Hello all,

I’m looking at getting a camera system installed for our new house once we’ve finalized the purchase, and wanted to get advice on how to best proceed.

I got a quote from a local security company for them to take over the house’s current security system and also, as mentioned, install a security system. It includes a four channel DVR (incl. a 1TB HDD) and four 2 MP Hikvision cameras with IR (65 ft night vision) for 650$, and then they also charge 600$ for the actual installation (labor, cable, ends, training me on use of the system).

However, I’ve also heard Reolink is really good, and for a bit less than that 650$, I can get an 8 channel NVR with a 2TB drive, with either four or six (depending upon the bundle) 8MP cameras that I think would fare a lot better.

The Reolink bundles are appealing, however then it becomes a matter of running the cable and installing the cameras. From my interactions so far with local security companies, none seem rather interested in installing someone else’s cameras, and so I was wondering what type of tradesman would I look to hire for installing them? Would it be an electrician, or since the Reolinks are PoE, would some other specialty better fall under that? Are there thoughts on any alternatives, either in terms of system/vendor or plan to get the system installed?