Many of today's IP-based home security cameras can be installed, placed, and configured by homeowners without the need to hire a contractor. With Vivint home security cameras, the convenience of professional installation by Smart Home Pros is part of your smart home purchase. But once you have security cameras installed, you may want to make small adjustments sometimes in the future, such as relocating cameras or adjusting angles. If you decide to do the work yourself, we suggest paying special attention to these four points.

• Camera Height - Mount cameras well out of reach to prevent tampering.

• Signal Strength - Make sure camera placement is within your Wi-Fi range.

• Power Supply Routing - The closer to the power source, the better.

• Mounting - You want a secure and weatherproof attachment.

The best, most effective security system is one custom-built for your unique home-one that protects your property, privacy, and peace of mind. Vivint equipment packages, designed to fit your specific needs, range from basic protection to advanced coverage, and the customer has the option to customize.

When building your own security camera package, begin with the basics-the Vivint Starter Kit-then choose additional products to complete your smart home system. The Vivint Starter Kit includes a Vivint Smart Hub, $300 worth of security sensors, the Vivint App, and 24/7 monitoring, starting at $39.99 per month. You can add on security cameras, which can be paid for upfront or financed and added to your monthly rate.

There are two payment options for your Vivint system. To avoid a long-term contract, customers can buy their equipment upfront and pay month-to-month for monitoring services. Alternatively, equipment can be financed and bundled with 24/7 monitoring fees, requiring a five-year contract and monthly payment.

The length of time security cameras keep stored footage depends on the brand of cameras you own and the storage capacity built into the cameras coupled with the cloud storage options that the company offers.

With Vivint you can save every minute of video from your indoor, outdoor, and doorbell cameras (Gen 2) for up to 10 days. Thanks to playback DVR, footage from up to 12 devices is stored directly on the cameras, ensuring a smoother, faster viewing experience on the Vivint App with minimal buffering. And because Vivint cameras feature enhanced night vision and audio, you'll always get a clear picture of what's happening in and around your home, day and night.

Use outdoor security cameras to monitor your property and protect the entrances of your home. The best place to put them to maximize your home security include:

• Above Doors

• Over the Driveway

• Toward Obscure Windows

  Install indoor cameras in high-traffic zones or near any off-limits areas you want to monitor, like gun safes or medicine cabinets. If you're wondering where to place your Vivint security cameras, just speak with one of our home experts. They'll examine your property and needs to provide the best recommendation.