How to Plan Home Security Layout 2025

Complete step-by-step guide to designing an effective home security system layout in New Zealand

⏱️ 20 min read 🔧 DIY Friendly 📐 Planning Tool

What You'll Learn

🏠

Property Assessment

How to identify vulnerabilities and priority areas

📋

Layout Planning

Step-by-step process to map your security zones

📐

Device Placement

Optimal positioning for cameras and sensors

✅

Coverage Validation

How to ensure complete protection without gaps

4-Step Security Layout Planning Process

1

Assess Your Property

30-60 minutes

Tasks:

  • Walk around your property perimeter
  • Identify all entry points (doors, windows, garage)
  • Note vulnerable areas (blind spots, dark corners)
  • Map high-value areas (safe, electronics, bedrooms)
  • Consider neighbor visibility and lighting
2

Create a Floor Plan

20-30 minutes

Tasks:

  • Draw basic layout of your property
  • Mark all doors and windows
  • Note electrical outlets and WiFi coverage
  • Identify potential camera mounting points
  • Mark areas where pets frequently move
3

Apply Security Principles

45 minutes

Tasks:

  • Plan layered defense (perimeter → shell → interior)
  • Ensure no single point of failure
  • Create overlapping coverage zones
  • Plan for different arm/disarm modes
  • Consider family movement patterns
4

Design Coverage Zones

30 minutes

Tasks:

  • Define detection zones for each area
  • Plan camera fields of view
  • Set motion detector coverage
  • Create custom zones for pets/children
  • Plan notification preferences

Room-by-Room Security Planning

Plan your security layout systematically, prioritizing areas based on vulnerability and value.

Front Entry

Critical

Recommended Devices:

  • Video doorbell
  • Door sensor
  • Motion detector

Placement Guide:

Camera at eye level (5-6ft), door sensor on opening side

Special Considerations:

  • Weather protection
  • Visitor privacy
  • Package delivery area

Back Door/Patio

Critical

Recommended Devices:

  • Outdoor camera
  • Door sensor
  • Motion light

Placement Guide:

Camera 8-10ft high, angled down, sensor on main opening

Special Considerations:

  • BBQ/outdoor furniture
  • Pet door if applicable
  • Garden access

Master Bedroom

High

Recommended Devices:

  • Window sensors
  • Panic button
  • Motion detector

Placement Guide:

Sensors on all accessible windows, panic button bedside

Special Considerations:

  • Privacy during normal use
  • Quick emergency access
  • Safe location

Living Areas

Medium

Recommended Devices:

  • Motion detectors
  • Glass break sensors

Placement Guide:

Motion in corners for wide coverage, glass sensors on large windows

Special Considerations:

  • Pet movement patterns
  • Normal family activity
  • Valuable electronics

Garage

High

Recommended Devices:

  • Garage door sensor
  • Motion detector
  • Camera

Placement Guide:

Sensor on main door, motion covering vehicle area

Special Considerations:

  • Vehicle entry/exit
  • Storage area coverage
  • Side door access

Basement/Storage

Medium

Recommended Devices:

  • Motion detector
  • Door sensor

Placement Guide:

Motion at base of stairs, sensors on external access

Special Considerations:

  • Utility area activity
  • Storage room coverage
  • Emergency exits

Professional Placement Guidelines

Follow these proven rules for optimal security device placement and coverage.

Height Guidelines

  • Door/window sensors: Standard installation height
  • Indoor cameras: 8-9 feet high to avoid tampering
  • Outdoor cameras: 9-10 feet for optimal coverage
  • Motion detectors: 6-8 feet for best detection pattern
  • Control panels: 4-5 feet for easy access

Coverage Optimization

  • Cameras should cover entry points and main pathways
  • Motion detectors in corners for 90-degree coverage
  • Overlap coverage areas for redundancy
  • Avoid pointing cameras into bright lights
  • Consider seasonal vegetation growth

Technical Requirements

  • Ensure power access within 20 feet
  • Verify WiFi signal strength at camera locations
  • Plan cable routes for wired systems
  • Consider weather protection for outdoor devices
  • Test view angles before permanent mounting

Camera Angle Guide

✅ Optimal Angle (15-30° down)

Captures faces clearly while maintaining wide coverage

❌ Too High (45°+ down)

Only captures tops of heads, poor identification

❌ Too Low (0-10° down)

Easy to disable, limited coverage area

Security Layout Examples

Real-world examples of effective security layouts for different property types.

Small Apartment/Unit

Layout: 1-2 bedroom, single entry

Device Placement:

  • Front door: Video doorbell + sensor
  • Balcony door: Sensor + motion detector
  • Living room: Motion detector
  • Bedroom: Window sensors
Total Devices 6-8 devices
Estimated Cost NZ$400-700

Standard Family Home

Layout: 3-4 bedroom, multiple entries

Device Placement:

  • Front: Video doorbell + motion
  • Back door: Camera + sensor
  • Garage: Sensor + motion
  • Ground floor windows: 4-6 sensors
  • Hallway: Motion detector
  • Master bedroom: Window sensors + panic
Total Devices 12-16 devices
Estimated Cost NZ$800-1,500

Large Property

Layout: 4+ bedroom, multiple buildings

Device Placement:

  • Main house: Full coverage (16+ devices)
  • Outbuildings: Motion + cameras
  • Perimeter: Beam breaks or fence sensors
  • Driveway: Motion alerts
  • Gates: Sensors + access control
Total Devices 20+ devices
Estimated Cost NZ$2,000+

5 Most Common Layout Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)

1

❌ Focusing Only on Entry Points

Problem: Intruders may enter through unexpected routes

Solution: Plan comprehensive coverage including windows, garage, and unusual access points

2

❌ Ignoring Family Lifestyle

Problem: System triggers false alarms during normal activities

Solution: Map daily routines and create custom zones that account for pets and children

3

❌ Poor Camera Angles

Problem: Cameras capture feet or sky instead of faces

Solution: Position cameras 8-10 feet high, angled down at 15-30 degrees for optimal facial recognition

4

❌ Inadequate Lighting Planning

Problem: Cameras can't see clearly at night or get blinded by lights

Solution: Install motion-activated lighting and avoid pointing cameras directly at light sources

5

❌ Overlooking Maintenance Access

Problem: Devices placed where they can't be easily serviced

Solution: Ensure all devices are accessible for cleaning, battery changes, and adjustments

Security Layout Planning Checklist

Use this comprehensive checklist to ensure you haven't missed any critical elements.

🔍 Assessment Phase

  • ☐ Walked property perimeter completely
  • ☐ Identified all entry points
  • ☐ Noted vulnerable/blind areas
  • ☐ Mapped high-value locations
  • ☐ Considered neighbor sight lines
  • ☐ Checked existing lighting
  • ☐ Noted pet movement patterns

📐 Planning Phase

  • ☐ Created basic floor plan
  • ☐ Marked all doors and windows
  • ☐ Identified power outlets
  • ☐ Tested WiFi coverage areas
  • ☐ Planned device mounting points
  • ☐ Designed coverage zones
  • ☐ Planned cable routes (if wired)

⚙️ Technical Phase

  • ☐ Verified power requirements
  • ☐ Confirmed network capacity
  • ☐ Planned storage solutions
  • ☐ Selected device types
  • ☐ Checked council regulations
  • ☐ Considered weather protection
  • ☐ Planned maintenance access

✅ Validation Phase

  • ☐ Confirmed no coverage gaps
  • ☐ Avoided privacy violations
  • ☐ Planned for different arm modes
  • ☐ Created zone customizations
  • ☐ Planned user training
  • ☐ Documented system layout
  • ☐ Scheduled professional review

Planning Tools & Resources

📱 Mobile Apps

  • Floor Plan Creator: RoomSketcher, MagicPlan
  • WiFi Analyzer: WiFi Analyzer (Android), WiFi Explorer (iOS)
  • Camera View Planner: IP Cam Viewer, tinyCam Monitor

🛠️ Physical Tools

  • Measuring tape: For distances and heights
  • Smartphone: Test camera angles and WiFi
  • Temporary mounts: Test positions before permanent install

📋 Templates

  • Property assessment sheet: Download planning template
  • Device checklist: Component requirements list
  • Installation planner: Step-by-step timeline

Your Next Steps

1

Complete Your Assessment

Use our checklist to thoroughly evaluate your property and create your security plan.

2

Choose Your Equipment

Based on your layout plan, select the appropriate cameras, sensors, and control systems.

3

Get Professional Input

Have your plan reviewed by a security professional or get installation quotes.

4

Implement & Test

Install your system following your plan, then thoroughly test all components.

Ready to Choose Your Security System?

Compare Security Cameras Get Installation Quotes

Security Layout Planning FAQs

How many security cameras do I need for my home?

Most homes need 3-6 cameras covering main entry points. Start with front door, back door, and garage, then add indoor cameras for hallways or living areas. Large properties may need 8-12 cameras for complete coverage.

Where should I place motion detectors for best coverage?

Place motion detectors in corners 6-8 feet high for optimal coverage patterns. Avoid areas with heating vents, direct sunlight, or pet activity. Hallways and main living areas are priority locations for interior motion detection.

Should security cameras point inward or outward?

Use both approaches: outdoor cameras should monitor approaches and entry points, while indoor cameras cover interior spaces and provide backup if intruders bypass perimeter security. Position cameras to avoid privacy concerns in bedrooms and bathrooms.

How do I plan for pets in my security layout?

Use pet-immune motion detectors rated for your pet's weight, create pet-free zones for standard sensors, and adjust motion sensitivity. Consider pet doors as potential security weak points and monitor them with dedicated cameras.

What's the best height for security cameras?

Mount cameras 8-10 feet high for outdoor locations and 8-9 feet for indoor use. This height prevents tampering while capturing clear facial images. Angle cameras down 15-30 degrees for optimal identification footage.