I see. I think about getting an alarm system from time to time. Wires are out of the question, and wireless solutions don't appeal to me for now. Anyway, what I have is working pretty well. He's powered by puppy chow. No wires, or batteries to change.
I have 2 weimaraners but they are not always awake, home or inside the house. The alarm I have is not monitored nor do I use it like I should in a traditional alarm fashion. The keypad is never used.
But with hidden door/window sensors 1-2.00 each
http://www.home-security-systems-answers.com/magnetic-door-switches.htmlA roll of 100ft wire was like 30.00
The alarm kit was 120.00 (panel, keypad, wall wort, battery backup, siren)
The motions are 10.00
So for 40 interior/exterior doors and windows along with 10 motions its around 300.00. There is no z-wave issues or including for these 50 devices, there is little load on vera, no batteries to change, no distance or routing to worry about.
With a normal alarm you wouldn't have interior doors or that many motions, but I use them for logic. Pantry door open turn on light, Bathroom door closed with light on turn on fan. Laundry room door and such. I also have alot more motions then needed for an alarm due to the same logic with turning on lights when motion is sensed. When my 5 year old gets out of bed at night dimming lights on come for him to find his way to the restroom.
Z-wave motions and door/window sensors at 25 to 30 each on the cheap side (25.00) 50 devices like above is 1250.00 and an alarm system will last years past my z-wave devices. There is alot more reasons besides price too, some people already have them in a house they bought, other see the long term savings and longevity.