Last week, we talked about how to install a video surveillance system. In that marathon post, we mentioned that we weren’t too excited about installing bright, metallic silver cameras on every corner of our 1930′s Spanish style home. As a result, I devised a simple and relatively quick hack to dress down the appearance of the cameras and help them blend in more to the architecture. Before any hate mail comes in, let me start this off with a disclaimer: If one of your primary goals is deterrence, then camouflaging your cameras might not be the best strategy. Then again, you can use this exact same how-to, but substitute glow-in-the-dark, day-glow, fluorescent pink paint instead, and then you’ll really draw attention to the cameras. [click to continue…]
Security
My first intro to the world of video surveillance came when, in a flurry of poor economic decision-making, I purchased a Toshiba network surveillance camera which I installed as part of my mission to keep dogs from pooping on our lawn (daily). Although that camera turned out to be problematic, it got my feet wet in video surveillance. After limping along a few years with a single camera that crashed seemingly more than it ran, I decided it was time to upgrade the surveillance system to multiple cameras, and document that process for HomeFixated readers. In the content below, you’ll find essential tips and suggestions on everything from network switches to budget-conscious network video cameras that perform well. [click to continue…]
When I first was invited to attend Genie’s Blogger Summit in the heart of Amish country in Ohio, I was a little confused. It’s a garage door opener. How much to it can there be? It lifts the door up and then lowers it back down. Well, it turns out there’s a whole lot more to garage openers than meets the eye. Once I started to get past the severe culture shock of the San Diego to Amish country transition (we passed a lot of horse-drawn carriages and women with bonnets riding bicycles), I started to absorb a lot of useful information about garage door openers in general, and Genie garage door openers in specific. [click to continue…]
Image Source: IsViral.com
With all the weird weather lately – ranging from hurricanes to tornadoes to floods – you’d be wise to think about what you need to do to prepare for major storm conditions. But before we go any further, let’s be clear: If you’ve been urged to evacuate – go, go, GO. We realize your home and your possessions are important, but not nearly as important as your hot little bod. Leave everything and head for the hills right away (if that’s what you’ve been instructed to do). However, if you have ample warning, time on your side, and if you’ve been recommended to stay at home, consider implementing these tips. [click to continue…]
You know those ads where you can go to one website – usually owned by an insurance company – and get quotes from a bunch of different insurance companies and directly compare the rates? Those don’t always paint the full picture. I’m not saying those websites are lying, but you can only really get an exact quote for coverage of your home by going through a full questionnaire with the company directly – and usually with a human being. I know – that dreamy world where we don’t have to interact with each other isn’t quite here yet. Sigh. Plus, there’s more to insurance than what you pay monthly – there’s that whole service thing that occurs should you need to make a policy change or – hopefully not – a claim. I recently secured new home insurance and here’s some things I discovered along the way: [click to continue…]
