Where to Place Security Cameras Around Your Home

You've decided to install security cameras. Now the question is: where do they go? After installing systems in homes across Hampton Roads for decades, here's what we've learned about effective camera placement.

The Priority Locations

Not every angle matters equally. Focus on these first:

1. Front Door

This is the single most important camera location. The majority of break-ins happen through the front door, and it captures every package delivery, visitor, and solicitor. A video doorbell or a dedicated camera above or beside the door both work well.

2. Back and Side Doors

Any door that isn't visible from the street is a target. Back doors, garage entry doors, and side entrances should all be covered.

3. Driveway / Garage

Covers vehicle theft, vandalism, and anyone approaching the house. If you have a detached garage, consider a camera covering each side.

4. First-Floor Windows (Street-Facing)

Especially windows that are hidden by landscaping or fencing. Cameras here act as a visible deterrent.

5. Backyard

Covers the most common entry point after doors. A wide-angle camera mounted at the roofline can cover a large area.

How Many Cameras Do You Need?

For most Hampton Roads homes:

• Small home / townhouse: 3–4 cameras (front door, back door, driveway, one side)
• Average single-family home: 5–6 cameras (all doors, driveway, backyard)
• Larger property: 7–8+ cameras (full perimeter coverage)

More cameras isn't always better. A well-placed system of 5 cameras outperforms a poorly positioned system of 10.

Indoor vs. Outdoor

Outdoor cameras are the priority for most homeowners. They capture threats before someone enters your home and act as a visible deterrent.

Indoor cameras make sense for:

• Monitoring a main hallway or staircase (captures movement between rooms)
• Keeping an eye on pets or children
• Vacation homes or rental properties where you want interior visibility

If budget is a concern, start with outdoor coverage and add indoor cameras later.

Camera Placement Tips

Height

Mount cameras 8–10 feet high. High enough that they can't easily be reached or knocked down, low enough to capture facial details. Too high and you'll only see the tops of heads.

Angle

Aim slightly downward. A camera pointed straight out or upward wastes coverage on sky and misses activity at ground level.

Lighting

Cameras with built-in infrared (IR) night vision handle dark areas well. But if you have existing exterior lighting, place cameras to take advantage of it. Avoid pointing cameras directly at bright lights — it washes out the image.

Wi-Fi Range

If you're using wireless cameras, signal strength matters. Cameras far from your router may have choppy video or drop offline. A Wi-Fi extender or wired (PoE) cameras solve this.

Weatherproofing

All outdoor cameras should be rated IP65 or IP66 for weather resistance. Hampton Roads gets its share of rain, humidity, and coastal weather — cheap cameras won't hold up.

What About the Recording?

Cameras are only useful if they're recording. You have two options:

• Local recording (NVR/DVR) — video is stored on a recorder in your home. No monthly fees. You own the footage. This is what we typically recommend.
• Cloud recording — video is stored online by the camera manufacturer. Usually requires a monthly subscription ($3–$10/camera/month). Convenient but adds ongoing cost.

We install systems with local NVR recording by default, which gives you reliable storage without subscription fees.

Professional Installation vs. DIY

DIY camera systems have gotten easier, but professional installation gives you:

• Optimal placement — we survey your property and identify blind spots you might miss
• Clean cable runs — no visible wires running along your siding
• Proper weathersealing — every penetration point sealed against water intrusion
• Correct network setup — cameras configured for reliable remote viewing
• One-time setup — everything works from day one with no troubleshooting

Get a Free Site Survey

Every property is different. We offer free site surveys where we walk your property, identify the best camera locations, and recommend a system that fits your needs and budget.

Schedule a survey or call us at (757) 640-0243. We serve Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, and all of Hampton Roads.