Outside Security Cameras ??

[Guzzel]

We're undecided about building new or buying existing, but either way, will I be allowed to design and install my own security system for the house, complete with outside cameras?

[Toymeister]

Many people have them.

[Bill14564]

We're undecided about building new or buying existing, but either way, will I be allowed to design and install my own security system for the house, complete with outside cameras?

Most changes to the outside of the building will require ARC approval. If the cameras are installed such that they do not change the look of the building in any way then it seems like they would be in compliance with no approval required. If the cameras are mounted to the outside of the building then it would be better to submit an application now then to have to remove them later.

[MrFlorida]

You mean installing the wiring etc while the house is under construction? Ask the contractor, they might have insurance issues with that.

[thelegges]

Not during build…after market only. We couldn’t pre wire pool, or add any outlets

[mrf0151]

Yes, you can install cameras easily. We have a Blink system, doorbell and 2 cameras on both sides of the house. They mount using the supplied screws that go right into the soffit holes perfectly.

[ThirdOfFive]

We're undecided about building new or buying existing, but either way, will I be allowed to design and install my own security system for the house, complete with outside cameras?
I believe so, though if there is any doubt I'd follow the advice of some of the other posters and check with the powers-that-be, first.

[dewilson58]

We pre-wired out home for a security alarm system.

We added cameras outside after a few years.
Many systems do not require "wiring".
Easy to customize and even move.

[villagetinker]

If you are building, you can ask if Siamese camera cables can be installed from a closet to the four corners of the house and the front door, garage, and lanai. This will have you covered for wired cameras, and the cost versus after build installation will be much less. I prefer hardwired cameras as they cannot be hacked. You will then have the opportunity to buy your own securing system with as many channels as needed.

[simplesimonsaid]

I prefer hardwired cameras as they cannot be hacked.

You can cut the wires though.

[villagetinker]

You can cut the wires though.

The wires to mine cannot be seen, the cameras are located so that in most cases the intruder will be seen and recorded before they can get to the camera to disable them, most are out of reach without a ladder. My concern about wireless is these can be hacked, now they are watching you, or they can be jammed, and now they are not see anything. Depending on the type of wireless camera, you may need to periodically replace batteries or have some type of solar charging.
By the way, I was able to have wiring installed with our build, and from what i determined, I saved well over $2000, then I installed my own DVR and cameras, and saved well over $2000 again.

[vintageogauge]

You can cut the wires though.

It would be much easier for them to simply choose a home without cameras. There are not very many home invasions down here.

[JRcorvette]

We're undecided about building new or buying existing, but either way, will I be allowed to design and install my own security system for the house, complete with outside cameras?

Yes of corse you can!

[Rwirish]

Why wouldn’t you be allowed?

[Guzzel]

You mean installing the wiring etc while the house is under construction? Ask the contractor, they might have insurance issues with that.

No; I'll do it myself after moving in.

[Guzzel]

If you are building, you can ask if Siamese camera cables can be installed from a closet to the four corners of the house and the front door, garage, and lanai. This will have you covered for wired cameras, and the cost versus after build installation will be much less. I prefer hardwired cameras as they cannot be hacked. You will then have the opportunity to buy your own securing system with as many channels as needed.

Agreed! Although wireless are easier to install, having wired cameras provide many more benefits -- at least for my requirements.

[skippy05]

You won't see any burglary action. Just Amazon delivery, landscapers, meter readers. Golf carts. Best use that money on Healthcare deductibles.

[Villagesgal]

You can put them outside as long as they are under the eaves with no approval needed. This is what we were told by the Villages and what we did.

[Pat2015]

We're undecided about building new or buying existing, but either way, will I be allowed to design and install my own security system for the house, complete with outside cameras?

You can put in a system after your build, but no special wiring will be done during the build. The Villages won’t even move an outlet at this point when you’re building a new house.

[waterflower]

Many restrictions in The Villages. If you don't mind them you will be satisfied. Research is key. Example-Metal roofs [last 50+years] are allowed on commercial buildings; but, not on residental.

[Maker]

Please do not post details about what security systems you have in place.
No need to give a casual reader here help in selecting a house to visit.

Do not put up signs from the manufacturer of your system.
Remember how a Kia was just another hard to steal car, until someone posted about how trivially easy it is to steal one? Information is out there. Don't make it easy for a thief to do some simple things to disable your systems. Google how to hack a ring system.

In general, a good system has several layers.
Things that are visible, and things that are hidden.
Cameras that are high, and hidden cameras that are low so someone ducking down cannot hide as easy.
Everything on UPS power.
Contact sensors on all doors, windows, gates, etc. Motion sensors scattered around.
Several different technologies so if one is hacked, the rest are still operational. Perhaps something wireless that could be hacked, but backed up by a wired system.

A good system, planned well, is easy. And a poor system, that looks good on paper, is also easy to blindly trust in error.

It's far cheaper to run CAT-6 wiring to lots of places when building. Before drywall is up. If you can do that, take lots of pictures. Include a tape measure to reference the distance to some object that can be located once built.

If you decide to put a camera on the corners of the eaves, then run four CAT-6 lines there - to be able to look along both sides of the house and away from the corner. Maybe overkill, but the tiny cost for wire is trivial now.

Wherever the hub ends up for the cable runs, have all the wires in flex conduit. Also have spare empty conduits in place to the attic space for future needs.

The DVR goes into a secure, locked, metal enclosure, solidly attached to the house structure. Also needs UPS power there. What good is camera footage when the thief takes the DVR with them? Consider cloud storage for (at least) events. Perhaps put an old DVR (that looks like the real thing - wiring, power, blinky lights) on a shelf somewhere as a decoy.

Lastly, plan wiring for adding some home automation stuff someday. Things like temperature sensors, water leak detectors, main water automated shutoff, doorbell systems... Perhaps flex conduit from device to attic to make pulling wires easier later.

Other simple security things... please do not post in public about your valuables or rare collections. Or how you need to think about buying a safe because you have x, y, or z. Or that you are going to be out of town at a certain time frame.

Have extra power outlets put in too.

[PugMom]

The wires to mine cannot be seen, the cameras are located so that in most cases the intruder will be seen and recorded before they can get to the camera to disable them, most are out of reach without a ladder. My concern about wireless is these can be hacked, now they are watching you, or they can be jammed, and now they are not see anything. Depending on the type of wireless camera, you may need to periodically replace batteries or have some type of solar charging.
By the way, I was able to have wiring installed with our build, and from what i determined, I saved well over $2000, then I installed my own DVR and cameras, and saved well over $2000 again.

thx for the valueable info :smiley:

[Alarmed]

Village Alarm will come out after you close on your home and install hardwired cameras under the soffit with all wiring concealed. They are licensed and insured. No deposit just pay in full when the job is completed and you are satisfied.

352-446-0278

[Chellybean]

Most changes to the outside of the building will require ARC approval. If the cameras are installed such that they do not change the look of the building in any way then it seems like they would be in compliance with no approval required. If the cameras are mounted to the outside of the building then it would be better to submit an application now then to have to remove them later.

There is no restriction to have cameras under the envelope of your home and furthermore to have cameras for security on your property Period. State and federal law preempts anything you signed at closing! FACT not fiction!
Where in Gods name do people think that the developer has this power?

[retiredguy123]

There is no restriction to have cameras under the envelope of your home and furthermore to have cameras for security on your property Period. State and federal law preempts anything you signed at closing! FACT not fiction!
Where in Gods name do people think that the developer has this power?
Can you cite any specific Federal or State law that would apply to your post?

[Dusty_Star]

It would be much easier for them to simply choose a home without cameras. There are not very many home invasions down here.

True, but I don't ascribe much intelligence to home invading thugs. Those who would notice surveillance & choose someplace else, would probably have chosen a different line of work altogether.

[Freehiker]

I installed CAT6 and 4K UniFi cameras all around my home. Simple and they work great.

[JMintzer]

I used the SimpliSafe system. Inside and outside cameras, motion and glass break detectors, entry sensors as well... The installation and set up took an hour or two...

The camera is wireless and has the option to run on a rechargeable battery, but I chose to run a power supply to it, so I wouldn't have to take the camera down every few months to plug it in, then re-aim it, etc...

I can add more cameras as I see fit...

It works with an app, so I can remotely monitor the cameras, and turn off the alarm if a neighbor needs to go in to my home if I'm away...

[Villageshooter]

It would be much easier for them to simply choose a home without cameras. There are not very many home invasions down here..
There are many home invasions here ,, however they are not reported in the daily sun,,,

[Dusty_Star]

.
There are many home invasions here ,, however they are not reported in the daily sun,,,

Please provide us with your statistics & evidence that backs up your claim.