Home Security Systems Business Guide: Protect Your Home With Video Surveillance and Access Control

Home Security Systems Business Guide: Protect Your Home With Video Surveillance and Access Control

Home security systems are designed to monitor an individual’s property, prevent theft or vandalism, and protect everyone residing within the house. Video surveillance and access control systems are two types of security systems that can be installed in and around a home to accomplish these goals. Security system technologies have progressed at an exponential rate since their inception in the 1960s and now offer more sophisticated security measures than ever before.

Benefits

Security systems of any kind are proven theft deterrents. Often the knowledge of a home security system is enough to prevent break-ins and thievery from taking place, with burglars opting to find easier targets.

Video Surveillance Benefits

Video surveillance security systems are available for every type of home owner. Video camera systems are most often used to monitor the exterior of a home, its entrances, and any areas with particularly valuable items. It is often the case that the sight of a camera by any potential intruders is enough to prevent a break-in. Should theft or a break-in actually occur, a video surveillance system provides precious information and evidence that could help recover any stolen property and apprehend the thieves. Often the sight of security cameras also comforts family members, providing a visual reminder of their security.

Access Control Systems Prevent Unauthorized Entry

In addition to monitoring systems, an access control system can be implemented to provide additional security. These systems rely on codes and key cards for entry into the home, rooms inside the house, and even the property the house is sitting on. Only those who know the code or have the appropriate pass card will be able to gain entry through an access point. This system is highly customizable, and different levels of security can be established at your request to provide additional or less protection, as you deem necessary.

Digital access control systems also exist and are used to protect an individual’s personal information. These systems operate within a computer-based information system and prevent unauthorized access to data. Most people conduct their banking, business transactions, and communication online now, and this type of system ensures that your information is safe from prying eyes from both within and without your home.

Pitfalls

Security systems are extremely useful and provide you and your loved ones with reassurance of safety, but they are not without drawbacks.

Do Not Over or Under Secure your Home

You should always be aware of your home’s surrounding environment and the value of any prized items within your home. Individuals with houses located in areas known for theft and vandalism or homes with extremely valuable items are more likely to be the victim of a break-in or robbery. Awareness of these facts will lend some insight into the level of protection needed from a home security system. If your home is under secured, you are more likely to experience theft or vandalism. Likewise, adding too much security will cost you a lot more money than you need to spend.

A Hefty Investment

Home security systems are costly. They can range from as little as $100, for the most basic and primitive systems, to well over $10,000. Before an investment of this size takes place, you should be sure that you plan on residing in your current house for a long period of time. That being said, security systems often increase the value of a home, should you decide to sell earlier than you had originally intended.

Cost

Security systems are investments in your home, your valuables, your property, and your family’s wellbeing. Unfortunately such systems can be expensive. The important thing to remember as you search for the right security system is not to under secure your home now at the expense of theft or a break-in later.

The Highs and Lows of Video Surveillance

The cameras used in your surveillance system can range from roughly $100 to $250. The more costly cameras are name brands and offer increased picture quality and clarity. Remember that while this number is relatively small, numerous cameras will probably be needed and the total amount increases as the cameras increase. The recording equipment, used to store your video on, will generally require more consideration. Two options usually exist in the form of digital video recorders (DVRs) and VCRs. DVRs offer higher quality recordings, the potential for a lot of recording space, and consolidated storage on an easy-to-operate device. They are more expensive though, costing from $500 to $1,000 for the basic, single-channel systems. The price increases as more inputs and memory are added. VCRs are cheaper than DVRs but offer worse picture quality, smaller storage in the form of videocassettes, and the need for regular replacement of the cassettes, leading to storage problems later on.

The Cost of Access Control

Access control systems are more difficult to price than video surveillance systems. The exact price can only be determined by speaking to a representative from security companies offering this service. It is one of the most expensive forms of home security but for good reason. A single-door entry system can cost up to $2,500.

Though video surveillance and access control systems are an expensive investment, the security and assurance home security systems offer is usually worth the cost. Know your surrounding environment and whether you have any goods that someone would consider valuable enough to steal. This knowledge will provide a basis for the type, sophistication, and depth of security that you should look for.