Building a house is exciting—but when the job site is far from where you live, it can also be stressful. You want to know that materials are secure, subcontractors are showing up as scheduled, and progress is being made even when you can’t be there in person. That’s where construction site cameras come in.
For a house under construction, you need a camera that can operate independently of a finished home’s infrastructure. Since you won’t be there regularly, the most critical features are reliable connectivity, sustainable power, and remote accessibility.
Whether you’re an owner-builder, homeowner, or contractor, this article will help you make an informed decision—and avoid costly mistakes.
Key Considerations When Choosing Cameras for a Job Site
Cellular Connectivity (4G LTE): Most construction sites don’t have active Wi-Fi yet. Look for a camera with a built-in cellular modem and a SIM card. This allows the camera to transmit footage over mobile networks, ensuring you have a live feed even without a router.
Solar Power with Battery Backup: Since power may be intermittent or unavailable, a solar-powered camera is ideal. It recharges during the day and runs off an internal battery at night, providing a “set it and forget it” solution.
Rugged Durability (IP66 Rating): Construction sites are dusty and exposed. Ensure the camera has at least an IP66 rating, meaning it is dust-tight and can withstand heavy rain or snow.
AI Motion Detection & Real-Time Alerts: To avoid scrolling through hours of empty footage, choose a camera with AI detection that can distinguish between a person, a vehicle, and a swaying tree. It should send instant notifications to your phone when activity is detected.
Pan, Tilt, and Zoom (PTZ) Control: A construction site is a dynamic environment, and a fixed lens can sometimes miss the action. PTZ cameras allow you to remotely rotate the lens and zoom in on specific details—like a newly delivered pallet of materials or a specific structural joint—directly from your smartphone. This provides total site coverage and flexibility without the need to install multiple fixed-position cameras.
Time-Lapse Capabilities: Many dedicated construction cameras include a time-lapse feature, which is a great way to document project progress and create a video of your home being built from start to finish.
Cost Considerations
When budgeting for your construction site camera, the initial purchase price is only part of the story. Because these cameras rely on off-grid connectivity and remote storage, you should expect several types of recurring fees.
1. Cellular Data Plans
This is the most significant ongoing cost. Since your site doesn’t have Wi-Fi, you’ll need a SIM card with an active data plan.
- Pay-as-you-go: Some brands like Reolink offer small data bundles (e.g., 1GB for ~$10/30 days).
- Monthly/Yearly Plans: Companies like Vosker provide built-in plans starting at $10/month for basic alerts and going up to $20/month for unlimited photos and longer histories.
- Bulk Savings: Some providers offer long-term deals, such as a 5-year unlimited IoT plan for ~$399.
2. Cloud Storage Subscriptions
To keep your footage safe from theft, you’ll likely want a cloud plan.
- Basic Plans: Typically cover one camera and cost between $3 and $5 per month ($30–$40 annually).
- Multi-Camera Plans: If you have several cameras, “Premier” or “Unlimited” plans (like those from Arlo or Eufy) usually range from $10 to $20 per month for up to 10 devices.
- Note on Price Hikes: Be aware that some providers, such as Arlo, have seen significant price increases in 2026, with some annual plans now reaching $215+.
3. Professional Monitoring (Optional)
If you want a security team to be notified of a break-in rather than just getting a ping on your phone, you can opt for professional monitoring.
- Cost: This usually adds a premium, such as the Arlo Secure Premium plan which costs ~$299.88 per year for 24/7 expert monitoring.
| Service Type | Typical Monthly Cost | Typical Annual Cost |
| Cellular Data | $10 – $30 | $100 – $300 |
| Cloud Storage | $3 – $10 | $30 – $100 |
| AI Features | Often included in Cloud | N/A |
| Pro Monitoring | $20 – $30 | $240 – $300 |
Other Things to Consider
- Think about theft deterrence vs discretion when installing the cameras. Visible cameras deter theft. Hidden or elevated cameras are less likely to be stolen. Some owners use one obvious camera for deterrence and one discreet camera for evidence.
- Position a camera at the main entry point to capture license plates and faces of everyone entering the site.
- The areas where you keep copper wiring, HVAC units, and expensive tools are the #1 target for thieves.
- Mount cameras at least 9 feet high so they can’t be reached or spray-painted by vandals, but keep them under 20 feet if you need to recognize faces.
Rule of Thumb: How Many Do You Need?
For a standard residential build, you don’t need dozens of cameras. A strategic few are often more effective than many poorly placed ones.
- Small Lot (Urban/Suburban): 2–3 cameras are usually sufficient. One for the main entrance and one or two to cover the building footprint and tool storage.
- Large Lot or Acreage: 4–6 cameras are recommended to cover multiple access points and the broader perimeter.
- The “Cross-View” Rule: Ideally, every high-value area (like your tool trailer) should be seen by two cameras from different angles so there are no blind spots.
Camera Recommendations
1. eufy 4G LTE Cam S330
The eufy 4G LTE Cam S330 is an advanced, all-in-one security solution designed for off-grid locations. It is uniquely versatile because it can function as a standard Wi-Fi camera when in range or automatically switch to 4G LTE cellular data when you’re away from a network.
Features:
- 4K UHD Resolution: Delivers crystal-clear video that allows you to identify details like faces or license plates from up to 30 feet away.
- 360° Coverage & AI Tracking: The camera can pan 344° and tilt 70°, providing full perimeter coverage. Built-in AI automatically detects and tracks people and vehicles so nothing goes out of view.
- Forever Power: Equipped with a 9,400 mAh battery and a detachable solar panel, it can run indefinitely with just 2 hours of direct sunlight per day.
- Color Night Vision: A built-in 100-lumen spotlight allows you to see colorful details up to 26 feet away in total darkness, acting as both a visual aid and a deterrent.
- Local Storage (No Fees): Unlike many competitors, this camera includes a 32GB microSD card (expandable to 128GB), meaning you can save and view your footage without a monthly cloud subscription.
- 3-in-1 SIM Card: It comes with a SIM card compatible with AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon, automatically choosing the strongest signal for your location.
- Active Deterrence: It features a 105dB siren and a strobe light alarm that can be triggered automatically when the AI detects an intruder.
2. Reolink Go PT Ultra + Solar Panel 2
The Reolink Go PT Ultra combined with the Solar Panel 2 is a standalone, 4K resolution security solution specifically built for off-grid locations where Wi-Fi and power outlets are unavailable. It operates entirely on 3G/4G LTE cellular networks.
Features:
- 4K Ultra HD Detail: Delivers 3840 x 2160 (8MP) resolution, providing significantly sharper images than standard 1080p cameras for identifying faces and license plates.
- 360° Wide Coverage: Features a motorized lens that can pan 355° and tilt 140°, allowing you to monitor large areas like construction sites or farms with no blind spots.
- Dual Night Vision Modes: Equipped with infrared LEDs for traditional black-and-white night vision and motion-activated spotlights for full-color footage in total darkness.
- Smart AI Detection: The camera uses onboard AI to distinguish between people, vehicles, and pets, which helps reduce false alerts from things like moving branches.
- Solar Panel 2: This 6W high-efficiency panel provides “forever power”. Reolink states that just 10 minutes of direct sunlight per day can provide enough energy for standard daily usage.
- No Wi-Fi Needed: It requires a Nano SIM card and a cellular data plan, making it functional in remote spots like cabins, woods, or rural properties.
- Local & Cloud Storage: Footage can be stored locally on a microSD card (up to 128GB, often includes a 32GB card) or to the Reolink Cloud for remote access.
- Two-Way Audio: Includes a built-in microphone and speaker, allowing you to speak to visitors or warn off intruders in real-time via the Reolink app.
- Double Warning System: When motion is detected, the camera can trigger both a loud siren and powerful spotlights to deter unwanted guests.
- Rugged Build: Rated IP64 weatherproof, it is designed to withstand rain, snow, and extreme temperatures from 14°F to 131°F.
3. Vosker VKX Cellular Camera
The Vosker VKX Camera is a rugged, “set-it-and-forget-it” cellular camera built specifically for long-term endurance on remote job sites. It prioritizes autonomy over fancy pan-and-tilt controls, using a massive integrated solar panel and a high-capacity battery to run for up to 6 months without intervention. Its unique “front-access” design is a huge plus for construction sites, as it allows you to swap batteries or SD cards without having to remove the camera from its mounting bracket.
Features:
- On-Demand Mode: Unlike many off-grid cameras that only record on motion, this allows you to request a 15-second Full HD video clip or photo via the app whenever you need an instant site update.
- Max Solar Autonomy: Features a large, frameless solar panel and a 14,000 mAh removable battery designed to keep the camera powered for up to 6 months in ideal conditions.
- Built-in GPS Tracker: Provides an extra layer of security by allowing you to track the camera’s location through the Vosker app if it’s ever moved or stolen.
- Front-Access Maintenance: The front of the camera swings open for easy access to the battery and microSD card, meaning you can maintain the unit while it stays securely mounted.
- Vosker Sense AI: Uses onboard AI to distinguish between humans and vehicles, reducing nuisance alerts from moving branches or animals.
- Deterrent Light: Includes a motion-activated security light that serves as a visual warning to discourage intruders.
- Time-Lapse Mode: Perfectly suited for construction, this mode takes snapshots at preset intervals so you can create a record of your project’s progress over time.
- All-in-One Connectivity: Comes with a pre-activated SIM card and a 32GB microSD card included, making it ready to deploy right out of the box.
