On a residential job in Plano, Texas, a security installer walked the property before touching a single camera or sensor. He ignored the front door completely and went straight to the side yard.
That is trade instinct.
Most break ins do not happen where homeowners expect. Installers look for blind spots, predictable routines, poor lighting, and easy cover. A high end camera on the front door means nothing if the side gate is dark and unlocked.
Trade talk in home security is less about gadgets and more about behavior. Motion lights placed correctly matter more than extra cameras. Visibility beats quantity. Consistent routines beat expensive systems.
The smartest security setups feel boring because they are built around real risk, not marketing features.
When trades focus on prevention instead of products, homes stay safer.