You thought the cameras were working…until the footage cut out when you needed it most. Or maybe the installer rushed the job, skipped key blind spots, and now your “coverage” is full of gaps. Worse still? The company stopped answering calls the minute the invoice was paid.
Whether you’re protecting a home or a business, choosing the wrong security camera system installation company can leave you exposed, frustrated, and out of pocket. It’s not just about getting cameras on the wall; it’s about getting it done right.
This article walks you through how to spot the pros, dodge the amateurs, and protect what matters.
Know What You Need Before You Call Anyone
Before you start getting quotes or talking to companies, you need to be clear about what you’re trying to protect and why. That might seem obvious, but it’s where a lot of people make costly mistakes. A system that works well for a large warehouse might be a complete waste of money for a small retail store or single-family home.
Start by thinking about what your goals are. Are you trying to scare off intruders, track activity, or record evidence just in case something happens? Each of those goals requires slightly different equipment and features.
Some things you should figure out early include:
- Whether you need indoor, outdoor, or both types of cameras
- If motion detection is a must or just a nice bonus
- Whether you want to access footage remotely through an app
- How many days of video storage you’ll need
This kind of planning forms the base of any good home security camera setup or small business system. Knowing your layout matters just as much. Walk through your space and list out areas where valuables are stored, people enter or exit, or past problems have occurred.
These details help you avoid being upsold on gear you don’t need. At the same time, they keep you from underestimating how many cameras it’ll take to do the job right.
Check for Licensing, Certifications, and Insurance
A camera on the wall doesn’t mean the job’s done right. That starts with hiring someone who’s legally allowed to do the work. Believe it or not, some companies skip this. Or worse, they subcontract the work to people who aren’t properly trained.
Make sure the company holds a valid license in your state. In Oregon, for example, electricians must complete thousands of hours of hands-on training and pass licensing exams. If they don’t have that, you’re risking more than bad service; you’re risking code violations and possibly insurance issues if something goes wrong.
Equally important is confirming that the company carries insurance. At a minimum, you should ask for:
- General liability coverage
- Worker’s compensation insurance
This protects you if someone gets hurt or causes damage during the installation. Companies that cut corners here tend to cut them elsewhere, too.
Evaluate Experience, Reputation, and Technology Used
A business with a few years under its belt doesn’t automatically mean it’s the best. Yet, experience still counts, especially when it’s tied to results.
Security isn’t something you want a rookie handling. That goes double if you’re securing a business that handles cash, handles deliveries, or has a lot of public foot traffic.
You should always check online reviews, but don’t stop there. Call and ask for local references, or check for case studies if they have them. A little legwork up front will tell you more than a slick website ever will.
Now, let’s talk about hardware. Ask what brands they use and why. If they only recommend one product line without explaining the reasons, that could be a red flag. Likewise, if they dodge questions about how the equipment works or what it integrates with, that’s a sign they may be selling what’s easy, not what’s best.
Watch out, too, for the “cheap now, regret later” approach of DIY security installation. It might seem like a great idea until something breaks or you need real-time support.
Get a Customized Plan and Transparent Quote
Too many people accept a quote after a phone call and a few quick questions. That’s not how a serious installer works. A good company will either come to your property or request detailed info like a layout or photos. They’ll ask real questions before they sell anything.
Every site has different blind spots, access points, and lighting conditions. A system that works great in one building might be useless somewhere else. A walkthrough helps the installer know exactly where cameras should go, and more importantly, where they shouldn’t.
Good security camera placement matters more than the camera itself. That’s why the plan needs to be customized, not copied and pasted from the last job.
Here’s what a proper quote should include:
- Equipment and hardware with brand/model details
- Labor and installation costs
- Permits, if required
- Warranty coverage
- Any included service or support
Post-Installation Support and Service Matters
What happens after the cameras are up is that, sometimes, that’s when problems start. A camera goes offline. Your app stops sending alerts. You forget how to pull up old footage. Now what?
This is the part most companies don’t talk about, but it’s the one that matters most long term.
You should always ask about support. Who do you call if something breaks? Do they offer maintenance packages? Can someone walk you through a software update or app issue?
Some companies include training after install. That means helping you understand features like motion alerts, playback, storing or exporting clips, and so on. Honestly, that kind of service can make the difference between having a system that works and one you avoid using.
Get Peace of Mind With the Right Security Camera System Installation
Choosing the right security camera system installation service means safer property, fewer headaches, and peace of mind that lasts. The best systems are planned, tested, and backed by expertise.
At Parkin Electric, we’ve been protecting homes and businesses across Oregon for decades with a rare combination of old-school values and modern technology. Our licensed electricians, OSHA-certified safety protocols, and custom planning process set us apart.
Contact us today for a free quote with no pressure, just honest advice from pros who’ve done this right since 1945.