Home Builder Developer - Interior Renovation and Design

The best outdoor security cameras can help you keep an eye on your property all day and night. These cameras feature tough weatherproof exteriors and onboard batteries so that you can install them almost anywhere. However, this versatility also makes them quite expensive.

Right now, Blinks Outdoor 4 (4th gen) is just $64 at Amazon. That's 35% savings from its normal $100 price tag and its lowest price ever. Blinks battery-powered HD camera packs a sharp 1080p picture and has a comprehensive app.

In our Blink Outdoor 4 review, our tester praised Blink's app easy-to-use interface which lets you adjust clip length, control light brightness, and create custom motion zones. The Blink Outdoor 4 is also the first generation of Blink Outdoor cameras to support person detection, which reduces false alerts to save on battery life. You can expect this camera to run for up to two years off of just two AA batteries.

Like most security cameras, the advanced person detection feature and cloud video storage is locked behind a subscription. This starts from Blink Basic at $3/month to store 60 days of rolling footage in the cloud. You can store video locally using the Blink Sync Module 2 and your own USB thumb drive.

The Blink Outdoor 4 uses infrared night vision to light up subjects in the dark. You can drastically improve its lowlight performance with the Blink Outdoor Floodlight Mount ($39, Amazon). The camera snaps into this D-cell battery-powered accessory and clips onto your vinyl siding without requiring you to drill any holes or run wiring. Its 700-lumen light output reaches over 15 feet away to illuminate paths and people as they approach for an extra layer of security to deter trespassers.

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Amazon just slashed the price of our favorite budget home security camera - Tom's Guide

The LAPD is recommending hard-wired home security systems to counter organized thieves using Wi-Fi jammers. (Source: AI generated image Dall-E 3)

The Los Angeles Police Department is warning home owners to hard-wire their home security systems. Organized theft rings from Los Angeles and South America are utilizing Wi-Fi jammers to disable wireless security systems in seconds.

The Los Angeles Police Department is warning homeowners to hard-wire their home security systems to counter the growing threat from thieves who are using inexpensive Wi-Fi jammers to easily disable wireless security systems before entering homes.

Decades ago, home security systems were installed using physical cables to connect cameras to recorders to power. Disabling these systems required cutting the power (assuming there was no battery backup supply) and the camera cables. Many modern security devices like Arlo and Ring use a wireless data connection, and some do not need a power connection because of solar panel power. Like any radio signal, Wi-Fi can be disrupted by producing a strong jamming signal nearby, thereby disconnecting wireless devices from hubs and internet.

Illegal, pocket Wi-Fi jammers now sell for under $10, and thieves are now frequently utilizing them across America and in Los Angeles to knock out wireless home security systems before breaking in. Breaking into homes has become so easy, South American organized crime groups are crossing into America to target homes in all states, then returning with stolen cash and goods. The FBI estimates 1.1 million burglaries occurred in 2019 with a total loss of $3 billion.

To counter this vulnerability, security organizations including the LAPD and Kaspersky are recommending to home owners to hard-wire their security systems. This means using physical power and internet cables from the cameras and sensors to the hubs to the internet. Security systems using Power over Ethernet (PoE) need only one cable per camera (like this at Amazon). Additionally, battery backups will keep security systems running through power outages (like this at Amazon).

Readers can learn about various ways to increase home security in this document. Home defense should be planned in-depth to include security systems to record thieves for identification, and deadbolts and window security films to slow break-ins, and defensive weapons to stop thieves.

Having worked at Activision, UCLA, Anime Expo and more, I've seen technology being used to save lives, create games, and create fantastic 3D VR/AR worlds. There's always something fun in emerging technology that I want to get my hands on and all my friends turn to me to find the best for their needs, so I'm glad to bring my experience to Notebookcheck.

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Los Angeles Police Department warning home owners to hard-wire home security systems as organized theft rings ... - Notebookcheck.net

Choosing the best security system for your apartment comes down to a few factors. First, determine your budget for upfront and monthly monitoring costs. Then, compare the benefits of installing a system versus relying on the buildings security.

Decide which sensors your apartment needs to protect the doors and windows and determine if you need a doorbell or other camera. Consider an indoor camera or two for extra peace of mind.

Finally, choose a system thats easy to install and take down that requires no hole drilling or screws for installation to comply with the buildings related rules.

Selecting the right components for your apartments security system is key to ensuring optimal protection without violating rental agreements. Consider these features:

For renters, choosing a security system thats easy to install and remove is crucial. Look for DIY systems that dont require drilling or permanent changes to the apartment. These systems often use adhesive mounts or standalone devices, making them ideal for renters who need to comply with leasing restrictions.

Cost is a significant factor when choosing a security system for your apartment. Consider both the upfront cost of equipment and any ongoing monthly fees for monitoring services. Balance your budget with the level of security you need, remembering that many effective systems are available at a range of price points.

Before committing to a security system, understand the contract terms. Some companies require long-term commitments, while others offer more flexibility with month-to-month options. As a renter, you might prefer a system with no long-term contract to align with your lease terms.

When selecting a security system for your apartment, the range of available features can significantly impact its effectiveness and convenience. Key features to consider include:

These features not only fortify your apartments security but also provide a more intuitive and user-friendly experience.

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Best Security Systems For Apartments Of 2024 Forbes Home - Forbes

Even though Hosts had permission to install indoor cameras in common areas, many Airbnb guests were perturbed by the perceived invasion of privacy such as one female guest, traveling by herself, who stayed at an Airbnb and found a camera in the bedroom which she claimed wasn't listed on the Airbnb listing page. Reports such as this likely influenced the company's decision to ban indoor cameras after April 30.Following that deadline,if guests report finding cameras in their homes, Airbnb will investigate, assess, and remove listings if needed. Outdoor cameras, while still allowed, will also have new limitations, being restricted from more personal areas such as saunas.

Airbnb's Head of Community Policy and Partnerships, Juniper Downs, states, "These changes were made in consultation with our guests, Hosts and privacy experts, and we'll continue to seek feedback to help ensure our policies work for our global community. Our goal was to create new, clear rules that provide our community with greater clarity about what to expect on Airbnb."

So, as Airbnb makes this change, Hosts will need to take heed. And if you're one of many homeowners thinking ofturning your home into an Airbnb for a cool side gig, it's crucial to keep up with the changing guidelines to ensure everything runs smoothly.

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Airbnb's Unexpected Home Security Ban Sets A New Standard For Rental Property Owners - House Digest

SAVE $80: The Arlo Essential Wired Video Doorbell is just $49.99 at Amazon, down from the normal price of $129.99. That's a 62% discount.

We live in an incredible timepractically anything you want can arrive at your doorstep in just a few days, if not a few hours. However, this convenience comes with the concern of unattended packages sitting on the front porch. If you tend to check delivery status about 12 times per hour, today's deal could help by taking the guessing game away from package delivery.

As of March 8, the Arlo Essential Wired Video Doorbell is just $49.99 at Amazon, down from the typical price of $129.99. That's a savings of $80 or a discount of 62%.

The Arlo Essential Wired Video Doorbell packs in the safety features you're looking for when selecting a home security system. The camera uses a wide 180 degree viewing angle which means you'll be able to see front door visitors from head to toe. The camera also features night vision so you'll still be able to keep an eye on later deliveries or those that arrive at 4:30 pm in December. It's also designed to weather-resistant, capable of withstanding rain, cold, heat, and sun.

This model of the Arlo video doorbell requires some wiring to install. You'll need to have existing electrical wiring with voltage between 6V AC and 24V AC and a 10VA. To install the doorbell, you'll have to turn off the power to the breaker and follow a few simple steps to connect the doorbell to your home. Once connected, you'll want to set up the Arlo app to complete the installation process.

From the Arlo app, you'll gain access to video calls and notifications. You can see and even speak to delivery people through the two-way audio, should you have special instructions or simply want to thank them for their hard work. You can also prerecord messages to play during a delivery.

When it comes to security, the Arlo has a built in siren that you can trigger either automatically or manually through the Arlo app, should the need arise.

Spring cleaning season is a great time to upgrade your home security system and thanks to today's deal at Amazon, you can add the Arlo Essential Wired Video Doorbell for just $49.99.

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Best home security deal: Get the Arlo Essential Wired Video Doorbell for just $49.99 at Amazon. - Mashable

Lithe Audio and Lilin have announced the integration of Lilin's AI camera range within the Lithe Audio iO1 outdoor wireless speaker.

This pioneering technology marks a significant leap in security systems, offering an unprecedented level of automated audio deterrence without the need for a traditional control system. Built-in alarms and security announcements within the speaker ensure zero-latency local announcements independent of an internet connection. This integration is part of a move towards the future of decentralised smart systems. By eliminating the need for a central controller, this integration empowers residential and commercial properties with more efficient and autonomous security solutions. The system's flexibility allows for the creation of different zones with specific announcements.

The core benefit of this integration is its proactive approach. While traditional security systems rely on footage review after an incident, this solution deters potential threats before they materialise. When a potential threat is detected, an automated announcement will alert individuals in the vicinity, providing them with information and prompting appropriate actions. By informing individuals that they are under surveillance or that their actions are being monitored, potential intruders may be warned off.

Wesley Siu, co-founder of Lithe Audio, said : Audio announcements can serve as an effective deterrent. The psychological impact of a human-like voice delivering warnings or instructions can be more persuasive than traditional alarms. Our partnership with Lilin now provides the market with high quality speakers delivering fast, smart, clear and intelligible audio alarms that are autonomous of any central controller. This is an unprecedented and highly effective solution, and were thrilled to be at the forefront of this new era of smart security deterrents.

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Lithe Audio and Lilin integrate AI for home security - HiddenWires

Airbnb hosts may have good reasons to want to install security cameras inside properties they rent outtheyve been used to catch theft, or vandalism, or even just non-compliance with rental rules. But concerns about privacy violations have pushed the property rental company Airbnb to ban all indoor security cameras in all of its listings worldwide.

Our goal was to create new, clear rules that provide our community with greater clarity about what to expect on Airbnb, Juniper Downs, Airbnbs head of community policy and partnerships, said in a blog post by the San Francisco-based company announcing the new measure on Monday. These changes were made in consultation with our guests, Hosts and privacy experts, and well continue to seek feedback to help ensure our policies work for our global community.

Changes to their policy, according to Airbnb, which previously allowed indoor cameras in common areas such as living rooms so long as they were disclosed, will take effect on April 30. The update simplifies Airbnbs approach and makes clear that security cameras regardless of their location, purpose or prior disclosure are prohibited inside rented out properties. As the majority of listings on Airbnb do not report having a security camera, this update is expected to impact a smaller subset of listings on the platform.

Read More: We Asked An Etiquette Expert About Home Security Cameras

Airbnb has been dogged by controversies in which renters have found seemingly hidden cameras in their lodgingsincluding in areas with a reasonable expectation of privacy like bathrooms. In an essay titled Airbnb Has a Hidden-Camera Problem, former technology staff writer for the Atlantic Sidney Fussell reported in 2019 that in some cases, distressed guests had to resort to social media for Airbnb to settle their complaints. The problem has become so common that sites including the Washington Post and Fast Company have published guides on how to find hidden cameras in your Airbnb, and NBCs Saturday Night Live aired a skit last week parodying Airbnb with references to cameras in the toilet and the bedroom.

Last August, a couple filed a $75,000 lawsuit against a Maryland host for allegedly placing hidden cameras recording their intimate moments in the bedroom of a Silver Spring property they rented out. One member of the couple, who installs smoke detectors professionally, discovered the cameras after spotting two smoke detectors in the bedroom.

And in September 2023, Indonesian police intervened after a newlywed Chinese couple took to XiaohongshuChinas equivalent of Instagramto share that they found a small camera hidden in a wall power socket in an Airbnb room in Kota Kinabalu. The couple said they searched the room after a previous hotel they booked under the platform also had cameras.

Airbnb also apologized to a New Zealand family in 2019 after the renters found a hidden camera live-streaming their stay in Cork, Ireland.

In 2015, a German woman sued Airbnb and an Irvine couple after she said she hadnt been informed of a camera in the living room of the southern California rental she had stayed in, where she walked around naked. The suit reached a settlement in 2017.

Airbnb did not immediately respond to TIMEs request for comment.

In its announcement about indoor cameras, the company clarified that devices like doorbell cameras and noise decibel monitors continue to be permitted on Airbnb and can be an effective, privacy-protective way for Hosts to monitor security for their home and get ahead of issues like unauthorized parties. However, outdoor cameras are prohibited from monitoring indoor spaces and spaces like enclosed outdoor showers or saunas, Airbnb added.

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Why Airbnb Is Banning Cameras in Rentals - TIME

If you are considering a bathroom remodel, Lifespan Construction in Tumwater says the key to a successful project starts in the planning stages, well before construction begins. Lifespan Construction is an award-winning design/build firm that has helped many local homeowners plan and implement their dream remodels. Ready to remodel? Cantrell and the firms experienced team offer their top five useful tips in preparing for a bathroom remodel.

Cantrell says about one in four homeowners add luxury touches such as heated floors, heated towel racks or increasingly popular bidets. Customized items require advance planning and may add to the cost, so homeowners will want to plan out their budget if they are considering some of these luxury items.

Heated floors are a nice upgrade if the bathroom doesnt currently have heating, says Maddy Cantrell, Lifespan Constructions co-owner and project developer. Some folks even have it in the shower and its a great way to keep the area dry. It can also be programmed to come on when you need it!

Cantrell says many heated towel rack products are available. Heated towel racks are a great way to put in a cozy touch to the space, she says. There are a lot of options out there for finding the right one for the user.

The Lifespan Construction team wants to ensure a bathroom remodel fits your needs. For many homeowners that means increasing storage for tall shampoo bottles, towels and other items. Possibilities include adding oversized niches in the shower or around the tub. Keep in mind that advanced planning may be required to address framing, plumbing and electrical for recessed features, but the added space is worth it. Recessed mirrors can take those everyday items off the countertops, adds Cantrell. A lot of them are now LED and can have outlets so you can charge things while being hidden away.

And there are other methods to add storage. If someone has the space, extra cabinets like over-the-john and tall linen cabinets that match the vanity are a great way to expand the usable space, says Cantrell.

To tile or not to tile, that is the question. Todays bathrooms usually incorporate both tile and solid surface products. Homeowners should consider the look they want, their budget and practicality. Cantrell says tiling allows for customization. Tile shower pans, barrier-free or not, are a nice upgrade and can help achieve the custom spa-like bathroom retreats that people are going for, says Cantrell. However, Fiberglass pans are significantly less expensive, easier to maintain, and you can still do an appealing tile on the walls.

For some, easy cleaning is an important feature. There are solid surface options, like Quartz or Dekton that can help eliminate grout lines, although depending on the product and application, they can get expensive, says Cantrell.

Planning what colors to use in your bathroom and how to incorporate them through paint, tile, countertops and other products is tip. Weve done a lot of bathrooms where the client knows they will always love a certain color, says Cantrell. Greens and blues specifically are tranquil colors we see a lot.

Cantrell says if you are not ready to commit to a color on hard surfaces like the tiles, cabinetry, floors or paint, then look at achieving a pop of color through towels, rugs, artwork and mirrors.

Appropriate lighting is one more key to a successful and functional bathroom remodel. To some, a light in the shower is a must not only for bathing, but for cleaning, too, says Cantrell. On the other hand, maybe you want to be in the tub and dont want a light blaring down on your face. Analyzing how you are going to use the space can make sure a custom lighting plan fits your needs.

Cantrell says other options include a fan/light combo on a timer switch, toe-kick lighting near the floor, and LED make-up mirrors.

Early decisions about design elements such as custom touches, storage, tiles, color and lighting translate into an efficient and rewarding outcome. Three or Four months ahead of a project seems like an appropriate rule, says Cantrell, describing a pre-planning timeline for a typical bathroom remodel. Its important for homeowners to make a plan and not to wing it if they want the project done right the first time.

Careful advance planning with expert assistance means you can line up your needs with your wants. If you are ready to organize your bathroom remodel, make an appointment with Lifespan Constructions experienced design/build team.

Lifespan Construction 7924 Sweet Iron Ct SE, Suite 104, Tumwater 360.584.3833

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Lifespan Construction in Tumwater Has 5 Useful Tips for Planning Your Dream Bathroom Remodel - ThurstonTalk

Landscape Architect Sara Zewde Reimagines the Land at Dia Beacon, New York

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Dia Art Foundation announced a major landscape project to reimagine the land at Dia Beacon, New York. Commissioned landscape architect Sara Zewde of Studio Zewde aims to go beyond the simple arrangement of attractive plants and integrate ideas of ecology, culture, and people into the design. Taking over the museums 32-acre campus, the project will create an expanded outdoor park, free to access for visitors and locals alike, complete with native meadows, sculptural landforms, and winding pathways. The project, which has been recently extended to also include the museums eight back acres, is expected to open to the public in 2025.

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Located on the 32-acre former industrial site of the Nabisco box printing factory in the Hudson Valley, the Dia Beacon Museum houses Dia Art Foundations collection of works by conceptual, minimalist, and land artists. The experience of the museum is thus linked to the landscaping surrounding it. Studio Zewdes approach responds to the locations particular conditions and history, as well as to Dias collection of Land art. In addition to extensive research, the studio also discussed with Indigenous organizations around Beacon and with artist Robert Irwin, who designed the original landscape framing the museum entrance.

The design introduces winding pathways that connect the sculptural hills with the meadowland, recreating the patterns of water moving through the floodplain. It also creates references to the Indigenous river crossing and movements through the land, while also allowing the public to experience the landscape.

The design also takes into consideration the changing weather patterns and strives to create resilience against rising waters. The presence of water on site is thus choreographed through landforms and the extensive meadowland, in addition to underground storage, all designed to manage the range of water levels. More than 90 native meadow species are introduced, along with nearly 400 new trees and shrubs to support the water management. A small lawn area is also integrated to offer event-organizing possibilities for the institutions outdoor public programming.

The landscape project is designed by Studio Zewde, in conjunction with Sherwood Design Engineers, LWLA (Larry Weaner Landscape Associates), and Pine & Swallow Environmental.

Historys impressions on the land that now hosts Dia Beacon inspire our design for the landscape. Our work together with Dia Art Foundation has been a process of listening, seeing, and amplifying the patterns of movement, water, material, and culture across the site over time. The designs landforms, the meadows, and the embrace of water in the landscape are a means of managing the 21st-century challenge of rising water but are also a means of remembering. We are honored to be working with Dia on this project of opening up eight acres of land to public access. - Sara Zewde, Studio Zewdes founding principal.

New York-based landscape and urban design firm Studio Zewde was founded by Sara Zewde in 2018. The firms work gained recognition for its integration of cultural native approaches and careful site interpretation. In 2021, the Black-women-owned film joined a multidisciplinary team to design the redevelopment of Kingsboro Psychiatric Center in Brooklyn.

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Landscape Architect Sara Zewde Reimagines the Land at Dia Beacon, New York - ArchDaily

Tuesday, March 12, 2024 By: Kyle Niblett

More than 100 people passionate about the University of Florida Department of Landscape Architecture descended upon the UF College of Design, Construction and Planning this past Wednesday evening for an extravagant gala celebrating the 90th anniversary of the department. The event was sponsored by CHW Professional Consultants, an NV5 company.

The 90th Anniversary GaLA was the perfect occasion to unite students, faculty, alumni, and friends in celebration of our accomplishments, said Dr. Jules Bruck, the director of the UF School of Landscape Architecture and Planning and chair of the Department of Landscape Architecture. Tonight offered a valuable opportunity to reflect on our achievements while also igniting enthusiasm for the future of the department and its programs.

Serving as a poignant reminder of the extensive network of support from the departments alumni base and industry friends, the event kicked off with DCP Dean Chimay Anumba welcoming everyone and thanking sponsor CHW, followed by Dr. Bruck previewing the plans for the next 90 years.

It was very unique to have different generations of alumni in attendance in support of the department, said UF LA student Jourdan Friedlander. It was truly a privilege to be part of this event and see how connected the Gator LA family is.

Following Brucks speech, LA masters student Michael Valenti highlighted UFs student chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects, reflecting on what it meant to be a student in the department and how important the alumni network was.

The 90th Anniversary GaLA was a fantastic opportunity to connect with alumni, faculty, and fellow students in a relaxed atmosphere, free from the pressures of career networking, Valenti said a day after the event. It was a chance to celebrate the rich history of landscape architecture at UF and to look forward to its promising future.

Once Valenti wrapped up his speech, 1996 UF LA graduate and EDSA Chief Executive Officer and Principal Scott LaMont gave a toast to the audience and then a catered meal from Sonnys was served.

Preceding the GaLA was an open house sponsored by Ervin Lovett Miller, an architecture, landscape architecture, and planning firm located in Jacksonville, Florida. For two hours, Lamont, other members of the UF LA Alumni and Professional Advisory Council and outside industry leaders had the chance to visit with current students and critique their work. For some students, it was the chance of a lifetime.

Having industry professionals in the studio was beneficial for both parties, said UF LA student Lily Crawford, who spent her time mostly with CHW Vice President Laurie Hall and CMA Senior Landscape Architect Tanya McCormick. I think that they enjoyed getting to come in and see what we were working on and relive their memories in the studio, while also helping and encouraging us in our projects.

The 90th anniversary celebration began earlier in the day with Kona Gray serving as the keynote speaker for the annual Edward D. Stone, Jr. Lecture.

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Department of Landscape Architecture Celebrates 90 Years UF College of Design, Construction and Planning - UF College of Design, Construction and...