Family in Halswell called us after their house got broken into while they were on holiday. Burglars smashed a window, took laptops and jewelry, made a mess. Police said without cameras or an alarm theres not much they could do. The family was pretty shaken up - not just about the stuff but feeling unsafe in their own home. We installed a full security system for them - alarm on all doors and windows, motion sensors, 4 CCTV cameras covering the property, smartphone app so they could monitor everything remotely. Few months later someone tried to break in again but the alarm went off and scared them away before they even got inside. Cameras caught the whole thing, police actually arrested the guy. Family said the security system gave them their peace of mind back.
Thats what good security does. Its not just about protecting your stuff - its about feeling safe in your own home.
Types of Home Security Systems
Different types of security systems for different needs and budgets.
Basic alarm systems just do doors and windows. Sensors on entry points that trigger an alarm if opened when the system is armed. Simple but effective cause most burglars give up when an alarm goes off.
Full security systems include motion sensors, glass break detectors, door/window sensors, keypads, sirens. Cover your whole property properly.
CCTV camera systems record video of your property. Can be standalone or integrated with your alarm system. Some just record locally, others upload to cloud storage.
Smart security systems connect to your phone. Arm and disarm remotely, get alerts when alarms trigger, watch camera feeds from anywhere, let people in remotely if you got smart locks.
Monitored systems connect to a monitoring company. When your alarm goes off they get notified and can call you or send security or call police. Costs monthly fees but gives extra protection specially if your away a lot.
We install all types depending on what you need and your budget. Help you figure out what makes sense for your property.
Burglar Alarm Installation
Burglar alarms are the foundation of home security. Loud siren that goes off when someone tries to break in.
Door and window sensors are magnetic. One part on the door or window frame, other part on the door or window itself. When theyre apart - meaning door or window is open - it triggers the alarm if the system is armed.
Motion sensors detect movement inside your house. Use infrared to detect body heat. Good for rooms with lots of windows or areas where you cant put sensors on every entry point.
Glass break detectors listen for the sound of breaking glass. Good for big windows that might get smashed.
Control panels let you arm and disarm the system. Usually by the main entry with a keypad where you enter your code. Newer ones also work with phone apps.
Sirens are loud - like 110 decibels. Loud enough to scare burglars away and alert neighbors. We install sirens inside and outside so even if burglars cut power the battery backup keeps it going.
Did a house in Fendalton where they wanted security but didnt want it obvious. We installed hidden sensors, small keypads, indoor sirens only. From outside the house looks like it has no security but its fully protected.
CCTV Camera Systems
Security cameras let you see whats happening at your property even when your not there.
Cameras come in different types. Bullet cameras are the obvious ones that stick out - good cause they deter criminals who see them. Dome cameras are more discrete. PTZ cameras can pan, tilt, and zoom but cost more.
Resolution matters. Old cameras were 720p which is pretty grainy. Modern ones are 1080p or 4K which gives clear images you can actually use to identify people.
Night vision is important cause most break-ins happen at night. Infrared LEDs let cameras see in complete darkness. Good ones can see 20-30 meters in pitch black.
Recording systems store the video. DVRs record from analog cameras, NVRs record from IP cameras. Storage capacity determines how many days of video you can keep before it starts overwriting old footage.
Some systems upload to cloud storage so even if burglars steal your recorder you still have the footage. Monthly fees for cloud storage but worth it.
Wiring depends on camera type. Analog cameras need coax cable for video plus power. IP cameras can run on network cables that carry both data and power. Wifi cameras just need power but wifi can be unreliable.
We usually recommend 4-6 cameras for average houses. Front door, back door, driveway, side access. Covers the main entry points and areas where valuables might be.
Did a property in Merivale with a long driveway. Installed cameras at the gate, along the drive, at the garage, and at all entry doors. 8 cameras total. Owner can see anyone approaching from the road before they even get to the house.
Smart Home Security Integration
Modern security systems integrate with smart home gear.
Smartphone apps let you control everything remotely. Arm or disarm your alarm, watch camera feeds, get notifications when doors open or motion is detected, unlock doors remotely for deliveries or cleaners.
Smart locks work with your security system. Lock and unlock from your phone, give temporary codes to people, get alerts when doors are unlocked. Some can auto-lock when you arm your alarm.
Smart doorbells with cameras let you see and talk to whoever is at your door. Useful for screening visitors or telling delivery people where to leave packages.
Integration with lights can make it look like someones home even when your away. Lights turn on at dusk, off at bedtime, random timing so it looks natural.
Voice control through Alexa or Google Home. Say "arm the alarm" and it arms. Ask to see your front door camera and it shows on your smart display.
We set up systems that work with whatever smart home gear you already have or want to add.
Placement of Cameras and Sensors
Where you put cameras and sensors matters as much as what equipment you use.
Front door camera should show faces clearly. Mount it at head height or slightly above, angle it to capture faces of people standing at the door.
Driveway cameras catch people approaching and vehicles. Good for identifying cars and license plates.
Back door and side access cameras prevent break-ins from less visible areas. Lots of burglars try back doors cause theyre hidden from street.
Garage cameras protect vehicles and tools. Garages are common targets specially if door from garage to house is weak.
Motion sensors go in main living areas and hallways. If someone gets past door sensors motion sensors will catch them.
Glass break detectors near big windows or sliding doors. These are common entry points cause theyre easy to smash.
Keypads by main entry and master bedroom. Main entry for when you come home, bedroom so you can arm/disarm without walking through the house at night.
We walk through your property and recommend placements based on layout and vulnerable spots.
Wired vs Wireless Security Systems
Security systems can be wired or wireless. Both have pros and cons.
Wired systems run cables from sensors and cameras back to the control panel or recorder. More reliable cause theres no wireless interference. Cant be jammed by burglars with signal blockers. But installation is more invasive - gotta run cables through walls and ceilings.
Wireless systems use radio signals to communicate. Easier to install cause no cables. Good for existing houses where running cables is hard. But signals can be blocked or jammed, batteries in sensors need replacing every few years, range can be an issue in big houses.
Hybrid systems are popular - wired where its easy, wireless where its not. Front of house might be wireless cause its finished, back of house wired cause were doing it during renovations.
For cameras we usually recommend wired. More reliable, better video quality, no wifi dropouts. For alarm sensors wireless works fine in most cases.
Power and Backup for Security Systems
Security systems need reliable power or theyre useless.
Main power comes from your electrical system. We install dedicated circuits for security equipment so it doesnt share with other stuff.
Battery backup is required. If power goes out or burglar cuts power the system keeps working on batteries. Good systems run 8-24 hours on battery.
We install the backup batteries in the control panel or in a secure location where burglars cant easily access them.
Some people want UPS (uninterruptible power supply) for their camera recorders so they keep recording during power cuts.
Wireless sensors have their own batteries that last 2-3 years. We can set up alerts to tell you when batteries are getting low.
Monitoring and Alerts
Security systems can be self-monitored or professionally monitored.
Self-monitored means you get alerts on your phone when alarms trigger. Your responsible for checking cameras and calling police if needed. No monthly fees but you gotta be available to respond.
Professional monitoring means a company watches your system 24/7. When alarm goes off they get notified, try to contact you, send security or call police if they cant reach you. Costs $30-60 per month but gives peace of mind specially if you travel.
Some systems offer both - self-monitor normally, activate professional monitoring when you go on holiday.
Alert types include push notifications to your phone, emails, SMS, calls from monitoring company. We set up whatever notification methods you want.
False alarm prevention is important. Good systems let you delay alarms for 30-60 seconds after entry so you can disarm before siren goes off. Motion sensors can ignore pets under certain weight.
Security System Costs
Security system costs vary based on what you want.
Basic alarm system with door/window sensors and keypad - $800-1500 installed depending on how many sensors.
Full alarm system with motion sensors, glass break, multiple keypads, smartphone app - $1500-2500.
CCTV system with 4 cameras and recorder - $1500-2500 depending on camera quality and recording capacity.
CCTV system with 8 cameras - $2500-4000.
Combined alarm and CCTV system - $3000-5000+ for complete coverage.
Professional monitoring - $30-60 per month ongoing.
Cloud storage for cameras - $10-30 per month depending on how many cameras and storage duration.
Yeah its not cheap but consider what your protecting. Most peoples houses and contents are worth hundreds of thousands. Spending a few thousand on security makes sense.
Insurance companies often give discounts for monitored security systems which helps offset costs.
Commercial Security Systems
We install security for commercial properties too.
Shops and retail need cameras covering tills, entrances, storage areas. Deters shoplifting and employee theft. Good systems can integrate with point of sale to match transactions with video.
Offices need access control - card readers or keypads that control who can enter different areas. Track who entered when. Integrate with alarm systems.
Warehouses need perimeter protection - cameras and sensors covering loading docks, fence lines, vehicle entrances. Motion detection for after hours.
Restaurants need cameras in kitchen, dining area, bar, cash register areas. Helps with theft prevention and resolving customer disputes.
Commercial systems are usually bigger and more complex than residential. More cameras, more coverage, integration with other building systems. But same principles apply.
Legal Requirements and Privacy
Theres legal stuff around security cameras you need to know.
You can film your own property no problem. But you cant film neighbors properties or public spaces in ways that invade privacy.
Cameras shouldnt point into neighbors bedrooms or living areas. Keep them focused on your own property.
If you got cameras filming areas where employees or public go you need signs saying "CCTV in operation" or similar. Privacy Act requirements.
How long you can keep footage depends on why your recording. Security purposes usually means 30 days is reasonable. Some businesses keep it longer for compliance reasons.
If someone asks for footage of themselves you gotta provide it under Privacy Act. But you can redact other people from the footage.
Audio recording has stricter rules than video. Generally you need consent to record audio conversations. Most security cameras just do video for this reason.
We make sure camera placement complies with privacy laws when we design your system.
Maintaining Your Security System
Security systems need maintenance to keep working properly.
Test your alarm monthly. Arm it and trigger a sensor to make sure sirens work and you get alerts. Test different sensors not just the same one every time.
Clean camera lenses couple times a year. Dust, spider webs, dirt block the view. Just wipe with soft cloth.
Check camera angles. Trees grow, things get moved, cameras get bumped. Make sure theyre still pointing where you want.
Replace wireless sensor batteries when you get low battery alerts. Keep spare batteries on hand.
Update firmware on smart security systems. Manufacturers release updates that fix bugs and improve security. We can set up automatic updates or do it manually.
Test backup batteries annually. Disconnect power and make sure system runs on battery. Batteries degrade over time and might need replacing every 3-5 years.
Some people get us to do annual maintenance visits where we test everything, clean cameras, check connections, update firmware. Makes sure everythings working right.
Upgrading Existing Security Systems
Got old security gear that needs updating? We can upgrade it.
Old alarm systems with landline monitoring can be upgraded to cellular or wifi monitoring. More reliable cause landlines can be cut.
Adding smartphone control to existing alarms. We install new control panels that work with apps even if your sensors are old.
Upgrading camera resolution. Old analog cameras can be replaced with IP cameras for way better video quality. Sometimes we can use existing cables.
Adding cameras to existing alarm systems. They dont have to be from same company we can integrate different brands.
Expanding coverage by adding more sensors or cameras to existing systems.
Had a customer in Redwood with alarm from 2005. System worked but was basic and had no smart features. We replaced the control panel and added smartphone control while keeping all their existing sensors. Saved money vs replacing everything.
False Alarms and How to Avoid Them
False alarms are annoying and can lead to fines if you get too many police callouts.
Common causes: forgetting to disarm before opening door, pets triggering motion sensors, wind blowing doors open, insects on camera lenses looking like motion, low batteries causing sensor glitches.
Entry delay helps - 30-60 seconds to disarm after opening door before alarm sounds. Enough time to get to keypad.
Pet-immune motion sensors ignore animals under certain weight. Set the threshold based on your pet size.
Properly adjusted sensors dont trigger from wind or vibration. We test and adjust during installation.
Regular maintenance reduces false alarms. Dead batteries, dirty sensors, loose connections all cause problems.
User error is biggest cause. Make sure everyone in your house knows how to use the system. Set reminders when your leaving to arm it.
Good systems have verification - alarm company checks camera before calling police if you got cameras integrated with monitoring.
Security During Construction and Renovations
Best time to install security is during construction or renovations when walls are open.
Running cables is way easier when you can see inside walls. We can hide all the wiring perfectly.
Plan security early in the build or renovation. Tell us where you want cameras and sensors and we coordinate with builders to run cables before walls close up.
Pre-wire for future cameras even if you dont install them right away. Costs very little extra to run cables during construction, costs way more to add them later.
We work with builders all the time on new builds and renovations. Know how to coordinate the work so security gets done right.
Why Professional Installation Matters
Some people buy security gear online and try to install it themselves. Usually doesnt work out great.
Camera placement is tricky. DIYers often put cameras too high or at wrong angles and dont get useful footage.
Network configuration for IP cameras requires knowledge of networking. Getting remote access working securely isnt simple.
Running cables properly - through walls, in conduit where needed, weatherproofed - takes experience.
Integration between alarms and cameras and smart home gear requires programming that most people cant do.
Professional installation includes proper equipment selection, correct placement, secure mounting, cable management, configuration, testing. And warranty on the work.
Plus we handle electrical code requirements. Security systems need proper power supply and certain equipment needs permits.
DIY security systems from big box stores seem cheaper til you factor in all the time troubleshooting and the fact they dont work as well. Pay for proper installation and it works right from day one.