Shedding Light on the Situation: Home Security Tips from a New Hampshire Home Inspector

As a New Hampshire home inspector, I’m always looking for inspiration for blog posts—and sometimes inspiration quite literally shows up in your driveway.

Recently, I’ve been dealing with a large dog (not mine) roaming freely around my yard. I first noticed this issue thanks to the very large, unpleasant “presents” it kept leaving behind. Near my front door. In the driveway. On the path to my back deck. You name it—I’ve stepped in it. More than once.

Around the same time, I noticed a headline on the August 2016 cover of This Old House that read: “This Light Is a Camera.” As both a homeowner and a New Hampshire home inspector, that immediately caught my attention.

Why NH Homeowners Are Rethinking Outdoor Security

I’m not particularly tech‑savvy, and I’ve never felt the need to jump on the latest technology trends. Even after having my garden stand stolen multiple times, I wanted to believe in people—and I wasn’t thrilled about installing outdoor surveillance and potentially invading privacy.

But after a winter of nightly news stories about packages being stolen from doorsteps across New Hampshire—and my ongoing mystery dog situation—I started to rethink outdoor security lighting.

Real-Life Encounters That Changed My Perspective

When I first looked into a light with a built-in camera, my hope was simple: identify the dog’s owner. After several encounters (including a few involving my shih‑tzu, Isabella), I’ve learned the dog is timid, friendly, and very interested in Isabella. She does not share that enthusiasm.

The dog has a rabies tag but no name tag—and despite its eagerness to enter my house, it will not be moving in.

It’s Not Just a Light—It’s a Security System

It’s a camera… It’s a light!

From a New Hampshire homeowner’s perspective, this is where things get interesting. These modern security lights aren’t just lights:

• High‑definition video camera

• Built‑in microphone and speaker

• Motion detection

• Automatic lighting activation

• Optional 100‑decibel siren

As a home inspector, I often remind homeowners that good exterior lighting is one of the simplest and most effective safety upgrades. The added camera and audio features take that protection even further.

Now, I’ll be honest—I’m not eager to scare the dog with a siren. It’s timid, and I’d much rather try politely telling it to go home through the speaker. That said, now that we’re in free‑range chicken territory, I won’t hesitate if needed.

A New Hampshire Home Inspector’s Thoughts on Smart Security Lights

I haven’t made my final selection yet, but the product featured in This Old House—the Kuna Smart Home Security Light—offers features that many New Hampshire homeowners will appreciate:

• Easy installation

• Wi‑Fi connectivity

• Smartphone and tablet control

• Live video streaming

The main downside noted in reviews is the optional subscription fee (starting at $4.99/month), which is required for longer clip storage and downloads. From a home security standpoint, that’s a small price for peace of mind—and possibly protecting my chickens.

Final Thoughts for New Hampshire Homeowners

As a New Hampshire home inspector, I see firsthand how exterior lighting and security features can improve safety, deter unwanted visitors (animal or otherwise), and add value to a home.

And while I still haven’t located the owner of the wandering dog, at least I’ll soon have a bright light—and a camera—to help me keep watch for any future “presents.”

If you already use outdoor security lighting or cameras, feel free to share your experience. Once I install mine, I’ll post photos and thoughts on our Facebook page.

Written by your friendly New Hampshire Home Inspector at Premier Home Inspection Services