Security Camera Tips for the Home

Hi folks,
in past security related articles we looked at 1. Different types of locks for the home, 2, Free ways to prevent a burglary in the home and 3. Tips for choosing an Alarm System for your home.  Today we provide you with a few simple tips on CCTV/security cameras for the home(by the way these tips can equally apply to businesses so if you have a business please read on).  First of all let’s look at three very common types of CCTV Camera in Ireland including a brief description of each:

1) Dome cameras
This camera is either ceiling mounted or suspended from a wall mounted bracket, Dome Camera CCTV Cameradepending mainly on the field of view required. One main distinction of this camera is the camera itself is positioned inside a transparent dome which, if tinted, may not be noticed by an intruder. Another speciality of this camera is that it can be upgraded to specialise thermally for night vision, be equipped with infrared illuminators (a red dot) or they can be made specialise for daytime use only.  The dome camera is one of the most versatile types of camera.  Many dome cameras offer 3-axis mounting.  This mounting allows you to mount vertical, horizontal and diagonally.  Prices range from €49 to €250

2) Bullet camera
A type of video camera mainly used in surveillance systems, ‘bullet’ describing what its Bullet Cameradesign looks like. Bullet cameras are small (2 to 2.5 inches long) and can be very effective as they can be placed in small areas easily. While bullet cameras are good for small spaces, the images may have cut-off corners because of the camera’s miniature size and design, which interferes with the operating of the camera lens.  The bullet camera is very versatile because the mounting bracket can swivel horizontally, and vertical adjustment can be made by adjusting a screw or bolt.  One thing to consider before installing a bullet camera is how high or low you will mount it.  If you have to mount the camera less than 10 feet above ground and are concerned about vandalism, then consider a different style camera.

Prices range from €195 to €495

3) Fake security cameras
Similar to the dummy alarms from our previous blog, These ‘dummy’ Dummy Security Camera cameras are mounted on a wall and don’t actually do anything. They are simply used to act as a deterrent to possible intruders while also representing an inexpensive option in terms of cost, as it is not connected to any surveillance system.  Prices range from €14.95 to €79.95 for dummy cameras.

Here are some things below to consider when deciding on which CCTV surveillance system to choose:-

1. Map a plan of the room/ area, including all possible camera spots.
How much of the area do you want the camera to cover? A more powerful camera is needed for rooms which need more surveillance. Try to locate your camera as close to the  area you want to monitor first (for example facing the door through which the intruder is likely to enter or facing out from above the safe where the he/she will definitely be rumaging!), then decide on the amount of zoom you need.

3. Resolution:
Would you prefer get an image of a person’s face or a license plate on a car? Factors like these determine the location your security camera will have to be mounted in and the quality of camera you will need to get the desired resolution for your workplace/home.

4 .Vandalism: Is there a good chance that the camera could be damaged by vandals? If so, could it be damaged easily? Vandal resistant cameras are available at a small extra cost then standard cameras, which ensure that your security camera is protected from any environment.

5. Lighting: Is the space well lit or fairly dark? Does an outdoor influence affect the lighting of a room/area? Do you want to monitor the area with the lights turned off? You should decide whether you need a low light or an infared sensor.

6. Covert Cameras: While a CCTV camera or dummy CCTV camera may act as a deterent to burglars, the more obvious they are the more likely the criminal will be to avoid being caught on it either by vandalising the camera or wearing a mask or hoody to avoid detection.  In view of this you could also consider using one or more covert or hidden cameras in strategic places in addition to the ones that can be seen.  Hopefully these hidden cameras will catch the unsuspecting burglar when they have de-hooded under the illusion that they are no longer under survellance!

7. Budget: As with everything in life, the more you spend, the better the system you get.  You should talk to a CCTV camera installer before you rush into buying a cheap camera system on the Internet or in a high street store.  Often times these cheap cameras have poor resolution, poor flexibility and are not built to last.  An experienced CCTV installer should be able to recommend a camera system that is built to last and more importantly that he is familar with and is able to set up quickly and easily.  A low cost camera is better than no camera but try and get the best system that you can afford.

—————

The usual rules apply with selecting an security camera installer for the job, make sure to get references, insurance details and any other information that you need to make sure that you are totally happy with the alarm installer that you choose.  And yes make sure they are PSA licensed installers.  Getting advice and quotes from a number of security camera installers ensures that you get the most information to make an informed choice. Always check whether the prices are inclusive or exclusive of VAT and get a written quotation before you agree to a price.

I hope this helps some of you who are looking at improving the standard of security for your home or office and if you decide to go ahead with installing a security camera system don’t forget that to get up to 4 security camera quotes fast from rated CCTV installers click here!  If you have a tip or a suggestion to share on choosing a security camera system please feel free to share it with us below.

Cheers,

Oliver Dempsey,

Tradesmen.ie

2nd February 2013

Here are more security related articles you may be interested in below:-
http://blog.tradesmen.ie/2012/11/door-locks-explained-most-common-types-features-etc

http://blog.tradesmen.ie/2012/11/ten-easy-ways-to-prevent-a-burglary

http://blog.tradesmen.ie/2012/12/burglar-alarm-tips-what-to-look-for

Posted in tips | Tagged , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Result and Video of our January Draw 2013

Congratulations!!!Hi folks,

Each month we have a draw for cash prizes for everyone who posts a job on our site and provides feedback. So not only do you get up to 4 quotes Fast from Rated Tradesmen but you could also win a cash prize as well!

The draw for everyone who provided feedback in December was held on January 31st and the 1st prize of €100 cash went to Vincent Weir, Blackrock, Co. Dublin.  The 2nd prize of €30 went to Claire Finucane, Blanchardstown,  Dublin 15.

Congratulations to you both and thanks to everyone who provided feedback on our site as it helps to improve the experience for everyone. You can see the video of the draw below:-

And don’t forget that everyone who posts a job and provides feedback will be entered in a draw at the end of each month to win a cash prize!

So what are you waiting for, get posting today!:)

Cheers
Oliver Dempsey
Tradesmen.ie
31st January 2013

Related Keywords: Ireland free competition, competition results, draw results, Irish competition, builders competition, contest winners, cash prize winners, competition entries or entrants

Posted in Prizes and Competitions | Leave a comment

Video Testimonial – Happy Customer gives Feedback


Here is a video testimonial we received recently from Ciarán Mac Samhráin. Many thanks Ciarán for taking the time to make this video and glad you were happy with the service! Well done also to Paul Mulcahy, the tradesman who did a great job for Ciarán.
Ciaran Mac Samhain
Don’t forget that everyone who posts a job
and provides feedback will be entered in a draw
at the end of each month to win a cash prize!

So what are you waiting for?
Get posting your job today!:)

Cheers
Oliver Dempsey
Tradesmen.ie

 

Posted in testimonials | Leave a comment

60,000 Jobs Posted on Tradesmen.ie!!

60000 Jobs PostedHi folks,
today we exceeded 60,000 jobs posted on Tradesmen.ie since we launched the website in June 2008.  Based on the value of the jobs posted the potential value of this work to tradesmen is over €183 million.  I’d just like to say thank you so much to all of the customers and tradesmen for your support over the last four and a half years. We particularly appreciate how you are spreading the good news and more and more of the jobs posted come from word of mouth. It just shows that there is still plenty of work to be done and this service makes it easier for customers and tradesmen to find each other quickly and hopefully get a better quality job done at a more competitive price. Please continue to help us to spread the message about Tradesmen.ie and help us do our bit to create and sustain jobs in Ireland!

Many Thanks
Oliver Dempsey
Tradesmen.ie

16th January 2013

Posted in news | Leave a comment

Product Design and Patent Internship

One man innovation processWe have 2 Product Design and Patent Internships available to identify opportunities to create a new service related product that does not exist already or to develop a new way of delivering an existing service that has not existed previously. The positions entail doing extensive research into ways and methodologies for delivering existing services through web based applications and seeing how new patentable services or new patentable ways of delivering services can be invented.

Ideally you would work at our office here in Co. Laois, Ireland but other arrangements can be made if that is not suitable as long as it is acceptable for your placement supervisor.

Duties:

  • Learn how to research existing systems and methodologies, carry out research with target user groups, collect feedback and interpret the data
  • Learn how to develop detailed specification documents based on data collected
  • Learn how to determine appropriate architecture, and other technical solutions
  • Learn how to engage in outside-the-box thinking to provide high value-of-service to the company.
  • Learn how to identify emerging technologies, web and mobile applications and the opportunities to integrate them into operations and activities.
  • Odd Jobs / Errands

Qualifications:

  •  You should be studying Computer Science, Product Design or a related field
  • You should have a high aptitude in Mathematics and English

Pay

This is an unpaid position but we will pay expenses, please ask for further details

About our Business

Tradesmen.ie is an interactive service that lets home owners and businesses obtain a number of quotes for jobs which are advertised over the web.  It also helps tradesmen locate work for the trades and the areas in which they are interested.   Sms text messaging is used for real-time notification of all parties.  Buyers and sellers are matched based on locality, skills, and requirements.  The interactive nature of this service means that deals can be done much more quickly than by traditional means.

Tips For Your Application

When applying for jobs or internships make sure to write a cover letter that shows you have researched what the company is about and that you have the relevant skills and experience appropriate for the job or internship you are applying for.  Here are some tips below to help with your job or internship application

Tips to Improve your CV

  1.  Put the most relevant product design experience and qualifications at the top
  2. Use bullet points to display important information
  3. Spell check and proofread your resume several times

Tips to Improve a Cover Letter

  1.  Address your cover letter to the right person
  2. Capture the reader’s attention, mention some product design interests or experience here
  3. Spell check and proofread your cover letter several times

On your cover letter and CV find a way to show that you are smart, love product design, and are constantly growing, learning, and exploring new ideas. Talk about your relevant hobbies if you have any, like contributing to open source projects, community support forums or getting involved with a local product design or innovation group on Meetup.com or similar. If a local product design or innovation group does not exist in your area then set up one and invite others to get involved.  Let your potential employer know if you like developing products and coming up with new and innovative ideas enough to deal with them outside of your work or studies.

It is a really simple formula for the employer. While two candidates may be equal today, the candidate with passion will be far more advanced in the weeks and months to come than the candidate who treats it as “just a job.”  And if you haven’t been partaking in any of these activities outside of your studies up to now, start as soon as you can and it will really develop your skills, help you to network with other like minded people and open up new opportunities that would otherwise never have been possible.

By following these tips you will be well on your way to getting noticed by employers in the hope of being called for an interview. The whole purpose of a CV and cover letter is to get an interview, so the work you put into improving your documents is well worth the effort.  Best of luck!

To Enquire about this internship or for any other details please contact the Managing Director Oliver Dempsey here or on mobile at:-

Cheers
Oliver Dempsey
Tradesmen.ie

Posted in Jobs, news | Leave a comment

Construction Contracts, Why Are They Needed?

tradesman construction contractHi folks,
this article is written for tradesmen and service providers but if you are a customer you will also benefit from reading this article.  A contract is essential as it helps to clarify the details of the job to be done.  It also lessens the chance of any misunderstanding taking place as everything should be in writing and signed off by both parties.   You can find templates for contracts online but if you can afford it, it would be well worthwhile to ask a solicitor to give you a template for a contract that he/she has on their system but more importantly to go through the contract with you and to explain it to you.  If you could get a quote for maybe an hour or two of the solicitor’s time to go through it with you and you will learn a lot from it.  If you are a tradesman or service provider of any kind you should consider asking your local County Enterprise Board to run a short class on drafting contracts that will help you when dealing with your customers.  The County Enterprise Boards are great for supporting local businesses and they will subsidise classes and courses for local businesses in order to help them run a more efficient and profitable business.

A contract should be written in plain English if possible and anyone should be able to understand it.  It shouldn’t contain complicated legal terms.  It should specify in as much detail as possible the work to be done and the materials to be used.  At the most basic level a contract could be a sentence or two in an email, text message or it could be typed or hand written on a piece of paper.  You should get an acknowledgement of the text or email by asking the customer to reply to it to say that they are happy to go ahead on that basis.  If it’s written or typed on a piece of paper you should get the customer to sign it.

Larger projects will have longer contracts and a project such as an attic conversion or house extension should include references to the architect’s drawings and the Quantity Surveyor’s specs etc.  Larger jobs should have a number of stage payments involved and a number of sections on the contract where it is signed by the customer or certifier to say that they are happy with the work to that stage.  You really want to avoid a customer coming back at the end of the project to say that they were not happy with stage 3 if you are now on stage 8.  That is why it is so important to get these stages signed off as you go along.  You can break a job into as many stages as you like, whatever you and the customer are both happy with and as long as it means that your cash flow is not hindered.

Be careful with a customer that starts getting you to do extra stuff that you hadn’t bargained for.  You need to nip this in the bud at an early stage and not let it get out of hand.  If there is extra stuff to be done outside of the contract the customer needs to be made aware of this as soon as possible and get them to sign a piece of paper or reply to a text message or email to say that this is extra work to be billed separately.  This should be got in writing as soon as possible before it gets out of hand.  If you feel pressurised unfairly by a customer at an early stage seek advice from a friend or someone you can trust such as your accountant or solicitor as soon as possible and don’t take all of the pressure on your own shoulders without getting help and support from a third party.  If you agree on some changes to the job with the customer make sure to add it to the contract and get them to sign it or send them a text message or email to confirm what you both agreed.  Back up all your text messages onto a laptop or PC in case you loose any of them.

I have come across a good few disagreements where a simple contract would have solved everything.  A few weeks ago I had a tradesman complaining that he wasn’t allowed to paint the doors of a fitted wardrobe on site and it was going to cost him extra to bring them back to the workshop.  He claimed he had quoted to paint them on site but he had no contract to prove it.

Recently I came across a tradesman who took an order for a double PVC door.  Nobody mentioned what colour it should be and the tradesman took it for granted that it should be white.  However after ordering the doors the customer said the doors should be cream.  A contract would have prevented this misunderstanding from happening or at least it would protect the tradesman in the event of any disagreement afterwards.   I cannot emphasise enough the importance of having a contract for every job that you do and I really hope that this article will convince you to use contracts in the future or to get as much stuff in writing as possible.

Cheers
Oliver Dempsey
Tradesmen.ie
7th January 2013

Related Keywords: tradesman contracts, building contracts, builders contracts

Posted in tips | 3 Comments

Results and Video of our Christmas Draw 2012

Christmas DrawHi folks,

Each month we have a draw for cash prizes for everyone who posts a job on our site and provides feedback. So not only do you get up to 4 quotes Fast from Rated Tradesmen but you could also win a cash prize as well!

The draw for everyone who provided feedback in November was held on December 1st and the 1st prize of €100 cash went to Mary Church, Palmerstown, Dublin 20 and the 2nd prize of €30 went to Elaine Byrne, Swords, Co Dublin. Congratulations to you both and thanks to everyone who provided feedback on our site as it helps to improve the experience for everyone. You can see the video of the draw below:-

And don’t forget that everyone who posts a job and provides feedback will be entered in a draw at the end of each month to win a cash prize!

So What are you Waiting for? Post your Job Today and Get up to 4 Quotes Fast from Rated Tradesmen:-)  And finally I’d like to wish you all a Happy and Peaceful Christmas.  Thanks for your continued support which we appreciate so much we look forward to being with you again in the New Year!:)

Cheers
Oliver Dempsey
Tradesmen.ie
22th December 2012

Related Keywords: Ireland free competition, competition results, draw results, Irish competition, builders competition

Posted in Prizes and Competitions | Leave a comment

Result and Video of our November Draw 2012

Yippee!!!Hi folks,

Each month we have a draw for cash prizes for everyone who posts a job on our site and provides feedback. So not only do you get up to 4 quotes Fast from Rated Tradesmen but you could also win a cash prize as well!

The draw for everyone who provided feedback in October was held on December 1st and the 1st prize of €100 cash went to Sean Bracken, Maynooth, Co. Kildare.

frank brown clondalkin

 

The 2nd prize of €30 went to Frank Brown, Clondalkin Village,  Dublin 22. Thanks to Frank for sending us in your photo:)

 

Congratulations to you both and thanks to everyone who provided feedback on our site as it helps to improve the experience for everyone. You can see the video of the draw below:-

And don’t forget that everyone who posts a job and provides feedback will be entered in a draw at the end of each month to win a cash prize!

So What are you Waiting for? Post your Job Today and Get up to 4 Quotes Fast from Rated Tradesmen:-)

Cheers
Oliver Dempsey
Tradesmen.ie
12th December 2012

Related Keywords: Ireland free competition, competition results, draw results, Irish competition, builders competition, contest winners, cash prize winners, competition entries or entrants

Posted in Prizes and Competitions | Leave a comment

Burglar Alarms – Tips to Protect Your Home

Burglar AlarmHi folks,
today, in a follow up from our previous article on security- 10 Easy Ways to Prevent a Burglary, we give you 8 tips on how to use burglar alarms more effectively to protect your home.  First let’s have a look at 3 different types of security alarms and explain how they work:-
1) Dummy alarms- A Dummy alarm is one that looks like an alarm but it doesn’t actually do anything.  The hope is that the appearance of the alarm on the gable end of your home will put off burglars from attempting a break in.  Although providing by far the cheapest type of alarm security, a dummy alarm is the weakest type of security out of our three possible choices and if you have little or no money to spend on your home security it’s certainly better than nothing.
2) Bells only systems–  Arguably, the most common type of alarm in Ireland. This system, when triggered, rings an alarm internally and externally, warning off possible intruders. Its only drawback is that it is unable to alert the local authorities. This system will cost less than a monitored alarm and significantly more than a ‘dummy’ alarm. DIY installation is not looked on favourably  by the security industry, who argue that installation is a skilled task, with burglars able to easily notice at a glance between DIY models and professionally installed systems.
3) Monitored alarm systemThis means of security is by far the most expensive, as maintenance and monitoring costs still exist.  However, in the event of a burglary, the Gardai are automatically informed and will immediately respond. This system requires a minimum of two appointed keyholders who must know how to operate the alarm, be able to attend an activation within 20 minutes, be contacted by telephone/mobile and have their own transport.  It’s your – the owner’s – responsibility to inform your alarm company if your keyholder is on holiday and provide them with suitable alternatives.
Some Tips for to make the most out of your alarm system
  1. Make sure to set the alarm when you are not in the house or when you are going to bed.  Many homes are broken into because the owner forgets to set the alarm!
  2. Make sure to have your alarm serviced regularly to make sure it is working correctly.  An alarm system is not much good unless it is actually working and there’s no point in finding out that it’s not working after the burglars have broken in.
  3. Most alarm systems have sensors which detect when doors or windows are opened and/or motion sensors that detect movement inside of the home.  Make sure to clear cobwebs regularly from motion sensors as something as small as a spider passing infront of the sensor can set it off.  It could cost you an unnessary call out fee to get your alarm specialist out to diagnose it if the alarm is regularly being set off in this way.
  4. Consider putting extra protection around the alarm box that is attached to the outside of your home.  There have been cases recently of burglars ripping the alarm box off of the wall and throwing it in a bucket of water to disable it.  If you can get a fitter/welder to fix a steel bracket around the alarm box it will help to prevent this from happening.
  5. Check with your insurance company to see if they require a certain standard of alarm system to cover your home for theft (fire also!).  Insurance companies are very quick to accept your money when you are paying for your home insurance but they often neglect to point out that certain restrictions apply which might mean you are not covered at all because of inadequate security alarm or locks.
  6. Always remember that nomatter how good your alarm system is, it is no substitute for good locks so make sure to have all doors and windows securely locked with high standard locks as a first level of defense against burglars.  Ask a locksmith to do a security audit of your home if you are unsure.
  7. Ensure all alarm installers are PSA licensed in order to carry out alarm installation and maintenance.  See further information at http://www.psa.gov.ie/Website/psa/psa.nsf/legislationDownload?openform .
  8. And lastly develop a good relationship with your neighbours, ask them to look out for any suspicious activity in or around your home when you are not there.  Ask them to feel free to check it out if the alarm goes off and to call the Gardai if necessary.  Be sure to offer the same support for your neighbour in return.  If your neighbour does alert you of any suspicious activity or even a false alarm, get them a little gift to say thanks because it is important to express your gratitude and encourage them to continue to keep an eye out for you in the future!:)
The usual rules apply with selecting an alarm installer for the job, make sure to get references, insurance details and any other information that you need to make sure that you are totally happy with the alarm installer that you choose.  And yes make sure they are PSA licensed installers.  Getting advice and quotes from a number of alarm installers ensures that you get the most information to make an informed choice. Always check whether the prices are inclusive or exclusive of VAT.I hope this helps some of you who are looking at improving the standard of security for your home and if you decide to go ahead with updating your alarms you can get a number of http://www.tradesmen.ie/trade/alarms and get up to 4 quotes fast from rated tradesmen!
CheersConor HoganTradesmen.ie10 December 2012

Do you have any security tips or questions or comments to make on this article? If so we’d love to hear from you, please feel free to share them with us using the feedback form below?

Here are more security related articles below:-

http://blog.tradesmen.ie/2012/11/door-locks-explained-most-common-types-features-etc

http://blog.tradesmen.ie/2012/11/ten-easy-ways-to-prevent-a-burglary

http://blog.tradesmen.ie/2013/02/security-camera-tips-for-the-home

Posted in tips | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

10 Easy Ways to Prevent a Burglary

a burglar breaking in the window of a houseContinuing on from our earlier blog, ‘Door locks explained most common types, features etc’, we continue our search into
simple ways of securing your home at a minimal cost. While planning the raid, a thief must be certain that he can enter/exit
the house quickly, without too many restrictions. If a house contains a decent standard of security, it would mean a less
likely chance of a raider even attempting to gain access, as they will be put off by their only means of entry being broken glass.

Today, we provide ten unique ways to help your home achieve optimum security:
1) If you are away from home for a certain length of time, holidays, business trip etc, cancel all milk and newspaper deliveries.
2) Where possible, ensure that ladders are stored away. If they must be kept outside, fasten them to a wall with special brackets and securing it with a padlock.
3) Make sure that your shed door is padlocked with a high quality padlock. If not, a burglar can use the tools stored there for the break-in. For example, even a spade can be of great aid to the thief if he needs a strong lever to open a window.
4) Leave lights and a radio/TV on when you go out. If you are going to be away for a length of time, connect some lights to automatic timers to turn them on at night and off during the day.  Also, consider asking a neighbour to park their car in your driveway.
5) Locks should be fitted to any windows near flat roofs, trees and drainpipes as they are easily accessed by thieves.
6) Valuable possessions should be marked with an ultra-violet marker to help police, in the case of their theft, assist their swift return. Metal objects can be marked with hammer-and-letter punches.
7) Never have your address and name marked on your keys, in case you lose them.  Someone who says that they have found your keys might be just looking for a way
of getting you out of the house, while they use the keys for easy entry.
8 ) Never, ever, leave any window open when you leave your house, even an upstairs one.
9) Don’t leave keys inside a letterbox, in a lock or, most commonly, under a mat.
10) High hedges and shrubs should be avoided as they can hide a thief from the road or from neighbours.

By following these steps, a safer environment can be created at home and burglars are less likely to break into your home. These safety methods are also cheap and very effective in that they’ll force thieves away while at the same time not being an eye sore to other locals!

In addition to the free ways of avoiding a burglary listed above you should also educate yourself on the benefits of using the higher standard alarm systems, Security Camera Systems and locks for your home.  Read as much information as you can about these systems and if you are interested in installing any of them get advice and quotes from a number of experts before going ahead with it.  The usual rules apply with selecting the right person for the job, make sure to get references, license or insurance details and any other information that you need to make sure that you are totally happy with the tradesman that you choose.  Also, remember to check whether the prices are inclusive or exclusive of VAT.  In the UK many security related trades are required to carry an SIA license and in Ireland they are required to carry a PSA license so make sure to ask for the Security license number where relevant.

I hope this helps some of you who are looking at improving the standard of security for your home or business and if you feel this information is worthwhile please feel free to ‘Like’, Tweet or Google + this article or to share it with your friends.

Cheers
Conor Hogan
Tradesmen.ie
29 November 2012

Do you have any security tips or questions or comments to make on this article? If so we’d love to hear from you, please feel free to share them with us using the feedback form below?

Here are more security related articles below:-
http://blog.tradesmen.ie/2012/11/door-locks-explained-most-common-types-features-etc

http://blog.tradesmen.ie/2012/12/burglar-alarm-tips-what-to-look-for

http://blog.tradesmen.ie/2013/02/security-camera-tips-for-the-home

Posted in tips | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments