Considerations for Installations whether DIY or Professional

[Lebeter]

I'm going to make this short and to the point. I've worked with some installers who were great at different aspects of a job, but were lacking in some areas where I think a customer should be concerned if they want to get the best performance out of any system, even a poorly spec'd one that may have won with the lowest bid. Most people should understand that while the equipment is costly, the labor may likely cost about the same or more in an installation because of some basic building construction knowledge and local code they must follow in order to run the wiring. The dirty job is running the wiring as most folks know.

Please feel free to respond with any suggestions/corrections I can add to the sections or if any other sections should be included, i'm just going to start with a few basics.

Site Survey
-Installer should understand what the owner intends or desires to capture along with suggestions for coverage that the owner may not have considered, but has a choice with.
-Identify choke points and areas where either intruders must pass or are likely to try to gain entry to or through.
-Estimate angles of coverage from camera install locations to determine appropriate lens or view depending on camera.
-Can the camera locations be easily altered/interfered with our vandalized and does the camera type suite the location?
-Does the location limit height or allow the subject to be properly captured within view for any identification or is the view simply trying to capture movement within the area.
-Does local jurisdiction allow unlimited capture of video and or audio, what are those local law limitations?
-Do any signs or notices need to be posted with regards to the type of surveillance?
-Location of centralized equipment should be discrete and unassuming or at least somewhat secured (although sometimes limited by access)
-Expectations during power outage should be known (UPS requirements etc)

Camera Selection
-Camera style: dome, turret, bullet, hidden, ptz, object tracking, stationary axis configuration capability, mounting styles and accessories.
-Power/Data connectivity, size, discreteness, visibility, indoor/outdoor rated, accessory input/output capability, sound capability
-Does the camera have a moisture pack to absorb moisture or condensation to prevent clouding or electronic failure.
-Does the camera require pest deterrent (rodents, arachnids, pets, squirrels, etc.)
-Consideration for reflection and wash out of IR light on nearby objects.
-Distance consideration for power data/runs to camera location.

Equipment
-NVR (embedded/pc server/desktop Based)
-analog power box/supply, POE Switch, POE injector, power supply.

Access
-Any trenching needs or vertical access with a lift or ladder to consider?
-Have local utilities been notified to mark areas where digging will occur?
-Does installer have appropriate and desired access for installation throughout duration of job.

Cabling and Conduit
-Are you working with a hard lid ceiling, dropped ceiling, open ceiling, soffit, wallboard, brick, concrete, wood studs, metal studs. Are they load bearing and drilling into them could compromise structural integrity of the building or is the wall simply a dividing wall.
-Using appropriate fastening systems to walls, ceilings, any mounting points.
-Conduit sizing for the amount of cable you plan to run through it.
-Sealing any outdoor fittings or openings to gain access to interior.
-Mounting cameras to junction boxes or manufacturer supplied junction box assuming not a direct mount
-Sealing appropriate electrical connections from moisture.
-Making sure cabling drain holes in any equipment is appropriately positioned downward.
-Any outdoor rated cable or interior cable have a loop to keep water from running down the cable.
-Finding appropriately rated cable either to prevent RF noise, meet distance requirements, in-wall fire ratings, outdoor UV protection, meet national and local municipality code, etc.

Tools
-Fiberglass wire pull rods, Fish Tape
-Various Drill bits sizes suited for materials, extensions
-rj-45 or coax crimper, wire stripper, cable connectors
-cat5/6 cable tester
-cable toner if tapping into existing unused runs
-led headlamp

Purchasing
-Regional Dealer for Stock/Returns/Warranty
-Online/International Dealer or Manufacturer Direct for reduced price

Configuration
-Will you be able to do the configuration yourself, is the installer versed in the technology you are asking for? Inevitably the system may need to be tailored over time unless extensive configuring is done under multiple lighting conditions.
-What tailored expectations do you have after the installation?
-Are the cameras individually configured/tailored to meet needs to each install location after the installation and lighting provisions are understood?
-If motion detected is opted vs continuous, is the motion detection working to the degree it is expected to perform at?
-How small/large of a subject is expected to be captured? Over what period of time before and after the movement starts and ends should their be expected capture?

Security
-Remote Access, Onsite Access, User Control,
-Motion Alerting, Disconnect Alerts
-Capability of alerts, whether they be Email, SMS, Audible, or other inter-connectivity to existing systems. Can other systems be triggered to alert? Can the system receive alerts from other systems?