Home Security Camera Placement — Do’s & Don’ts

July 10, 2024

Installing home security cameras offers a range of benefits that can enhance the safety, security, and convenience of your home. They can be incredibly effective at protecting your home, as most common criminals will avoid places where they see them. Studies have shown that homes with security systems are less likely to be broken into than those without. To maximize their effectiveness, it’s crucial to install your cameras and video doorbells in the right locations.

Modern security cameras often come with apps that allow you to monitor your home in real time from anywhere, providing peace of mind when you’re away. Many you can configure to receive instant notifications on your phone if the cameras detect unusual activity, enabling you to take swift action. In the event of a crime, security cameras can provide crucial evidence that can help law enforcement identify and apprehend the perpetrator. And high-quality video recordings can support insurance claims and help resolve disputes about damage or theft.

Cameras at entry points such as doors and windows can monitor who enters and exits your home, enhancing safety for family members. And they can help you keep an eye on packages and deter porch pirates from stealing your deliveries. Security cameras placed in common areas or playrooms can help you keep an eye on children or pets, ensuring they are safe. And knowing you can check in on your loved ones at any time provides significant peace of mind. They’re also handy in keeping an eye on contractors, cleaners, or other service providers working in your home to ensure they are performing their duties properly.

Some cameras have built-in microphones and speakers, allowing you to communicate with visitors, delivery personnel, or even deter intruders vocally. Integrations with other smart home devices can also create a cohesive and automated home security system. Some advanced security systems can integrate with home automation to control lighting, heating, and other systems, improving overall efficiency.

Many insurance companies offer discounts on homeowners’ insurance premiums for homes equipped with security systems, including cameras. The reason is because there is a lower perceived risk of loss or damage that can translate into lower insurance costs.

Knowing your home is under constant surveillance can provide a strong sense of security and peace of mind for you and your family. In the event of an emergency, having cameras can help authorities respond more effectively by providing real-time information. Overall, installing home security cameras is a proactive measure that offers numerous benefits, from crime prevention to enhanced safety and convenience.

Installing home security cameras in strategic locations is essential for maximizing security and coverage. Here are the ‘Do’s’ about best places to install your home security cameras:

Front Door

• Why: The front door is the most common entry point for burglars.
• Camera Type: Doorbell camera, indoor camera pointed at the door, or outdoor camera on the porch.
• Benefits: Monitors package deliveries, deters porch pirates, and allows you to interact with visitors remotely.

Back Door

• Why: Burglars often use back doors to avoid detection.
• Camera Type: Outdoor or indoor camera depending on the setup.
• Benefits: Provides additional coverage for another main entry point.

Garage or Carport

• Why: Protects vehicles and stored items like bicycles, tools, and sports equipment.
• Camera Type: Outdoor camera, possibly integrated with a smart garage door opener.
• Benefits: Monitors another entry point if the garage is attached to the house.

Backyard

• Why: Covers areas burglars might use to sneak into your home.
• Camera Type: Outdoor camera, floodlight/security camera combo for added lighting.
• Benefits: Keeps an eye on kids and pets, deters burglars from using hidden approaches, and covers storage sheds.

Side Doors

• Why: Side doors are often less visible and used by burglars.
• Camera Type: Indoor or outdoor camera.
• Benefits: Enhances security by monitoring additional entry points.

Windows that are Not Facing the Street

• Why: Burglars often target windows that are not in direct view of the street.
• Camera Type: Outdoor camera with motion detection.
• Benefits: Alerts you to break-ins and deters burglars from attempting entry.

Common Areas Inside the Home

• Why: Monitors indoor activity if a burglar gets past exterior defenses.
• Camera Type: Indoor camera.
• Benefits: Keeps an eye on kids, pets, babysitters, or contractors.

Driveway

• Why: Detects intruders before they get close to the house.
• Camera Type: Outdoor camera with motion detection.
• Benefits: Monitors vehicle activity, deters car theft, and alerts you to any unusual movement.

Stairways

• Why: Covers interior pathways that intruders might use.
• Camera Type: Indoor camera.
• Benefits: Tracks movement within the house if an intruder gets inside.

By placing security cameras in these strategic locations, you can create a comprehensive security system that deters intruders, monitors valuable areas, and provides peace of mind.

When installing home security cameras, it’s crucial to consider privacy, effectiveness, and practicality. Here are the ‘Don’ts’ regarding places to install your home security cameras and the reasons why:

Bedrooms

• Why: Bedrooms are private spaces where you and your family expect the highest level of privacy.
• Risks: Cameras can be hacked, potentially exposing your most private moments. It can also create discomfort for people in the household.

Bathrooms

• Why: Bathrooms are highly sensitive areas where privacy is paramount.
• Risks: Installing cameras here is an invasion of privacy and would make anyone uncomfortable. It can also be legally problematic in many places.

Aimed at Neighbor’s Property

• Why: Pointing cameras at your neighbor’s property is a significant invasion of their privacy.
• Risks: This can lead to complaints, neighborhood disputes, and potential legal issues. In many jurisdictions, it is illegal to record someone without their consent.

Directly Facing the Sun

• Why: Cameras facing directly into the sun can suffer from glare, overexposure, and poor image quality.
• Risks: Reduced effectiveness of the camera and potential damage to the lens over time.

Behind Obstructions

• Why: Cameras placed behind objects like large plants, decorations, or furniture will have limited visibility.
• Risks: They can miss capturing important activity, rendering them ineffective for security purposes.

Low Traffic Areas

• Why: Installing cameras in areas with minimal activity or no entry points doesn’t contribute much to home security.
• Risks: Inefficient use of resources and limited security benefit.

High Humidity or Extreme Temperature Locations

• Why: Placing cameras in areas like saunas, attics, or overly humid basements can damage them if they’re not designed for such environments.
• Risks: Reduced lifespan of the camera and potential malfunction.

Areas with Poor WiFi Signal (for wireless cameras)

• Why: Cameras in spots with weak WiFi will have trouble transmitting footage reliably.
• Risks: Intermittent connectivity, poor video quality, and frequent downtime.

Directly Facing Mirrors

• Why: Mirrors can reflect light and create glare, which affects image quality.
• Risks: Reflected light can confuse motion sensors and degrade the footage.

By avoiding these problematic locations, you can ensure that your security cameras are both effective and respectful of privacy, providing the best possible protection for your home.

A lot of this is just plain common sense but understanding why is key to optimizing your investment and security. This a fairly exhaustive list but I’m sure you could come up with other appropriate places for cameras. And there’s no requirement to outfit all of these camera location suggestions. What most homeowners tend to do is to put cameras and doorbell cameras in the obvious places to start and add to their system over time as need or budget dictate.

Let Debbie and I know what you think in the comments, DMs and emails as we really enjoy hearing from you. Thanks again to all those following Debbie and I through our home building journey. It’s great to hear your success stories and suggestions as we move through the process. And if you like the content I’m posting each week, don’t forget to ‘Like’ and ‘Follow.’

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SmartHomeOnTheRange.com

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