ARE HOME SECURITY CAMERAS A GOOD INVESTMENT?

You might be wondering if equipping your property with state-of-the-art security is worth it. Owing to advances in technology that have brought down costs, homeowners might find that they can actually afford to keep their properties safe with some of the best home security cameras on the market. These include cameras that can send you alerts and stream live videos when motion is detected. This kind of system can also help parents monitor children, prevent vandals, and even deter burglars from tampering with properties. In light of these features and benefits, it can be worthwhile to invest in security cameras for your home.

Are home security cameras effective?

Most people wonder whether home security cameras are even useful for deterring criminals and preventing crime. In most countries, numerous studies show that having a home security system significantly decreases the chance of criminal behaviour on the property. While a complete home security system will be more effective than relying on just one camera, a study conducted in the US showed that the presence of any form of increased security measures is likely to deter criminals from targeting that specific home. However many you choose to install, it’s important to ensure that all of your home security cameras are installed correctly by a certified professional. You should also be certain that they are protected by a firewall to prevent them from being hacked and are installed in hard-to-reach places to prevent them from being stolen or tampered with.

Reasons to invest in security cameras

One of the main reasons to install a security camera system is for the safety benefits that it brings. The 24/7 monitoring of your home usually deters crime before it even happens and can also increase your home’s resale value down the line, not to mention that you may also save on your home and household contents insurance premiums. At the end of the day, a home security system with cameras is a wonderful way to ensure peace of mind.

Possible pitfalls of a home security camera setup

Privacy concerns are always an issue, especially if you’re one of the first homes in your neighbourhood to install security cameras. The key here is to ensure that none of your cameras points directly at any neighbours’ houses. Another concern is that, depending on which options you choose, some home security systems can be costly to set up and might require cloud storage and additional potential service charges. However, it is possible to recoup these costs with the resulting resale value that these features can add.

What are the most important security camera features?

The answer to this will differ according to the needs of each individual. Generally, you want to decide whether you want your home security camera to record footage continuously or to only start recording based on a trigger (for example, when motion is detected). While recording 24/7 does ensure that you never miss anything, it will require a lot of bandwidth and storage space. Ideally, you also want the cameras to come with an easy-to-use mobile app that you can receive notifications on your smartphone and other devices. Most importantly, the system needs to deliver clear, high-definition video of the event, as this will help to identify criminals if needed.

Get the support you need from professionals

Before selecting a home security camera system for your property, speak to a security professional and arrange an onsite consultation. They will be able to assess your property and recommend what systems will work best in your home. If you’d like recommendations for the best home security professionals in your area, contact your local RE/MAX office. As area experts, they might just be able to recommend a reliable local supplier.