Quoted £3k for Gate Intercom System!

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Our top gates (which we rarely use) are about to be replaced. I've asked the gate company to provide a quote for an intercom system (there's no power there as gates are manual), I've been quoted £2,530 + vat to install a basic intercom system - I really don't want top pay this but could do with some form of communication up there to speak with delivery drivers - Does anyone know of an effective wireless alternative?

Any advice would be much appreciated

Many thanks in advance

Allister

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I wondered about "Ring" but I'm not sure if they're weatherproof - Do you know if they are usually OK if exposed to adverse weather?

Also, the gate is about 80 meters away from the house and the intercom panel will of course be on the post facing outward, away from the house - Do you think it will still reach?

Many thanks

Allister

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Afraid not - automation has been quote at a further £4,616 + vat!

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Thanks Will, don't know much about that system, does it still require the laying of an armoured cable?

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h0b0 said:

I fear you may have fallen foul of the type of tradesman that invariably says “nice house gov” before quoting. I had a plumber tell me he loved my house 5 times before giving me an invoice 5x what it should have been. I was away on business when my wife employed him without a quote.

Even if you aren’t automating the gate, knowing that you have 80 meters of property, I assume you have someone that helps with the land. Can they dig a trench? Even better, can you find a couple of eager school holiday kids and tell them “I’ll give you 200 quid to dig a hole”?

Thanks h0b0 - I know it's a nightmare, total cost for 3 x gates (one with brick built piers) is already at £25k, without this top gate intercom! - I just feel like they're taking the PxSS. When I was younger and we had less money, I'd hide my car round the corner, but I can't hide the house - Gate number 2 is 200 meters down a field, which requires automation / power - This has also increased the cost.

We do employ a full time gardener, so I can easily get him to dig a shallow trench - I will explore some of the alternative suggestions listed, including trying to weatherproof a Ring system - Thank you all for your help

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OldGermanHeaps said:

if you are spending £500 and running a cable the hikvision intercom is better, and has a nice indoor touchscreen and the potential for 24h cctv recording as well as the app functionality.

Is this the Hikvision system you're talking about?

https://www.amazon.co.uk/HIK475-HIKVISION-DS-KH830...

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LaurasOtherHalf said:

Sorry, I think you typed something in error. You posted that three gates were costing you £25k’

I’m presuming you aren’t installing a portcullis and drawbridge?

I know, it's absolutely crazy! But it's a reputable company so what do I do - I could go for a cheaper option, save £5-£7k and get a poor quality job - Then that turns out to be a complete waste of £18-£20k.....

I've reached the point whereby I think I'll pay a bit more, then at least the job will be done right

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DSLiverpool said:

Your overthinking this.

Big sign on gate saying “ call 12346778 for access”

Use a payg phone in the house so it’s not a personal number.

You could patch the gate caller into your home system if you wish.

I did think about this (although not with a payg - which is a good idea) only thing is, if no reply, does that suggest nobody's home - Then I guess the same applies with an intercom.

Maybe worth considering!

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Sorry for being slow to reply, we've been away - Thank you all very much for your advice and comments. It is very difficult dealing with tradesmen when you live in a larger house, I'm pretty sure these automated gates people have a standard way of calculating costs, this is as follows:

Take length of drive, multiply by size of house equals........ Hey presto, there's your price!

I think we're going to go with the option that several have suggested, a pay as you go sim and sign on gate.

Many thanks again