Owning a family home is a dream for many who wish to live without neighbors, the noise from upstairs apartments, slamming doors, and the general chaos of shared spaces. It’s typically a peaceful haven…
However, potential homeowners should keep one crucial thing in mind when planning their dream home: security. Window films, solid doors, a garden fence, and even a dog may seem like sufficient protection against unwanted visitors. But in reality, they are not enough.
The practice in the 21st century has shown a clear trend among developers and construction companies: CCTV systems. A simple outdoor camera system equipped with infrared (IR) lighting for night vision has become the norm.
For example, modern IP CCTV systems allow you to monitor live footage via GSM from anywhere. Another key benefit is the deterrence effect that cameras provide. If a house in your neighborhood was burglarized, it was likely not the one with a camera system installed. Most cameras are integrated with alarm systems and linked to central monitoring stations, making it easy to record, identify, and capture potential intruders.
A typical installation on homes includes up to 10 cameras and a DVR that records on a 72-hour loop. Of course, it is important to clearly label the camera system on entry doors and inform local authorities about its installation. It’s also essential to properly configure the cameras to avoid filming public areas or your neighbor’s property.
We recommend using specialized installation companies or system integrators for setup. Living in a home with a CCTV system also brings a secondary but significant benefit—lower home insurance premiums. Many insurance companies classify CCTV systems connected to central monitoring stations and alarm systems as higher security levels, entitling homeowners to lower premiums. The difference in cost with and without a camera system can amount to thousands of crowns, depending on the size of the house and property.
CCTV systems in family homes also come with associated costs, such as electricity consumption and the recommended backup power (UPS). Many potential buyers are deterred by the thought of increased energy usage, but this is a misconception about modern cameras. Today’s cameras are extremely energy-efficient, consuming about the same amount of power as an LED TV.
Investing in home security with a CCTV system is a wise decision that will bring you peace of mind and protection.
