Print this. Check it against the proposal.
Coverage
- Each camera has a purpose (entry, plate, cash, driveway, yard) written down.
- Mounting height and aim avoid backlight and IR bounce where they can.
- Privacy / neighbor views called out if the property is tight.
Recording
- Retention in days, not “plenty of storage.”
- Bitrate and codec assumptions stated.
- Drive layout and what happens when a disk fails.
Network
- PoE class and cable length per camera.
- VLAN or dedicated switching, not guest Wi-Fi.
- NTP, remote access, and who owns the passwords.
Handoff
- Admin guide a non-expert can use to export video.
- Spare ports and a note for the next camera you will add.
If a bid is missing more than two of these, it is not a design yet.