A home is a place where people should feel secure, calm and safe. However, there are very real risks that people should be aware of and prepared for, such as theft, break-ins, physical abuse or assault or even a home invasion.
Home security is an industry that has grown in leaps and bounds over the last decade, thanks in part to the evolution of the technology involved. With so many different designs and features, deciding on the right security camera surveillance system can be a challenge.
To help you with the decision process, here is some important information you need to consider:
Purpose of the system
A home surveillance system is built to monitor a specified area. Some systems, however, are built to do more functions, such as recording activities or sending an alarm in case of a possible intrusion.
Home layout
Not every home requires a CCTV camera in every room and the security needs of buildings vary widely depending on its occupants, its location and structure. This means that home surveillance equipment for a small two-bedroom residence in a 20-story apartment complex in the city may not work for a 5-bedroom house in the country.
Some homes are easier to monitor than others, simply because they are designed that way. Homes with several levels or floors or those with more entryways will have different security issues than homes with one or two floors and only have two or three entryways.
This means that some buildings will be well protected with a simpler configuration while others may have to be reinforced by a more complicated system.
Indoors or Outdoors?
Some surveillance systems are designed to work indoors while others are specifically built for use outdoors. Deciding on which home surveillance system type to use will depend on the perceived vulnerability issues of the house.
If the threat is likely to be focused more on the outside premises, installing security gadgets at the gate, fence or on the outside walls of the house will work best. If monitoring activities indoors is more a priority, then a system designed for indoor use is more appropriate.
Sensitivity
Home surveillance systems are often equipped with a built-in alarm that is usually triggered by movement or a sudden change in the temperature of the air. This works very well in unoccupied areas but may not be as effective in locations where it can be triggered unnecessarily.
Installing a highly sensitive security alarm outdoors may prove inconvenient if it is likely to be triggered by your neighbor’s dog, for example. Security equipment that can be programmed to detect intrusion more realistically is the better choice.
Budget
Wireless systems are usually more affordable than wired options, mainly because most DIY products are of the wireless variety. Wired systems require a permanent installation while wireless products can be installed and re-installed in another location.
In general, expect a basic configuration to cost from $250 to around $400; systems with more features can cost from $1,500 to over $2,000.
Privacy concerns
Every home surveillance and security system will, in one way or another, encroach on the privacy of individuals. However, where safety concerns are integral, privacy issues will have to be compromised, at least to a certain extent.
There are legal provisions in place you need to be aware of that will allow homeowners to install security gadgets for their protection without violating the right to privacy of other individuals.
Afton Jackson says
Thank you for mentioning that security systems can be focused on one area to have full surveillance of places that are otherwise hard to keep an eye on. The yard that my house comes with is large, and if you ask me, it’s actually a bit too large. This makes it extremely hard to watch out for outside disturbances and this makes me anxious about burglars. If I can find a home security system installation service in my area, I’ll definitely ask them to focus on the outside parts of the yard that I can’t keep track of by myself.