I am building a new construction home in California and it is about 5000 sqft.

I just received a proposal for an alarm system that costs about $20k. It seems really expensive but then again, it’s in a very high end build and in an expensive part of california, so I expect there to be some price gouging.

I’m not coming here to ask if I’m getting ripped off (I already know that most people will say this). I’m asking for advice on what items are absolutely necessary and which items can be cut out. The goal is to be able to cut down the scope so I can get the budget down as much as possible. What is the biggest driver of cost when installing these alarm systems?

Here’s what’s included in the current poposal:

1 – Honeywell Vista Series alarm control panel

3 – 6160 Command Centers at the following locations:

• Front door/Main entrance of home
• Mud Room near the garage main door
• Master Bedroom

3 – Panic features on keypads

1 – Interior siren

1 – 12v back up battery

1 – Long range Honeywell cellular transmitter for connectivity to Central Station

22 – Recessed window contacts

7 – Recessed door contacts

1 – Rail/track mount door contact for garage door

5 – Pet tolerant Motion Detectors

1 – Acoustic glass breaks covering the following location(s)

• Master bedroom

7 – Smoke detectors in bedrooms and common hallways

4 – 194degrees F Fixed Temp Heat Detector in the following locations

• Garage (2)
• Laundry room
• Mechanical room

1- Rate of Rise heat detector at the following location:

• Kitchen

Connection to water flow valve of Fire sprinkler system, as desired

1 – Year warranty