Cheap efficient way to monitor housemates

scarletjim

I will have some new housemates soon, and you never know who to trust these days, so I want a relatively cheap and low-maintenance way to a). deter them from entering my bedroom or study, and b). to find out if they have (but without hundreds of false alarms caused from ME entering those rooms!

First I thought about deadbolts to stop them entering, but I don't really want the hassle of locking and unlocking doors every day when I go to work, plus it may spoil the look of the house. So questions on deadbolts:

- 1a. Are there any deadbolt solutions that are very easy to lock / unlock, i.e. maybe press button to lock and keyless unlocking on something very small that I can carry about etc?

- 1b. Can I get deadbolts that look nice? I know that sounds stupid, but the new house is really nice, and I want it to still look classy.

Then my other cheap option is webcam in each room attached to an old laptop (I have two old ones so that's no expense) running some security software. Queries with this option are:

- 2a. How can I stop the software recording and notifying MY entry and exit to these rooms? Can I easily stop it and delete the last minute or so when I enter the room? Can I delay it to come on one minute after I press the button when I'm leaving the room? Alternaitvely can I turn it off and on remotely with an Android or I-Phone somehow?

- 2b. In case of losing power, presumably I need an uninterrupted power supply, is that the best option? I know this won't get internet running again, but it will at least save events to hard drive still.

- 2c. Any suggestions on software? I've used Yawcam previously, but I don't think it could stream, save locally and save to internet all at same time - ideally I want to do all three. Pictures alone will be sufficient, unlikely to need video.

One other query - some people have said don't tell the housemates about the cams, but I'm interested in views on this. My primary aim is to stop them entering and therefore stop any awkward conversations needing to happen - surely its better to tell them? I doubt I will be rooming with anyone so criminal that they will try to bring down my security system just to get into my rooms!

I appreciate this is more about security / technology than money saving, but it might be of use to others here to discuss it, and the security forums on the net don't always answer in a very money-conscious way (they want everyone to have a safe-room, 100 surveillance cams and a rocket to blast off to the moon if things get ugly...)

yumyums

All sounds a bit OTT to me! Why would you live with people you don't trust?

scarletjim

I just feel that these days, it's hard to really trust anyone. Have heard so many stories from friends...

And it's not like I'm being underhand about anything, I'd tell anyone upfront that my rooms are monitored in this way, and if they want to do the same to their rooms then they would have my full support. If we are all trustworthy, then surely no one should mind coz no one has anything to hide...

Yorkie1

Is this your own house?

I can't say I'd like the idea of being a lodger with someone who thought so little of me.

scarletjim

Yep I absolutely appreciate that many people might feel like that, and if so then I take no offence at all if they don't want to live with me (and yes it is my house). But I'm not naive, I've seen what can happen when people place too much trust in people they barely know. Ideally I will have housemates who are similarly cautious. I don't think it's offensive, I wouldn't be remotely offended if I lived in someone else's house and they did this, I'd admire it and think it sensible to protect both parties from misunderstandings. But can see why it would upset some.

headoutthesand

Can you not have a 'fob' entry pad fitted at the side of the rooms you want to keep private? The pads are about 1.2"sq and you just help the tiny fob against it to gain entry. The software can be added to your computer to relax access as/when needed.

It'll cos about £200 to supply and fit if you get a security guy to do it on the side, possibly more if you go through the company. Search for Net2 or Paxton (that's what we use)

phill99

I bet it will be a laugh a minute being one of our housemates.

Why not put locks on their rooms too? What's to stop you rifling through their rooms.

God help them if they use some of YOUR milk in THEIR coffee. I bet you'll have their bags packed and thrown onto the street before you can say "Latte".

You really do have extreme paranoia.

phill99

headoutthesand wrote: »

Can you not have a 'fob' entry pad fitted at the side of the rooms you want to keep private? The pads are about 1.2"sq and you just help the tiny fob against it to gain entry. The software can be added to your computer to relax access as/when needed.

It'll cos about £200 to supply and fit if you get a security guy to do it on the side, possibly more if you go through the company. Search for Net2 or Paxton (that's what we use)

Don't encourage him.

scarletjim

phill99 wrote: »

You really do have extreme paranoia.

Yes I'm paranoid. (rolls eyes). I must have dreamt up the various stories I have been told by friends about houseshares they have had... Just because you're naive don't moan at me for being cautious when there is already plenty of evidence to suggest that I should be.

Sgt_Pepper_2

scarletjim wrote: »

Yes I'm paranoid. (rolls eyes). I must have dreamt up the various stories I have been told by friends about houseshares they have had... Just because you're naive don't moan at me for being cautious when there is already plenty of evidence to suggest that I should be.

A good reason not to move strangers into your home then.

scarletjim

Sgt_Pepper wrote: »

A good reason not to move strangers into your home then.

Haha point taken, but need the money tbh. Plus I've done it before and can be really fun - personally I have no problem with everyone wanting to protect their own space / property, whilst still having fun together in the communal areas. Most student accomodation is like that - you wouldn't leave your room unlocked, but you all get on great in the living room / kitchen etc. It's naive to trust everyone, and as long as all the people involve realise that, everyone is normally fine with it. Perhaps people who haven't done that, haven't lived in such a situation, won't really understand properly.