Where cameras belong on a Kuching terrace
Most wasted money is a camera pointing at the neighbour's roof. Design the lot, then pick the model.
Cover these first
Front gate and car porch — this is where people and vehicles stop. Main door. Side lane if you have one. Kitchen / back door. Store or meter area if it is reachable from the back.
What we usually skip
A gun camera high on the front wall with no porch coverage. A dome in the living room that only records the TV. Four identical cheap cameras when two good ones would see the gate and the back.
Night
If the porch light is already strong, a normal IR camera is enough. If the lane is dark and you need a face or plate, that is when ColorVu-class cameras earn their keep. See the ColorVu / LPR note.
Recording
Shop lots: aim for enough days to notice a missing weekend. Homes: two weeks is a practical default. Do not buy 4K if the uplink and hard disk cannot keep it.
Wiring
Concealed runs where the renovation allows it. Label both ends. Photo the ceiling void before it closes. That photo is what after-sales actually uses.