Improving the security of your home can take many forms. In this day and age, however, installing a CCTV camera system in your home is by far the best way you can bolster the security in your home. Not only does it help you monitor activities in and around your home, collect evidence, and keep a record of what takes place, it acts as a deterrent to criminals.

That being said, many homeowners will find the process of buying and installing a surveillance system in their homes a tad daunting. If you are facing such a challenge, consider bringing in professionals to lend you a helping hand. Otherwise, follow our top tips for choosing and installing CCTV systems in your home.

Considerations To Keep In Mind When Buying Your CCTV Camera System

1. Image Quality – No matter how you look at it, one of the main goals of installing a surveillance system in your home is to have the capability to monitor and record what is happening. As such, it is crucial for your chosen CCTV system to provide crystal clear images. As a standard, today’s home security surveillance systems provide 720p video recording as a minimum. 

However, high-end systems provide 1080p resolution for clearer videos. Moreover, a 1080p CCTV system will have the capability and capacity to capture a wider field of view in more detail. In a nutshell, the higher resolution, the better the surveillance footage.

2.  Storage Capabilities (Cloud Or Local Storage) – While higher resolution cameras offer better surveillance footage, it also occasions a higher demand for storage. As such, you must account for the footage storage and choose between local storage and cloud storage. 

Local storage of footage takes place in the form of in-built storage or dedicated storage hardware in the form of a DVR. 1080p CCTV cameras with internal storage will suffer from inadequacies of storage, whereby footage fills up fast. Size limitations make it difficult for the cameras to store a large volume of CCTV footage. On the other hand, a digital video recorder (DVR) or Network Video Recorder (NVR) can have terabytes of storage, allowing homeowners to store thousands of hours of footage (even 1080p footage) for longer. 

For cloud storage, you have a seemingly unlimited storage capacity to work with. Most cloud storage services are flexible and allow customers to purchase more storage on the go. Moreover, cloud storage allows you to access the video footage live on your browser or on your mobile phone using an app.

3. Additional Capabilities – Most Modern CCTV cameras are equipped with additional sensors and capabilities. For instance, with zooming technology, modern residential surveillance cameras have audio sensors, motion sensors, night vision, and infrared capabilities, pan and tilt capabilities, live video feed capabilities, and emergency messaging capabilities that send you alerts should something atypical happen in your home. To purchase capability that suits your need and serve you well, ensure you understand these capabilities and choose a system that has features you need.

4. Range Of The Camera – The range a camera has is dependent on the size of the image sensor and the focal length of the lens. If you want cameras that can capture images afar, ensure your cameras have a higher range.

5. Wire-Free, Wireless, Or Wired System – With regards to connectivity, there are three types of CCTV camera system:

– Wired – The cameras rely on wires to connect to the power (and the internet if the capability exists).

– Wireless – The cameras connect to the internet via your home’s Wi-Fi. However, they need a power cable to provide power.

– Wire-free – Such camera systems have in-built battery packs that store power and they connect to the internet via the Wi-Fi. 

Depending on your needs, you have to choose between the three different camera systems or a combination of the systems.

Tips When Installing Your Surveillance System 

On the installation front, homeowners have a choice between two options. One is to install the cameras as a DIY project. The vast majority of modern CCTV camera systems are designed to be easy to install by attaching to the wall with screws, adhesive tapes, or simply setting somewhere flat like the table. When self-installing CCTV cameras, ensure you purchase a system that is easy to install and setup. Moreover, think carefully about the placement and purpose of the surveillance system.

However, for more integrated and complex surveillance systems, it is wise to contract professionals. Not only are professionals more experienced, but they are also better placed get thongs right the first time.

Conclusion

CCTV security doesn’t have to be a blur. Choose crystal-clear footage, storage that suits your needs, and features that matter. DIY or call the pros, but make your home a fortress, pixel by pixel

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The excitement of purchasing a new home will leave you beaming with joy, but at some point soon, you might want to make some major changes. New home buyers can suddenly be struck in a moment of inspiration to add on a new wing, knock down a wall, or completely overhaul their homes. Even if you are prepared to spend a pretty penny on making huge changes to your newly constructed home, you should not have to spend money for no good reason. Yes, your new home belongs to you and you can technically do anything that you want, but at the same time, checking over these next few handfuls of details could help you to reduce your budget overall. 

Check Your Buyer’s Contract for Disclosures Carefully 

In-home purchase agreements, there is an area where all known disclosures about the property and home itself are made. For instance, some homes are sold on lands that are federally protected wetlands, and therefore cannot be altered or significantly changed. Your home might come with existing damage to the foundation, or it could have been built on top of a snake breeding ground. Know what the disclosures are so that you can make changes intelligently. No new homeowner wants to invest a lot into significant architectural updates, only to be ordered to change everything back.

Run Everything by Your Real Estate Attorney First 

So, if you have recently bought a home, then you more than likely retained a lawyer. To complete the home purchase process, a real estate attorney should be helping you go over all the documentation. You want to know that the property is being sold as described, for exactly the amount of money you agreed to pay. Afterward, your real estate attorney can still be of great assistance to you. If you have questions about what you can do as far as hiring an architect or building on a new floor, talk to your attorney first. 

Making Major Architectural Changes Could Void Existing Warranties 

If you have bought a new home construction, then there could be a warranty that comes from the home manufacturer. These types of warranties cover important structural features in houses, like roofs, foundations, windows, and doors. With warranties, there are certain clauses present that protect both parties. Home manufacturers want to be protected in case a buyer makes changes that could potentially damage a home, then come after them for compensation. Home buyers want to know that new home builders are willing to stand behind their products, and guarantee them should anything go wrong. If you don’t want this warranty to become void, then you have to avoid making significant changes.

Consider whether updating the interior of your home with a newly built-on room or changing out all of the exterior doors is really going to enhance your property. If you are looking to make things look different, try painting, or making other minimum upgrades in the interim. Maybe another five or ten years down the line, things will be different.

This article is all about the ‘King of Instagram.’ you guessed it right Mr. Dan Bilzerian. He has already whooped the mind of many with is extravaganza lifestyle with the numerous bikini-girlfriends. His Instagram posts reflect the king-like life he is living, a total playboy, and the rich kid. Apart from the superhot girlfriends and happening parties, there is something that takes away the attention of many. What is it? Dan Bilzerian house. Yes. 

He has many rental properties in L.A and Las Vegas. No wonder these two places are heaven for the party-boys. The news is Bel Air Residence in California which Dan was renting is on sale once again. 

Let’s see what is there in the Bel Air residence that made is Instagram posts look like luxuries at its best. There are photos of him chilling in the pool, partying with the background of man’s cave (bar), master suite, extra evident dining table, chess games, golf area, and whatnot.

Let’s have a look at the Dan Bilzerian new house with all his toys and extra exciting fun. Stay with us, you are going to witness the 31,000 square footage house with almost all the luxurious facilities.

Before everything else, here’s the quick overview of the gigantic Bel Air apartment.

Location: 10979 Chalon Road, Bel Air, Los Angeles, California

Basic facility: 12 bedrooms & 24 bathrooms

Price: $67,500,000 (Dan was paying $200,000/per month rent)

Here are the photos of this mega-mansion with its extra-ordinary facilities.

1. An In-built Night Club

The Bel Air mansion is built like a night club, which definitely suits his troop of babes. The man is known for his enormous life and a party boy image. The rooftop of the mansion has an outdoor living room, dining room, and tons of seating spaces on the astroturf.

2. Multiple Living Spaces

The mansion has multiple living room spaces, every living room has its own identity, it even has a chess room. Can you believe it? (In an average man’s house, chess is kept on a corner table in the living room!) The main attractive point of the living rooms is the LEDs and the changing color with the chime.

3. 4-Story Mansion

Yes, it is a four-story mansion with over 12 bedrooms and 23 bathrooms. Apart room these, the estate houses a home theatre, two-lane bowling alley, zero-edged swimming pool, wet bar, chess room, rooftop night club, patio, table tennis court, and much more.

4. Monstrous Kitchen

The kitchen itself is so huge, that it can be used as a cafe area. It has an 18-seater dining table and all the latest appliances with the two huge ovens. It has Italian Porcelain floors, that are easy to clean and the house has several small kitchens located. 

5. Inhouse 2-lane Bowling Alley

As a party man and a professional poker player, it is evident the bowling alley may have counted as a must-have. Spending a year will also be less to explore the whole place, plus who doesn’t like bowling when you own it. (At least you don’t have to wait for your turn).

6. Huge Master Suite and Bathroom

This was obvious, Mr. Dan does need a huge bedroom with an extra king-size bed for his babes (*wink*). The master suite’s bathroom has a friggin’ sofa setup. It is that huge. The space of the bathroom is almost half the area of the bedroom.

7. White Lounge

Most uploaded photos of Dan with the hot babes are in the white lounge area. Surely, it was more than comfortable. The white lounge has a fireplace, huge TV, bar area, and a beautiful balcony.

8. Zero-Edged Swimming Pool

This one is located on the rooftop with the outdoor living and dining area. The view from there is unexplainable. Beauty at its best!

9. Home Theatre

Yes, that’s true it houses a full-fledged home theatre with bar area and recliners. The driveway or motor courtyard in the front can hold up to 70 cars. This is what you call a real luxurious car.

Apart from these, his house in Las Vegas is also no less. How? Recently he had posted photos with the caption ‘Writing my book,’ (He is writing his autobiography, Woah!). The background living area his of his Las Vegas house. Also, it has a purple gaming room, where he excels or you can say polishes the gaming skills.

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Historic homes are lovely to look at and they are valuable assets. They hold a lot of history and showcase the unique yesteryear architecture of an area, with some homes becoming local tourist attractions.

Many people dream of owning historical homes, because of their unique craftsmanship, but once they do, they quickly realize how expensive they are to maintain. There may be problems with electricity, plumbing, heating, especially if they have not been updated for a while. 

There may also be local and state restrictions on what you can alter.

However, there are some financial benefits to owning a historical home that make it worthwhile. 

Unfortunately, when living in these old homes, you may have to invest in new appliances and installations to make them habitable in extreme weather. One thing that many people choose to replace in an old home is the furnace. 

Why replace an old furnace in a historic home?

Many old furnaces are inefficient and cannot meet the heating needs of the whole house. This may be due to old age, energy inefficiency or simply, were installed with austerity in mind to heat only certain rooms. 

The cost of maintaining them through constant repairs or scarce spare parts may necessitate a replacement.

It’s essential, when renovating a historical house, to update to modern requirements  while maintaining the original look and feel, to preserve the historical value.

Factors to consider when replacing a furnace in a historical house

If you want to replace the furnace in your historic home, you have to pick something that will maintain its original look while improving its efficiency. Here are a few things to look at when purchasing a new furnace.

1. What type of furnace?

There are three kinds of furnaces that are categorized according to fuel combustion and size.

High-efficiency furnaces give up to 90% energy efficiency and are ideal for commercial buildings and large homes.

Medium efficiency furnaces provide between 80 -90 percent energy efficiency and are easy to fit into any home (even a historical house) as they offer flexibility in their design.

Conventional furnaces often come with a chimney and offer between 75 -80% efficiency. They are ideal for small homes with low energy needs.

The type of furnace you purchase will also be determined by maintenance cost.  Ask your HVAC expert how much it will cost to maintain a furnace before buying one, and you will pick the right type.

2. Infrastructure

Unless there have been some renovations to a furnace, if it is old, you can be sure the ductwork is old too. 

You may think of replacing an old furnace leaving its ductwork as it is, but eventually, it will develop issues such as leaking, which beats the purpose of your shiny new furnace. 

When replacing your ductwork, it is best to call a heating and cooling expert for advice. They will tell you if a new furnace will be compatible with your old ductwork or you have to replace everything immediately. If you are lucky, you only have to do a few repairs to the old ductwork to fit in a new furnace. 

If your home cannot accommodate a modern heating system, there are other ways to fix your heating problems. For example, you could choose options that do not require any ductwork to install, such as radiant heating systems. 

3. Efficiency 

Keep in mind that old furnaces have very low-efficiency ratings, with some only converting about 60 percent of fuel to heat. 

That kind of furnace can cost you a lot of money while giving you little comfort during cold days. For better efficiency, replace your old furnace with one that has at least an 80 percent efficiency rating.

Also, choose a two-stage boiler that offers optimum speed, ensuring the temperature in your house is easy to regulate. Single-stage boilers take longer to get to the desired temperature, which results in unnecessarily high energy bills.

Historic houses also have chimneys that are used to vent the furnace. You may choose to cut off the chimney and use another way to vent your furnace to save money and make it more efficient.

4. Fuel

The team from BoilerJuice US notes that the type of fuel you want your furnace to use will determine the kind of furnace you install into your historic home.  If you’re going to replace it with an antique furnace that works better, you may choose one that uses oil.

However, if you pick a modern furnace, you can pick one that uses natural gas or electricity. Choose a cost-efficient furnace in terms of fuel consumption. You may also think of the environment, too, and choose green furnaces that use eco-friendly fuel.

5. Rules and regulations

It’s important to note that historic homes are considered a treasure and government agencies have rules that protect them. Therefore, if you want to renovate your home or replace anything in it, you must talk to relevant authorities for permission. 

A key issue with old furnaces is that they don’t meet modern safety standards. Consulting authorities will help you install a modern furnace that meets all regulations keeping your home up to date. You may also earn some tax breaks given to homeowners who choose to renovate their historic properties to maintain their structural integrity. 

Are You Ready to Install a New Furnace In Your Historic Home?

An ideal time to replace your old furnace is when remodeling your home. During such times, walls and floors are often torn apart, giving you a chance to install new appliances.

If you are unsure about replacing your furnace, don’t be afraid. You can use modern solutions to install a new heating system without compromising your home’s historical integrity. 

If a whole remodeling project is too much for your wallet, consult an expert from heating and cooling brick NJ to help with a few simple fixes that will make your old heater work more efficiently.

To find out more:-

• How Long Should a Furnace Run During a Typical Heating Cycle?
• Gas Furnace Service – When Should You Call For Help With Your Home Furnace?
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Buying a new house may be the largest purchase you will make in your lifetime. It is both exciting and nerve-wracking, looking around for the perfect house and the best community to live in. You want to secure the best property, but unwilling to pay too much. If you can, you will want to save money for hooking up utilities and decorating.

If you have already decided on a property, the next step is negotiating house prices with your builder. Take heed. No builder will voluntarily sell below the asking price. They want to make sure they will realize a profit and establish a baseline for their properties for future buyers. You must have a few tricks up your sleeves to get the best price possible for your house. 

Factors that Influence a Home’s Value

Negotiating house prices is expected of you as a buyer, but be careful of lowballing. You may end up insulting the builder. A home’s value is influenced by several factors. It is important that you understand these determinants so you can make better offers for your target property. You will save yourself and your builder valuable time if you go in with the right price list in mind.

Size of Home

This is critical when you want to learn how to negotiate a new home for the best price with the builder. Home value is estimated in price per square foot. Bigger homes naturally have more floor area, hence a bit pricier. Price per square foot varies, so a $100 per square foot may be a bargain or not depending on the home you are buying. Usable spaces also matter. Bedroom and bathroom spaces are highly valued, so if a home has more, expect to pay more. 

Location

The location of your dream property impacts its overall value. Price may be dependent on how close the house is to school, work, public transit, shopping, and recreational centers. This is why some neighborhoods command steep prices while others several miles away do not. Pickering is a prime location for residential homes in Ontario. If you are looking for a new home builder in the Greater Toronto Area, give Paradise Development a call.

Home Upgrades

Improvements add value to your home, but this varies on the market you are in and the type of upgrades done. With projects like adding a pool or wood floors, value increases are higher for more expensive homes. Meanwhile, adding a full bathroom or remodeling a kitchen tend to have bigger increase for the average- or below-average-priced homes. Older homes, in particular, benefit from having updated features.

Local Market and the Economy

This is another important aspect when learning how to negotiate with builders. You have to know what kind of market your target property is in. Homes in a seller’s market tend to sell quickly because there are a lot of buyers competing for fewer homes. If this is the case, you will have more trouble negotiating for the price you want due to competition. The broader economy may also impact home sales, forcing sellers to increase or lower their asking price.

5 Tips for Negotiating a House Purchase

Once you have found the home you want to buy, it is time to put your bargaining skills to good use. You must learn how to negotiate with builders before signing that contract. At the end of the day, it is your tenacity and creativity that will secure you the best price. Here are some tips on how to haggle for the right price without going overboard. 

1. Quick Response is Key

The first tip on how to negotiate with builders is simple – never delay your responses to counteroffers. Your builder may think you are not serious about buying the property and begin looking for other buyers. You are also giving your competition, if there is any, to step in and start a bidding war. Bidding wars are your number one nemesis. It will only ratchet up the possible sales price of your target home as other potential buyers make their offers.

2. Do Not Bypass Your Agent

Always communicate your requests and concerns through your real estate agent. This is critical when negotiating house prices. It is simply unethical and unprofessional to directly contact a builder and bypass your agent. You hired your agent for a purpose – let them do what are good at. Use their expertise and save yourself from problems later on. The two of you must present a united front to the builder all the time to avoid misunderstandings.

3. Be Frank with the Builder

Being frank with what you want is another important tip on how to negotiate with the builder on price. Let us face it, it is the builder who will dictate the terms on which they sell their properties. You have little say in the matter, particularly on the price, if the builder does not wish to negotiate with you. While they may be set on their standards, it will not hurt for you to ask for concessions or upgrades. You just have to be clear about what you want. 

4. Check the Comparables

If you want to know if you are paying too much for a property, check the comparables. Ask for the sales prices of similar homes in the neighborhood that have been recently taken off the market. To get a more accurate estimate, look for homes with features the same as your target property and located in the same subdivision. Send your agent to talk with other agents and ask for the details. Playing dirty is part of the challenge on how to negotiate with the builder on price.

5. Be Realistic

If you have a set budget and unwilling to pay more, do not stress. Stick to your guns and be willing to walk away. This should be number one on the basic tips on how to negotiate a new home price with the builder. Eventually, you will find the perfect home, in the right location, with pricing within your range. You just have to be patient with your search and set reasonable expectations. 

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