A common question every customer asks and needs to understand is, “How many security cameras do I need at home?” The answer depends on various elements, including the size of the property, the number of access points, the driveway’s location, the yard’s size, and the security level required. Having fewer cameras can leave some important areas unmonitored, while using more equipment than necessary may lead to unnecessary costs. This point is especially essential for residents of Los Angeles, where the properties vary considerably in their dimensions. The point is not just to place security cameras as much as possible; the main task is to choose the proper number and locations for each device. In this blog, we will explain the question of how many security cameras I need for my house.
How Many Cameras Does a Typical House Need?
Normally four to six surveillance cameras ideally suit average size houses. While a small house can be covered with three to four cameras, a bigger residence in Los Angeles will need around six to eight cameras. When the property is equipped with four cameras only, it is likely that one camera will cover an entrance door and another one the garage area. The third camera will monitor the back garden, and the fourth camera will check the side and rear access point. A house with more entrances or larger garden area will require more cameras accordingly. Therefore, there is no universal number of cameras for all homes. Only a professional installer will check the layout and surroundings and will find the most convenient places for installing the cameras.
Where Should You Install Security Cameras?
Prioritize those locations that are most important. Focus on those areas around your property that are most likely to be encountered by someone.
Front Door: Cameras placed at the front entrance can keep track of those who enter the property, as well as visitors and deliveries. Also, a video intercom must be installed to observe who comes to your door.
Driveway and Garage: The driveway can also be essential in terms of surveillance, especially if cars are parked outside. Place the camera in such a way that it could catch the images of the approaching individual getting close to the garage and the car.
Back Door: The back door can also be an important access point, so make sure to install a camera there. Because it is the most vulnerable area to exploit.
Side Yard: Narrow passages on the sides of your house may create blind spots. One wide-angle camera mounted well could take care of the job of several individual cameras.
Backyard and Patio: In the case of a large backyard, use a camera that can take care of the whole exterior area, front porch, entrance gate, etc.
How Many Cameras Do You Need Based on House Size?
Small House or Apartment: In homes that have only a couple of entry points, about 2 to 4 cameras are enough to cover all the angles.
Classic House: 4 to 6 cameras may be sufficient, which can cover the front, the garage, and the entrance door, as well as a side part of the property.
Big House: 6 to10 cameras can be sufficient for a house with several entrances, because it mostly has a large driveway or a garage a bit far away from the main building.
Big Los Angeles property: If the land is big, then depending on its layout, containing any hills, a long driveway, a separate garage, and several outdoor areas, about 8 to12 or more cameras may be required.
Tips to Cover More Area With Fewer Cameras
The correct choice of cameras and placement also raises a number of important considerations.
Use Wide-Angle Cameras
Wide-angle security cameras are able to cover a larger area compared to cameras with a narrow view. No one notices where these cameras are focused.
Corner Protection of the Property
Cameras should be mounted in such a way that one camera is able to capture images of two sides of the house at the same time. Avoid placing cameras directed towards bright sunlight, because it can ruin the camera and the image in sunny conditions.
Important Access Points
Security cameras must provide coverage to the entry and exit points and are not necessarily placed in every room in the house.
Use PTZ Cameras
PTZ cameras can track different directions and are ideal for large outdoor spaces.
Select the Correct Camera Lens
Using something other than a proper camera lens can lead to the creation of blind spots. Installation services offered by professional CCTV providers can determine if a wide, normal, or narrow viewing angle is needed in the given situation.
Smart Camera Placement for Los Angeles Homes
The architectural structure of homes in Los Angeles is different from other cities. Homes that are located in densely populated areas of the city may have small driveways and limited access points, while homes located high on hills may have expansive property with several access points. That is why it is important not to choose cameras based on the number of rooms. A proper way to decide how many cameras to install is to walk the entire property and consider the above questions, such as the options criminals have for approaching the home without being noticed and what the access points are. One of the most important principles of residential security planning, according to LAPD ideas about Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design, is the necessity of natural surveillance and ease of access to the area of the property.
Why Professional Security Camera Installation Matters Although it might appear easy to install cameras on your own, getting proper coverage consists of more than simply hanging cameras. It is important to consider many factors, such as the height, angle, lens, lighting, cable arrangement, internet connection, recording options, and viewing area. FDS Security Camera offers tailored camera installation services in Los Angeles and provides help to homeowners with deciding on how many cameras to install and where. They work on custom system design, camera setup, installation, configuration, and continuous support. A professional service also offers you an opportunity to save a lot of money and avoid using cameras to observe the same area of view while missing some other parts of your property that remain uncovered.
Final Thoughts
What is the required number of cameras to install in your house? For many houses, the recommended number ranges from four to six cameras; however, the required number may differ depending on various factors such as the size of your house, layout, the entrance of the house, driveway, garage, backyard, and security issues. The simplest method is to begin with the entry points and remove the blind spots in the house while choosing the cameras with the right angles of view. Choosing the right cameras and right placements may even help to cover the bigger area with a lesser number of cameras. However, for larger areas, more cameras may be required, but proper planning, design, and taking the services of a professional team such as FDS Security Camera in Los Angeles may help you avoid unnecessary installations.