detail that separates a professional installer from someone just mounting cameras wherever asked.
Remote access setup, viewing footage from a phone app, is often expected as standard now, but it's still a distinct configuration step worth naming on the quote, including whichever app or platform is used. A customer who can't get remote viewing working after installation will call it a fault, even if the hardware itself is functioning perfectly.
Typical cctv & security installer line items and UK prices
Indicative ranges, excluding VAT. Rates vary by region (London and the South East run higher) and by job size.
| Item | Unit | Typical range |
|---|---|---|
| 4-camera IP system, supplied + installed | per system | £800–£1,600 |
| Additional camera (incl. cabling) | per camera | £150–£300 |
| NVR with 2TB storage | per unit | £200–£450 |
| Video doorbell, supplied + fitted | per unit | £100–£250 |
| Wireless alarm system (domestic) | per system | £400–£900 |
| Remote viewing setup | per system | £40–£100 |
| Annual maintenance visit | per visit | £80–£180 |
Common cctv & security installer jobs and how to price them
- Domestic CCTV
- Fixed price per system with camera locations shown on a simple plan.
- Shop and office CCTV
- Per system, with retention period and signage advice included.
- Intruder alarms
- Per system, specifying grade and whether monitored.
- Maintenance contracts
- Annual fee per system, with call-out response times.
Regulations and certificates to reference
- UK GDPR and Data Protection Act 2018 — business CCTV makes the client a data controller (signage, retention policy, subject access requests), and domestic systems capturing beyond the property boundary also fall under data protection law. Advise on camera angles and put it in writing.
- BS EN 62676 (video surveillance systems) — the standard for CCTV system design and installation; reference it on commercial quotes.
- NSI / SSAIB certification — needed for alarm systems that get police response. Name your certification if you install monitored systems.
- Building Regulations Part P — a new circuit to power a system is notifiable electrical work.
Payment terms cctv & security installers commonly use
- Deposit for equipment (30–50%), balance on commissioning.
- Maintenance and monitoring: annual or monthly in advance.
Read more: Invoice payment terms explained · Payment methods to offer clients
VAT and CIS for cctv & security installers
VAT
Security installations are standard-rated at 20% once you are VAT-registered.
Construction Industry Scheme (CIS)
Installing security systems, including burglar alarms and CCTV, is specifically excluded from CIS, even when done for a builder.
General guidance, not tax advice — check your position with HMRC or an accountant.
Read more: Do I need to charge VAT on my invoices? · What must an invoice include? (UK legal requirements)
What this template includes
- Wired vs wireless system priced separately
- Monitoring/subscription option noted apart from install
- Camera coverage and privacy/GDPR notes included
- Remote access setup itemised
- PDF download or shareable tracked link
Full guide
How to Start a CCTV & Security Installation Business as a Sole Trader
Frequently asked questions
If cameras capture images beyond the property boundary, such as a street or a neighbour’s garden, data protection law applies to the homeowner. Advise on angles and privacy masking, and note it on the quote.
Camera positions and their purpose, resolution, recording retention, signage, and who has access to footage. The client is the data controller and needs this for their own compliance.
No. Installing security systems, including CCTV and alarms, is specifically excluded from CIS, even on a building project.
Long enough for the purpose and no longer. Many businesses choose around 30 days. State the storage capacity and resulting retention on the quote.
Wired is generally more reliable and doesn't depend on Wi-Fi signal, but costs more to install. Wireless is faster to fit with less disruption. The right choice depends on the property.
No — installation and ongoing monitoring are separate products. Monitoring is usually a separate monthly subscription and should be quoted apart from the one-off install.
Coverage should be planned to minimise this — capturing beyond your own property more than incidentally can raise data protection obligations under UK GDPR.
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