Latest news with #residential
CNET
a day ago
- CNET
How to Choose the Best Mounting Options for Your Home Security Camera -- I've Tried Them All
After you've decided the best place to put a new home security camera (while dodging the spots you should never put one), you have another choice to make. Security cams come with a variety of base and mounting options, which allow you to set and angle the camera in many ways -- while keeping the camera firmly where you put it. I've tested all kinds of these mounts, from adhesive tape models to screw-in bases, magnetic attachments and more. Below, I'm breaking down what I think of these camera options, which are my favorites and how they can work on different spots and surfaces in your home, too. I've discussed the best spots to install your security camera as well as the worst places to put cams, but there's another important decision home security adopters must make. What sort of mounting option -- how you attach and position the cam -- is best? Security cameras need to stay in place, and I've tested models that come with screws, sticky tape, wires and more. Some even give you a few choices for mounting, so I'm going over all the different kinds of mounts and bases and which methods I think are best. So, which camera mount is best? Magnetic mounts are some of my favorite camera installations. Chris Monroe/CNET The best camera mounts remain versatile while offering reliability in all kinds of conditions. My personal favorites are screw-in or wire-in mounts that use magnetic connectors for the camera so you can easily adjust or remove it. That includes Google Nest options, custom Arlo magnetic mounts and certain Tapo cams. However, traditional screw-in bases have their advantages, and wireless shelf mounts have a versatility that's hard to beat. However, if you're using an adhesive mount or light bulb socket mount, I've found these options are much more limited in where they can go. I'll take each choice one at a time so you can see what I mean. Screw-in wall bases The Blink Outdoor 4 has an adjustable mount that's sturdy enough to stay at the right angle. Tyler Lacoma/CNET Screw-in bases use a couple of screws to attach a camera base to a wall, so users can then attach the camera to the base and angle it. It's a no-nonsense approach that's very reliable for outdoor camera installation, especially wireless cameras (they work on indoor walls, too). You don't have to worry about the base falling down in a windstorm and they're pretty hardy against other elements. The only trick with screw-in bases is that you need to find the right spot and material to screw them in. That can be harder than it sounds. Screwing into stucco, for example, doesn't work well without specialized components and may damage the stucco. And my house has fiber cement siding, which you can't drill through, so many prime locations for security cameras are off limits. These cases require a little creativity, like finding siding, eaves or a fence post that you can screw into safely -- preferably non-structural wood. Screw-in base with magnetic mount Magnetic mounts make cams easy to adjust and charge. Chris Monroe/CNET Another type of screw-in mount uses a magnetic base instead of a physical latch-on design to attach the camera. Nest's outdoor floodlight is one example of how these magnetic bases work, but Tapo and many other brands also have them. This is my favorite version of screw-in mounts. The cameras are so easy to pop off and clean, or make small adjustments to the angle to get them just right. The only issue is that wind or time can somewhat dislodge them, so you may need to course-correct after a while. Wired-in mounts Wired-in cams need a junction box but make great options for floodlights. Tyler Lacoma/CNET I prefer wireless cameras outdoors, simply because of the options they open up for placement. But there's another popular type of camera mount, a wired-in solution where the camera is directly connected to the home's electrical system. This is more common with floodlight cameras, larger dome security cameras, any PoE (Power over Ethernet, which requires a cable connection) camera and similar models. On the plus side, you never have to worry about battery issues with these cameras. However, they may fail if your home loses power. Also, they're a bit of work to install. You'll need to replace the base, plus strip and connect three wires, which not everyone is comfortable with. Also, it requires a junction box or similar wired opening, which limits these cameras to spots where lights or cams are already installed. Overall, I liked wired-in solutions for any camera with big light panels, which don't usually play well with battery models. Plug-in shelf mounts (indoor) The Blink Mini 2 offers shelf and wall mounting options, but you'll need an outlet connection. Tyler Lacoma/CNET The quintessential indoor camera is a simple plug-in model that requires a nearby wall outlet, usually with a cable that's around 4 to 6 feet long. No work involved here, just plug and play -- as long as you have a handy shelf or table to put the camera on. This is a strictly indoor mounting option unless you have specialized outdoor-safe cables. It's a simple, cheap choice, but I recommend picking the exact outlet and spot on a shelf where you will use a security camera first. Many of these plug-in models have pan/tilt features, so they can fit in an out-of-the-way place. Wireless shelf mounts Ring's battery cam is on the higher-end pricewise, but offers a versatile, weather resistant option to watch the kids wherever they are. Tyler Lacoma/CNET This is a rare type of shelf and table mount that supports a wireless, battery-powered camera. Only a few brands offer this option. Nest's indoor/outdoor cam has a compatible cam stand that can charge it, but you don't have to plug it in when the camera is charged, which makes it more maneuverable. More versatile is the Ring Outdoor Cam Plus, previously called the Ring Stick Up Cam, which has shelf/table mounts and a built-in battery. I like this option because you can move these cameras around, taking them from a playroom to an entryway to a backyard, whatever you want to keep an eye on. They also have more permanent mounting options. Adhesive sticker mounts Adhesive mounts work well in some scenarios, but aren't a great fit for many security cameras. 3M Some cameras come with bases similar to screw-in models, but with two-sided adhesive stickers to attach the cam. I'm not going to knock these adhesive pads much: They're usually 3M stickers designed for outside use and they're seriously powerful. But they aren't a great fit for security cameras. Security cams, especially outdoor models, tend to be heavy and a single adhesive strip doesn't, in my experience, hold for very long before the weather and weight lead to cameras falling. There's also another issue -- these adhesive stickers require a smooth, flat, very clean surface to work well. That means you can't use them on siding, concrete or any type of wood or stone. They're mostly limited to metal and glass outdoors, so people may have a hard time finding a spot. Only choose this option for small, lightweight security cams. Many cams with adhesive options still include a screw-in alternative. Light bulb mounts Eversecu's budget model is a cheap way to add a security camera but limited in placement. Eversecu Light bulb mounts, like they sound, are used for special security cameras that screw into light bulb sockets, like a socket above your porch or entryway. That sounds convenient, and it absolutely can be in the right situations, but this is probably my least-favorite mounting option. Light bulb cameras are cheap, but they're usually very limited and lack the quality or extra features that other security cams do. You also lose a light in an important spot for a not-as-useful spotlight instead. And while these cams can usually rotate, they are limited to what they can see from a light socket, so you have very few placement options. It's a fun idea, but rarely practical in the real world. I do recommend them for small, out-of-the-way additions for those who don't want to add a bunch of complex home security. What about solar panel add-ons? If you're mounting a wireless outdoor camera, you also have the option of adding a compatible solar panel to most brands. That means you don't have to worry about replacing the rechargeable battery -- but you will need to install the solar panel at the right angle or find a model with a solar panel built in. The process takes extra work and placement, and won't be as effective in every climate. But if you are getting a wireless outdoor camera for the right sunny spot, it's certainly worth considering. Since you're here, why not stop by my guide to the best DIY home security systems, too?
Zawya
a day ago
- Business
- Zawya
Fakhruddin Properties starts work on 32-storey Dubai residential tower
Sustainability-focused developer Fakhruddin Properties today (July 28) broke ground on its newest residential project, the 32-storey Treppan Tower, located in Jumeirah Village Triangle, Dubai. A flagship Treppan Living branded development, it will be home to 264 contemporary one- and two-bedroom apartments, and limited number of three-bedroom sky villas, units ranging in size from 479 to 2,916-sq ft and occupying 25 residential floors. A further two floors will be dedicated to revolutionary and wellness-focused lifestyle amenities including Zen inspired landscaping, with five podium parking levels, said the developer. This builds on the April establishment of the Real Estate Alliance, a Dubai Land Department (DLD) strategic initiative that brings together a quartet of leading developers, including Fakhruddin Properties, through enhanced collaboration and partnership between public and private sector entities in support of long-term real estate market growth. Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony, CEO and Managing Partner Yousuf Fakhruddin said: "A next-generation, wellness-centric branded residence designed for the future of urban living, today's Treppan Tower groundbreaking signals the next phase of our commitment to building transformational wellness-integrated communities in Dubai and collectively address carbon footprint reduction goals across our portfolio." "Together with our upcoming duo of luxury residential projects set to bring signature Fakhruddin innovation to future communities within the Dubai Islands cluster, this further strengthens our substantial portfolio to include a growing number of existing and under-development residential destinations," stated Fakhruddin. Tower residents will benefit from AI-enabled smart home automation technology capable of detecting unnecessary lighting or air-conditioning usage, with inbuilt demand-control functionality designed to effectively regulate and manage energy consumption, he noted. "Homeowners and tenants will also breathe easier, thanks to pure indoor air quality levels delivered via our proprietary Smart Air Handling Unit (SAHU) system; and have on-tap access to hydrogenated, ionised, organically mineralised alkaline drinking water," he added. According to him, the Greenhouse Café will be the heart of the community for residents. "Conventional air-conditioning replaced by radiant cooling technology and the run-off water recycled for irrigation use in the onsite hydroponics garden make this place one of a kind," he stated. A refill station for everyday household product essentials will also be located within the café with the goal of reducing/eliminating single use plastics purchase. "To reduce landfill waste by 90%, Fakhruddin Properties will provide residents with color-coded, barcode-enabled bags for easy sorting into wet, dry, and reject bins. The building's system is set up for comprehensive composting and recycling," he added. Copyright 2025 Al Hilal Publishing and Marketing Group Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Washington Post
a day ago
- General
- Washington Post
Asking Eric: After years of financial support, daughter cuts parents off
Dear Eric: My husband and his siblings inherited a home. My daughter offered to move her family into one of the apartments and take care of the property. We decided on a figure that would cover the bills in the form of rent. Several years ago, she began withholding rent, and she would only pay when I would ask for additional money due to a large house expense. In no way did her rent even come close to paying the bills any longer. Rather than argue, I left it alone and quietly paid the bills, letting her live off me for at least four years.
Daily Mail
a day ago
- Daily Mail
I was babysitting and received a furious text from the kids' mum because I ordered DoorDash
A babysitter has found herself out of a job after a furious mother fired her on the spot - all because she ordered herself some dinner. The woman, who shared her story in a Reddit post, revealed she was watching two toddlers when hunger struck, prompting her to place a DoorDash food order. The children were asleep, the parents were already two hours late, and she hadn't eaten since lunchtime. But none of that mattered to the mum, who branded her behaviour irresponsible in a now-viral series of texts. 'I hadn't eaten since lunch and thought I'd be done by eight like they mentioned,' the babysitter explained in the post. 'I started getting a headache and really needed to eat something. I've ordered food before while babysitting and it's never been a problem, so I didn't think it would be an issue.' But what she thought was a harmless snack sparked an angry tirade from the children's mother, who was monitoring the home through a Ring doorbell camera and spotted the food being delivered. 'Hey our ring just showed someone at the door,' the mum texted. 'Was something delivered?' When the babysitter replied, 'Yes, I didn't eat dinner so I ordered DoorDash,' the mum's tone quickly changed. 'Okay we'll talk when we get home, but I'm really concerned that you would do that without asking first,' she wrote. 'I would never be okay with a stranger coming to the door while my kids are sleeping.' 'Please check to make sure the storm door is locked as well since you opened it.' The babysitter apologised, reiterating that she'd waited until the delivery driver had left before quietly stepping outside to quickly collect the bag - and ensured all doors were locked behind her. 'I honestly didn't think it would be a problem,' she replied. 'I'm always hyper aware of safety and would never do anything that I felt put the kids in my care at risk.' But the mum wasn't having it, and was still clearly angry. 'I get that you were hungry, but it's more about the fact that someone came to the door without my knowledge and you left them in the house alone while you grabbed it,' she said. 'If something had happened, it just makes me really nervous. You could have eaten from the cabinet. This is my home and my kids, and I need to be able to fully trust who's here.' The children were asleep, the parents were already two hours late, and she hadn't eaten since lunchtime. But none of that mattered to the mum, who branded her behaviour irresponsible in a now-viral series of texts The babysitter was told the family could no longer trust her and that her services were no longer needed. The post has since gone viral, racking up thousands of views and triggering a wave of support for the babysitter, who many argue was treated unfairly. One commenter, who identified themselves as a parent, wrote: 'I'm a mum and I would be so embarrassed to be that late, let alone leaving a babysitter with no food. She should have offered to DoorDash whatever you wanted at her expense.' Another pointed out the irony of the situation: 'She found you on Facebook and barely asked any questions before leaving her two babies with a total stranger. But a sandwich on the porch is the line? That's wild.' Dozens of others agreed, calling the mum's behaviour 'over-the-top,' 'controlling,' and 'hypocritical.' 'They are majorly overreacting,' one user wrote. 'You didn't leave the kids alone while you got your food. You opened the door, grabbed it, and locked everything behind you.' Another summed it up bluntly: 'People are crazy. If you're THAT concerned about your kids, maybe you should take care of them yourself.' While the babysitter admitted she was shocked and upset to lose the job, commenters were quick to reassure her she was better off. 'Not sure that it sucks that this client was lost,' one Redditor wrote. 'Probably a blessing. They're two hours late getting home, but God forbid the babysitter orders something to eat.' Another added: 'You didn't lose a client - you dodged a nightmare.' Despite the controversy, the babysitter said she stood by her actions, saying she prioritised the children's safety and would never leave them unattended for any longer than absolutely necessary. As the post continues to gain traction, it's sparking a wider debate online about the unrealistic expectations some parents place on caregivers, especially when they don't even offer so much as a granola bar in return.
CTV News
2 days ago
- CTV News
Residential fire kills two people in Prince George, B.C., RCMP say
An RCMP collar tab pin is seen in Edmonton, Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2025. Police in Prince George, B.C., say a residential fire has killed two people. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jason Franson PRINCE GEORGE — A residential fire has killed two people in Prince George, B.C. A statement from the RCMP says firefighters told police they were responding to the blaze shortly before 2:30 p.m. on Friday. It happened at a home at the corner of Strathcona Avenue and Quince Street. The Mounties say the BC Coroners Service is investigating the deaths. They say the fire is not considered suspicious. Police say they would not share further details on the fire. This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 28, 2025.
