What we install
Home security means different things to different people. For some, it’s a video doorbell so they can see who’s at the door. For others, it’s a full camera system covering the driveway, yard and side paths. The main jobs we do are:
- CCTV camera systems, wired back to a recorder
- Wi-Fi and battery cameras, with power supplied where it makes sense
- Video doorbells, hardwired so you’re not recharging batteries
- Video and audio intercoms for gates and front doors
- Power and cabling for alarm panels, sensors and sirens
- Sensor and security lighting
- Data cabling to support cameras and smart devices
Wired or wireless cameras?
Wireless cameras are easy to put up and suit renters and small setups. The trade-off is that they rely on Wi-Fi and, in many cases, batteries. Weak Wi-Fi at the edge of the property means dropped footage, and flat batteries mean missed events.
Wired cameras use a single network cable for both power and data, usually running back to a recorder inside the house. They’re more reliable, don’t need charging and keep recording even if the Wi-Fi drops out. For most homes wanting proper coverage, a wired system is the better long-term option. We run the cabling through the roof and walls so it’s neat and protected from the weather.
If you do go wireless, we can still help by adding power to camera locations and improving Wi-Fi coverage with cabled access points. See our TV and data points page for more on that.
Where to put cameras
A camera in the wrong spot is not much use. Common mistakes include cameras pointing into the sun, cameras too high to see faces, and cameras that cover the lawn but not the side gate. Before we install anything, we walk the property with you and look at the entry points: front door, driveway, side paths, back door, garage and any gates.
We also think about light. A camera covering a dark side path will struggle at night unless there’s some lighting. Adding a sensor light nearby often improves night footage more than buying a more expensive camera. Our outdoor electrical work covers sensor and security lighting.
Video doorbells and intercoms
Video doorbells are one of the most popular security upgrades. Battery versions are simple, but they need regular charging and can be slow to wake up. Hardwired doorbells run off a low-voltage supply, stay on all the time and respond faster. We can install the transformer and wiring so your doorbell has a steady power supply.
For homes with a front gate, a video intercom lets you see and talk to visitors and, with the right hardware, open the gate from inside or from your phone. We handle the cabling between the gate, the house and the power supply.
Alarm systems
We can supply power and run cabling for alarm panels, motion sensors, door and window sensors and sirens. Alarm systems can also be linked to lighting or your home automation setup, so lights come on if the alarm is triggered.
Some security work, such as back-to-base monitoring and certain alarm installation work, can involve separate licensing or a monitoring provider, and the rules can differ between Queensland and NSW. If part of your job falls outside our scope, we’ll tell you upfront rather than guess.
Privacy and neighbours
Cameras should cover your own property, not your neighbour’s backyard or windows. We position cameras to focus on your entries and yard and can use privacy masking on systems that support it. Surveillance and privacy laws apply, particularly to cameras that record audio, so if you’re unsure what’s allowed, check with the relevant state authority before you set up recording.
Storms, power and reliability
South East Queensland and Northern NSW get their share of storms and power outages. A security system that goes dark every time the power drops isn’t much help. We can install surge protection and advise on backup power for the recorder and network gear, so the system comes back on cleanly after an outage. Outdoor cameras and cabling need to be weatherproof, especially near the coast, so we use suitable fittings and seal cable entries properly.
What affects the cost
Cost depends on the number of cameras, whether they’re wired or wireless, the length and difficulty of cable runs, the recorder and storage you choose, and any extras like doorbells, intercoms or lighting. Two-storey homes and those with difficult roof access take longer to cable. We’ll give you a written quote that lists every device and cable run, so you know exactly what you’re getting.