People buying home security doors should ask to see the installer's security agent's licence, Consumer Affairs Minister Yvonne Henderson said today.
And consumers should be wary of descriptions like 'barrier door'.
"This generally indicates that the door has not passed the required test for it to be classed as a security door," Mrs Henderson said.
The Minister was announcing the results of a Consumer Affairs Price Check survey on security doors.
"The survey found that the price of a basic hinged security door, installed, varied between $210 and $270 among the 20 companies surveyed. Average price was $243.45. Prices quoted are for a 820mm by 2040mm door.
"With a door sub-frame - which is necessary when the door frame is not deep enough - prices varied between $255 and $340. Average price was $291.20.
"A top-of-the-range security door can cost as much as $450, depending on the size of the doorway, the type of mesh, the locking system, the construction and the level of finish.
"Consumer Affairs talked to the WA Police and to Standards Australia in doing the survey. It found, for instance, that before a product can be described as a security door in WA, it has to pass a test for resistance to forced entry."
Mrs Henderson said consumers should also see a copy of the door test report for the particular model door.
"Security-door installers must have a security agent's licence from the police commercial agents' squad," the Minister said.
"Consumers should also ensure a security door is fitted in accordance with required standards, that the door frame is measured and the door made to fit the particular frame.
"There is no standard for a window 'security screen'. The safest thing to do is to buy a strong screen made of similar strength materials to those used in security doors.
"The survey found that the price of such screens, measuring 1200mm by 700mm, varied from $79 to $158, with an average price of $97.20."
The managers of five major firms involved in making or installing security doors contributed to compiling the survey questionnaire sent to the 20 firms surveyed.
All five firms are members of the Security Agents Institute of WA.
