What a camera installation visit includes
A camera only helps if it sees the right thing and stays put through an Ottawa winter. Most of the job is planning the angles and mounting it properly. Here's what's included:
- Walking the outside with you to choose spots that cover the driveway, doors and side yards without pointing into the neighbours' windows
- Mounting each camera solidly into the soffit, brick or siding, with the right anchors for the surface
- Running and hiding cables through the soffit, attic or basement where possible, or in a tidy paintable cover where not
- Sealing any holes through the outside wall so water and drafts stay out
- Connecting the cameras to your Wi-Fi or recorder and checking the view on your phone
- Cleaning up and taking the packaging away
Cameras and doorbells Sal installs
- Wi-Fi and battery cameras: quick to mount. The main job is placement and a strong enough Wi-Fi signal outside.
- Wired cameras and recorders (PoE): one cable carries power and video, so there are no batteries to charge. The work is in running the cables neatly back to the recorder.
- Video doorbells: wired doorbells usually connect to your existing doorbell wiring. Battery models just need the right height and angle.
- Floodlight cameras: these replace an existing outdoor light fixture. Where new wiring is needed, Sal brings in the licensed electrician he works with.
Getting the placement right
Most camera problems come from where it was put, not which brand it is. A few rules Sal follows:
- Cover the way in. Driveway, front door, back door and side gates matter more than a wide view of the lawn.
- Mind the light. A camera facing the setting sun or a bright streetlight washes out. A small change in angle fixes it.
- Out of reach, not too high. Under the soffit is usually ideal. Mount it too high and you see the tops of heads, not faces.
- Respect the neighbours. Keep the view on your own property. That's good manners and keeps you on the right side of privacy rules.
What camera installation costs in Ottawa
One or two Wi-Fi cameras, or a camera and a doorbell, usually come in at the $150 minimum. A full wired system with a recorder and cable runs through the attic takes longer. Text Sal how many cameras you have, a photo of the outside of the house and where you want them, and you'll get a number back.
Before Sal arrives
- Have the cameras, mounts and screws out of the boxes, and the app downloaded on your phone.
- Know your Wi-Fi password, or where the recorder will sit.
- Make sure the attic hatch or basement ceiling is reachable if cables need to run there.
What customers say
★★★★★ “Great experience, showed up on time, the price was fair and the quality was great! Would definitely recommend!”
— Ebaa K., Google review
★★★★★ “Excellent service! Very professional, reliable, and friendly. He did an amazing job, paid great attention to detail, and made sure everything was done properly. Highly recommended!”
— Bilal A., Google review
Read all of Sal's Google reviews (5.0 stars).
Sal works across Ottawa: Kanata & Stittsville, Barrhaven & Nepean, Orleans & Gloucester, and central Ottawa. If you're just outside those areas, call and ask.