Ah, the age-old battle of Home Owners vs. Squatters is heating up this year! In this corner, we have the latest and greatest in home security gadgets being wielded by home owners. And in the other corner, the cunning and persistent squatters looking to make your casa their casa. Who will emerge victorious in this epic showdown? You, the home owner, that's who!
Let's talk about some of the high-tech contenders vying to keep your home safe and squatter-free:
Smart Security Cameras: These all-seeing eyes keep a 24/7 watch on your property, sending live alerts to your phone if any suspicious activity is detected. With night vision, motion sensing, and remote viewing capabilities, squatters won't stand a chance! Plus, you can yell at them through the two-way audio to get off your lawn.
Smart Locks: Forget hiding spare keys under the mat. Smart locks let you control access to your home right from your smartphone. Grant temporary codes to guests or service providers, and revoke access in a snap. Squatters can't pick a lock that doesn't exist!
The BRINKS ANSI Grade 2 Commercial Keypad lever made me think twice about smart locks (in a good way). I was paranoid about such devices (which I still am) but after using it, I love the fact that you can literally remove all access when you're not there (vacation or after business hours). When codes aren't activated, the keypad has zero effect on the handle. - Blu
Smart Lighting: Nothing deters would-be intruders like a house that appears occupied. With smart lighting, you can set schedules, randomize patterns, and control your lights from anywhere. Keep squatters guessing and your electric bill in check. It's a win-win!
Smart Alarm Systems: If a squatter manages to breach your high-tech perimeter, a smart alarm system is your next line of defense. Blaring sirens, flashing lights, and instant alerts to your phone and the authorities will send them running for the hills. Some systems even have smoke, carbon monoxide, and flood detectors for extra protection.
But tech alone isn't enough to fully fortify your castle. Here are some practical security measures to bolster your defenses:
Reinforce entry points with deadbolt locks, strike plates, and window locks
Install motion-activated floodlights around your property's perimeter
Get to know your neighbors and join a neighborhood watch program
If you'll be away, have a trusted friend house sit or pick up your mail
Consider adopting a guard dog (or at least putting up a "Beware of Dog" sign).
By combining cutting-edge tech with tried-and-true tactics, you can create a seemingly impenetrable fortress that even the most determined squatters and burglars won't want to mess with. So go forth, my tech-savvy friends, and show those freeloading intruders who's boss! Your home is your sanctuary, and with the power of technology on your side, you can keep it that way.
In all seriousness, we felt the need to provide an article of this type... after the recent viral video from a Tiktokker. He felt that it would be a great idea to encourage fellow migrants who cross the border illegally to squat in homes instead. Squatting has resulted in home owners being harmed, so if you suspect that someone is in your home, back out immediately and notify the police.- Blu
Stay safe, stay vigilant, and long live the champion of your home - that's you!
I thought this was going to come in January, but it arrived before Christmas. So... here's my review.
This keyless keypad doesn't require a key, but... is it worth the money? Let's jump in!
Quality:The Keypad Entry Lever's quality can be felt as soon as you hold the parts in your hand. The parts are a nice polished metal with solid zinc diecast levers and weighs in at 4.52lbs. The parts don't wiggle, there's nothing loose or feels cheap, it's a commercial product, and... represents that classification well.
Security:Security-wise, this lever has an ANSI Grade 2... meaning the lock can withhold a certain level of force in terms of someone attempting to strike it and gain entry. This product requires at least 5 strikes from 75ft.-lbf to gain entry.
The foot-pound force is a unit of energy while lbf is a pound of force. Think of a ram striking the lever from a distance of one foot.
Outside of the security that prevents unwanted entry through the build quality, and traditional lock, but you also have the keypad that doesn't just keep the door unlocked after one of (up to) 99 codes has been entered. Give it a few seconds and it locks back unless you unlock it on the inside for reentry without a pincode or a key.
To increase the security, you can even set it to vacation mode and disable all codes for those times when you're away. So no one can fidget with the lock while you're enjoying yourself in the States or abroad. I'd even set it to vacation mode after hours because that increases the security, but these are also used for spaces utilized around the clock (laundry rooms, gyms, PC rooms in hotels, etc).
Installation:Installation is a bit of a challenge, but if you follow the manual... you can do it.
Price:Pricewise... you can get the Brinks Commercial Keypad Entry Lever for $129. Is it worth it? Yes, this can be used for several needs for you and your team, tenants, employees, family members, AirBnB customers, and all that good stuff. You don't have to jump up out of your bed and go let someone into a room, unit, or home... all they need is a 6-digit code and they're in. These codes can be changed as well, just in case you want to deny access after a certain time. So it's worth it, it provides access without your constant need to be there but it also protects the people and property behind the door. Did I forget to mention that it comes with a 10-year limited warranty? Yeah... that part too.
There are other models that give you the ability to gain entry to your home or office via the Push Pull Rotate options, but I had to go with these options because they look great and fit the style I like.
The deadbolt looks sweet, but... I'd be lying if I said I didn't go with the deadbolt based on the Lingdingham doorknob. It's not your typical door knob design, it gives you almost that handle shape but it still maintains the knob design.
I like this design because it looks cool, but... it's also useful. Both the knob and deadbolt have this bezel-like design going around the main area (granted one is round and the other is square). It's a very nice touch, and in terms of quality, you can see it in the products. The contents as seen in the unboxing also include additional things like an anti-pry shield and reinforcement plates.
By the way, you can get these door locks in 4 colors: Satin Nickel (the ones I went with), Polished Brass, Tuscan Bronze, and Polished Chrome.
Ease of installation:Outside of adding the reinforcement plate and the mounting plate, you're basically installing your doorknob and deadbolt as usual. It's a smooth process. Follow the instructions (down to the point where it instructs you to leave screws loose until later in the installation), and you're good.
Usefulness:Outside of the standard uses for a doorknob and deadbolt, the ability to push + pull + rotate is useful in more ways than one. For example, let's say you're carrying quite a few things in both hands and you can't twist the door knob in order to open it. The push feature allows you to gain entry without the need to do anything else.
No need to worry about food and beverages being spilled when you can do this. If you're doing a team lift and someone closed the door, all you have to do is push the door knob. The same applies to dirty hands. The pull feature works the same way when exiting your home or office, just give it a pull, which is another reason why I love the shape of this particular doorknob.
All you have to do is access that lip and give it a pull, even if it's with your wrist. No hate on the standard round door knob (I know some of you prefer the traditional look, but... the shape of this one is similar to that handle design mentioned above and even allows for you to twist the door knob if you desire by simply pushing down on the extended area to rotate it. I love functional design.
These door locks will get a ton of use, not because they're simply door locks (duh of the day) but because you can often find me trying to access a door with a bunch of food and drinks when I don't have the extra hands.
Even deadbolts like the Weldon model make it easier to lock because one side of the thumb turn is longer than the other... so all you have to do is shift it with your knuckle or something when your hands aren't free.
Price:Pricewise, you're looking at $55 for the Brinks Push Pull Rotate Lindingham Entry Knob, and $64 for the Brinks Weldon Deadbolt. There are certainly all sorts of doorknobs and deadbolts in this price range, higher and lower, so do the research and also ask yourself if you value things like an anti-pry shield, an anti-drill plate, anti-pick, and anti-bump spool pins for increased security. If you aren't familiar with bump lock picking, this is something to certainly beware of.
The price might make some of you lean back, but regardless of what options you go with (in all seriousness)... think about who and what you're trying to protect behind those door locks.
Overall, these are some great options for door locks... because they're useful (that's the main thing for me), but it doesn't hurt that they look good and carry a limited lifetime warranty.
The Nooie Cam Pro: 2K Security Camera with Spotlight was provided to us for review by the Nooie team, my opinions of this product are my own. No need to worry though, this product checks all the boxes for me. How so? Well, let's review!
Ease of setup: First things first, when it comes to setting up the Nooie Cam Pro... it's as easy as you being able to nail or screw something into the wall. That will be your biggest challenge, which isn't a challenge at all for most of us. The second challenge would be placement, but that's entirely up to you, but aim for a place that will get you maximum coverage (just keep it out of direct sunlight).
I'd recommend charging your cameras as soon as possible to get that step out of the way, and then jump into the mount plate installation.
I'm using the drill you see above, along with masonry drill bits. You can simply use the screws to drill if you desire, but if you don't have these items, no worries... grab a hammer + a nail:
Partially hammer the nail in > remove the nail from the hole > grab a mounting plate + a screw > partially insert the screw > grab the nail and place it into the other hole of the mounting plate to position it before you partially nail it in > remove the nail > add the screw in and twist it in all the way > after twisting the other screw in > just grab a full charged camera + a magnetic mount > place the mount in the back of the camera > slide the mount onto the mounting plate > mission complete.
Mounting took 3 minutes tops. By the way, you can even place the mounting plates while the cameras are charging so that you don't have to worry about doing that when its go time. Ahead of mounting the cameras, go to the Google Play Store or the App Store and get the Nooie app.
After downloading the app, follow the instructions in the app to connect the station to your home internet and connect the cameras to the base station. It's a very simple setup also because once the setup is done for the base station, press the button (the logo) on the base station which will begin to blink, and then push the little button on the back of the camera until the light begins to blink.
You will get a sound from the camera and the base station to confirm the connection. After that, just go put your cameras on the mounts and look at the camera feed through your phone app to get the desired angle and you're all set with that portion.
Quality: In terms of quality, these are some sturdy cameras. They're listed as fire resilient & weatherproof, but some of you might look at that like... "Sounds nice, but... what does that mean?", so let's jump into some definitions:
Fire Resiliency | According to Fire Protection Research Foundation
The term "resilience" means the ability to prepare for and adapt to changing conditions and withstand and recover rapidly from disruptions. Resilience includes the ability to withstand and recover from deliberate attacks, accidents, or naturally occurring threats or incidents. - National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) | Guidance Document for Incorporating Resiliency Concepts into NFPA Codes and Standards: Final Report | Page 4
The specific fireproof rating for the Nooie Cam Pro is... UL94 V-0. Very interesting, this is UL94 V-0 and the list shows that if this catches fire it's the one that doesn't burn long if it burns at all. There are plenty of people I know who work in IT and there are some who live in Cali where fires tend to pop up because of natural circumstances or those situations where someone did a bad bad thing, and this type of cam works for those who don't want to add to the flammable products in their location.
Weatherproof | According to Access Fixtures
A fixture with an IP rating of 65 is protected against multi-directional, low-pressure water jets. In order to pass testing and achieve an IP65 rating, fixtures must be able to withstand water projected by a 0.25-inch nozzle. To achieve satisfactory results, this test must be run for a minimum of fifteen minutes, with the water source placed three yards from the fixture. Additionally, the water pressure must be 30 kPa with a water volume of 3.3 gallons per minute. - IP Ratings
If you need an idea of what else is IP65 rated, think of the sports lights at some parks and stadiums or even those pole lights you might see (i.e. the commercial LED bollard lights).
So in terms of durability, you have a solid product (on paper) that I've had the pleasure of utilizing. I haven't set any cameras on fire, but there were some heavy rains, then it got cold, then it got hot again. One camera was fully covered, and the other camera was under light cover out of direct view of the sun and they're still ticking.
In terms of the video quality, the Nooie Cam Pro is 2K QHD resolution, but I'd rather show you the quality instead of telling you (I'm literally going out to show you right now):
Here's the night view, and take a look at the date... I haven't had to recharge the camera yet and it's still above 50%. I will get to the specifics regarding the battery in the next section.
Features: In terms of features of features, the Nooie Cam Pro has:
2K QHD Resolution (with 8X zoom)
Motion Detection (PIR Motion Sensor Range: Up to 20ft)
Integrated Spotlight (IR Night Vision + Spotlight Color Night Vision)
2.4 & 5G Wi-Fi Connection
Rechargeable Battery (5000 mAH)
Two-Way Audio & Live View
IP 65 Weatherproof
Power Plug or Solar Panel Options
Compatibility with Alexa & Google Home
2 Cameras
1 Base Station
Storage Cloud & Support SD card up to 128GB:
What's cool about the SD card support is the fact that you don't have to pay for cloud storage if you don't want to. The screenshots you see below are from the actual Nooie App, and the video above was also taken via the App. I didn't have to use the SD card to take that video and the pic I took above didn't require an SD card either, but having that option allows for an offline solution.
If you're interested in cloud storage, there are different options, but all come at a very affordable price.
Monthly fees:
7-Day EVENT PLAYBACK | $1.00/30day
Videos saved up to 30 days
Event recording
14-Day EVENT PLAYBACK | $1.90/30day
Videos saved up to 14 days
Event recording
30-Day EVENT PLAYBACK | $3.00/30day
Videos saved up to 30 days
Event recording
Yearly fees:
7-Day EVENT PLAYBACK Yearly Plan | $10.00/12month
Videos saved up to 7 days
Event recording
14-Day EVENT PLAYBACK Yearly Plan | $20.00/12month
Videos saved up to 14 days
Event recording
30-Day EVENT PLAYBACK Yearly Plan | $30.00/12month
Videos saved up to 30 days
Event recording
Price: The price for the Nooie Cam Pro is $299.99, and it comes with 2 cams + base station. Cameras are normally $150, so it's about right + you get the base station, and... you aren't stuck to a cord.
Overall, these are solid security cameras that work well. The batteries are still over 50% charge, there are multiple features like the two-way that allow you to speak to others even when you're away from home, you can record, there are different color options that allow for camo action (to a degree as well).
Speaking of the color options, let me clarify. The default color is clay, but there are pending color "Sleeve" options that include Mocha and Snow.
So this will allow them to be hidden in a variety of environments unless you want the camera to be visible to send someone running for the hills.
Before Orlando because the permanent home for SDGT Entertainment, I was the victim of burglary. I'm pretty sure it was the maintenance guy because he knew that we were moving, and he got the security guard fired because he was upset that he wouldn't allow him access to the security camera room.
Once he got access to the camera room, he would stay in there and I thought he just used it to sleep until I connected the dots and realized he used it to keep tabs on who was coming and going. A security camera system would've sent the criminal running for the hills because you're not only able to use an alarm on the camera, you can use voice to scare the crap out of them, you know someone's there in order to notify the police and with the evidence, they can get an accurate description, etc. You can even scare them by turning on the spotlight and maybe say something creative (gun sentry... activated).
If it's in the cloud, they wouldn't have access to the video at all, but if you hide the base station, that would be out of sight out of mind.
One of the biggest features that you will not see on the package is... peace of mind. Security cameras are definitely a plus, and when you really really need them, they're a Godsend.
By the way, you get a 12-month limited warranty also.
