What is the best way to do security system for rehabs?

Question

I am just getting in to rehabs. I want all of my rehab properties to be under security camera surveillance, both inside and out, during the rehab and while it's vacant.

I know where to buy cameras, but I need some specifications to work out for me. I need them to record to "the cloud" both whenever I want them to, and on a motion sensor. I can't have them recording to a DVR because then the thief could just steal that.

And if I have 4 rehab projects going on at once, that means probably 20-24 cameras all capable of recording at the same time. I don't want it to record to my home computer because that's too much storage space to require.

Any thoughts?

Brian Vaughan · Answer

Regardless of what camera system you use, here is what I also did:

I printed out a paper sign ( 8 1/2 x 11) for every window in the house.

I taped this sign to the inside of the window, at eye-level.   It may look a little silly but I think it's effective.

Here is what is says, in large, bold letters:

ATTENTON  THIEVES:

There are 4 wireless cameras with motion detectors watching this property.

You are being watched right now.

The Sheriffs Department is 3 blocks away.

How fast can you run?

Nghi Le · Answer

I use SimpliSafe and cameras at my rehabs.  Either of this requires that you have electricity turned on at your property, which might not be feasible depending on where you are in the rehab process (and how much rehab you're planning on doing).

Cameras do require internet service, and that's the tricky part.  I went to a Comcast and CenturyLink store and became friends with the reps.  I told them, "I'm a rehabber who needs internet at multiple properties.  I can provide activate a new service every month or two."  Their eyes light up and they want to be your best friend after this because they get commission on activations.  They'll give you their personal phone number and promise they can activate internet service at your properties with really short notice.  And you'll never have to call the regular customer service hotlines if you ever have any problems; just call them directly.  Make sure to get the internet service that comes without a contract.  They'll be a little more expensive, but honestly, in the grand scheme of things, it's just a small utility cost.

I've also used mobile hotspots before.  These can get really expensive.  One camera of mine burns through 6GB in 10 days.

Buy the YI Home cameras from Amazon.  $30 each on sale, $40 regular price.  I don't see why you'd need 24; probably should rethink that.  They come with a Cloud Monitoring service for $10/monthly for 5 cameras.

William H. · Answer

Hey, So I just saw this post. But I recently was trying to figure out a solution that appears to be a pretty common problem. I came up with two options that I liked. I started thinking about all of this towards the end of a flip that I was doing and I didn't actually buy the camera that I am about to mention, but I do plan to.

So for outside cameras I like the concept of the Arlo camera from Netgear. If you are a Verizon customer you can add it to a line for like $10 bucks a month, and disconnect the service when not using it. It works like any other wifi camera that normally needs wifi, except its a 4g LTE camera, so it just uses cell signal. Netgear offers a plan for users not with Verizon also. They also make wifi cameras and a DVR system if you want that also. They also make a solar panel charger and camo for these cameras so you could mount them in a tree and view them anytime.  Here is the link:

https://www.verizonwireless.com/connected-devices/...

As for Wifi cameras I like the YI home cameras that you can get on Amazon. They start around $40 bucks and work great. I would say that they are just as good as the nest cams for a fraction of the price (but I never owned a nest came). They use micro sd cards for recording, but you can purchase cloud storage. The problem with these is the internet and the fact that someone could just steal them. However, to solve the internet problem I did think about just getting a hotspot device through my wireless company.

All in all, I like the concept of the Arlo Cam. But depending on how many you need. They are pricey.

Manolo D. · Answer

@Patrick Philip They would care if the alarm is going to sound up to 3 blocks, lol. Appliance stealing is not really going to set you 10-20 years, maybe 50 hours community service.

Eric R. · Answer

You could easily buy hard drives to store it on.  There are terabytes selling for cheap now. I might just be starting in real estate but I know tech. [Solicitation Removed]

Patrick Philip · Answer

That Simplisafe alarm sounded too quiet to me.

http://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_...

Burglary is mandatory prison time.

Patrick Philip · Answer

Yea and just found out I would need to get Internet service activated to get cloud storage. Not worth it. I suppose that DVR is my only option, but the thief can just steal the DVR by following the wires. No guarantee the neighbors will care about an alarm.

Patrick Philip · Answer

The only thing I don't like is they don't have exterior cameras. Plus, I would need to get Internet service at the house in order to get recording sent to the cloud.

Qurrat Khan · Answer

I also used Simplisafe alarm and  i using their monitoring service.You to get an alarm permit when installing a monitored alarm system.This permit can take several weeks to get and it is not transferable to different properties.You will have to reapply for each property in which you set up the alarm.This is a low cost solution to protect your valuable rehab project.