A gate for a gated community is an integral part of the community’s safety and security. Some gates may cost a lot more than you may think and include an annual or semi-annual maintenance check-up. Keep in mind that a budget should be created for unforeseen repairs.
How much does a gate in a gated community cost? The cost of a gate in a gated community can range from $500 to $12000. Adding a gate, be it in your household or community, may be expensive, but in the end, it’s worth it. Given the costs, many community owners do not mind spending more to make sure everyone in the community is safe.
Let’s further investigate the costs of gates in gated communities.
Manual Driveway Gate
With $2500, you can already secure a manual driveway gate, but it can add up to $4000 depending on the accessories you plan to add. Accessories include intercoms or cameras and the materials you are about to use – aluminum, steel, or wood. These options are much cheaper than automatic gate models. Usually, labor costs $30 up to $80, the same as an electronic gate installation, but one will take less time in installation than when using the electronic one.
Sliding Driveway Gate
Usually, sliding gates cost from $500 up to $3000 depending on the material type and the size of the gate. Labor may charge up to $80 per hour. If you want footers installed in the driveway, then an additional $50 may be added to the cost. Sliding Gates typically take a longer time than the standard swing-type gate. Reinforcements may be needed if your driveway has a lot of bumps into it before they can proceed with the installation of the sliding gate.
Electronic Driveway Gate
The cost for an electronic driveway gate varies depending on the materials and accessories you plan to install on your gate and its project size. Roughly, it costs $7000 and could even reach $12000, including labor and the control system you plan to purchase for your gate access. If you plan to use aluminum, then you should allocate a higher budget for the project. You can also choose to install automatic bollards for about $3000 per piece.
Plus, your expenses usually don’t end there. You have to allocate extra budget for maintenance, or occasional repairs should the need arises. Be sure to ask for warranty services or any free services, be it annual or semi-annual, that comes with the price.
Gates that give access via keypad, remote control, or voice or face sensor may be quite more expensive, but it provides more convenience as well. Residents may come and go without the hassle of having to open up the gate manually.
Control System for your Gate Access
You can either choose which of these devices you plan to install with your electronic gate.
- Loop Detectors
- Intercom
- Cameras
- Photo Eyes
- Keypad
- Magnetic Lock
- VDC Transformer
Electric Sliding Gate
The barrier can already cost up to $6000 alone plus the opener kit (for the price of $850 to $4500). If you plan to add an intercom (for $2000) and bollards (for $3000 each), then roughly, your electric sliding gate shoots up to more than $12000, excluding labor and maintenance.
Electric Gate Openers
Electric Gate opener comes with a kit (motor, arm, and wiring) which ranges from $850 to $4500. The installer will decide which is the appropriate opener kit that suits your gate’s size and style. You can either add an automatic sensor that costs $150 each or a keypad that costs $100 to $500 per pair. You can also have both if you prefer.
Automatic Driveway Gate
While electric driveway costs roughly $3000 up to more than $12000, depending on the additional accessories you plan to take, Automatic Driveway Gate shoots up to $7000 or more. The total price, again, varies with a lot of factors. They include the size of the gate, the materials to use, and the extra features you plan to add to your driveway.
Remote Control System for Automatic Gates
The remote control system for automatic gates should be maintained well. The installers may charge a $30 to $80 per hour rate just by checking and maintaining the systems annually. This saves you from $25 to $270 cost of replacement parts and $850 to $4500 for a full replacement of the old system, including its removal. The installers check the wiring, oil the moving parts, and test the performance level of the system.
Usually, when you hear the word gated community, you would most probably think of expensive and well-maintained houses, celebrities, and exclusive villas with high-end security. Living in a gated community entails a lot more than what you think. Here are some of it.
High-End Security
Living in a community with extra protection will allow you to have a good night’s sleep. But to what cost? Are you willing to pay more to get more peace of mind? Still, this doesn’t assure one of a crime-free community. We have to accept the fact that crimes are only pretty much everywhere even when you least expect it. A gated community doesn’t make you 100% safe, but at least in a gated community, unwanted scenarios may be less likely to occur. Just make sure you still lock those doors, or you install security cameras for added protection.
Homogeneity
Houses in a gated community usually have more or less the same design and structure. With this, homeowners are given limited opportunities to alter their homes to their own liking.
Expensive Property Value
With a gated community, expect the value of your property is much higher than living in a standard community. Also, homeowner dues will be pricey, but it’s worth it given the perks it brings to the community. These dues are used to pay for road maintenance and to maintain the appearance and security in the neighborhood.
Traffic Free
Gates serve as a shield from traffic which means you shouldn’t be bothered by commuters in the area. It will also be safer, and a little toned down, especially for the kids since speeding cars are inadmissible inside the premises.
Restricted Entrée
Especially for non-residents, the community has strict rules that have to be followed to the point that your guests may be discouraged from revisiting you and your family.
Limited Privacy and Control
Having a home in a more high-end community also limits one’s privacy and control. Restrictions from home color to parking requirements should be strictly followed to avoid unwanted turmoil in the community. Before you consider living in a gated community, make sure you have fully understood the regulations of the homeowners beforehand. If you find it too stiff for you and your family, then you should look for another community.
Limited Chance for Financial Revenues
In this type of community, rules and regulations should strictly adhere. Most especially if you plan on inviting your friends and family over for a gathering; your guests must also follow the homeowner’s rules and regulations. Remember, you are solely responsible for your guests’ behavior and actions. Overall, lacking controls in the aspects above may also mean that you also lack an opportunity for financial revenue. These restrictions may be detrimental in your part, especially if you plan to use your home as an investment property or for rentals.
Which Gate Type Is Best in a Gated Community?
In choosing which type of gate goes well with your community, it all comes down to two things: type of property and the purpose. Here are some types of gates you might want to consider in your community:
Swinging Gates
Swinging gates are preferred mostly by the single-family resident kind of community. These gates are manually operated by either one or two people to open each wing of the barriers. This can be a tiresome inconvenience, especially if you are driving alone. This type of gates is easily damaged, for apprehensive drivers are likely to hit the gates as they go inside the property.
Vehicular Gates
These gates look less attractive but are way much cheaper than the other types of gates. The downside is that it usually knocks off the track when the bumper of a car clips the gate.
Loop Detector Gates (in-ground)
This type of gates is heaven-sent for those residents who are usually driving alone and are too lazy to open up gates. When there is a car, the loop-detectors give a signal; thus, the gate operator functions accordingly. This prevents lazy car drivers from banging their vehicles into the gate. This type of gate is not a solution to tailgating.
Conclusion
The cost of gates varies from the type of barrier and style you prefer to the size of the project, to the materials used, and to the extra features you plan to install your gate with. Taking everything into account, the safety of the community and your family is priceless and is always a worthwhile investment.