No written split with the electrician
When the division of work is not written down, items fall between trades or get priced twice. A written split avoids both.
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Free checklist for contractorsThe low voltage pre-wire checklist.
Low voltage problems found after drywall cost time and money for everyone on the job. This checklist covers what to settle before the walls close, for residential and commercial projects. Print it and keep it with the plan set.
Licensed and insuredItemized bids by system and roomDevice layout drawings
The checklist
Ten things to settle early.
Go through these before rough-in. Each one is easier and less expensive to plan on paper than to fix in a finished wall.
- A written division of work between the electrician and the low voltage contractor
- Equipment room or rack location with power, ventilation and access
- Network cable to every TV, access point, camera and keypad location
- Wiring and blocking for every TV location, including mounts and lifts
- Speaker locations matched to the reflected ceiling plan
- Shade pockets framed and motor power or low voltage wiring in place
- Camera, door station and gate locations, including exterior runs
- Access control at doors, with door hardware coordinated
- BDA/DAS needs reviewed early on commercial and high-rise projects
- Every cable labeled at both ends and photographed before drywall
Timing
When each decision needs to be made.
The five phases where technology decisions matter most.
STEP 01
Bid
Send the plan set and the scope to price. Open scope items are listed as separate options.
STEP 02
Before framing closes
Confirm the equipment room or rack location, blocking for TVs and mounts, and shade pockets.
STEP 03
Rough-in
Boxes, conduit and cable are installed in step with the electrical and mechanical trades.
STEP 04
Before drywall
Pre-wire is labeled and ready for inspection, and photos are taken of each wall.
STEP 05
Trim-out and closeout
Devices are installed after paint, systems are programmed and closeout documents are delivered.
Common problems
Four mistakes to avoid.
These are the issues that most often cause rework, delays or a finished room that does not look the way it was designed.
TV locations without blocking or wiring
Adding blocking and wiring after drywall means opening finished walls. It is quicker to plan every TV location before framing closes.
Equipment room decided last
Every cable runs back to the rack, so its location affects every run on the job. Settling it early keeps runs short and organized.
Unlabeled cable
Cable that is not labeled at both ends slows trim-out and troubleshooting. Labels and photos before drywall save hours later.
Questions
Common questions.
If your question is not here, call 786.266.7676 and we will answer it directly.
When should the low voltage contractor be brought in?
At bid time, and on site before framing closes. Blocking, shade pockets and the equipment room have to be set before rough-in.
What does ITS need to bid a project?
A plan set, the finish schedule if available, and the scope you want priced. If the scope is open, ITS lists the options separately so you can compare.
Which systems does ITS handle?
Smart home automation, lighting control, audio and video, home theaters, security cameras, alarm systems, structured cabling, networks and Wi-Fi, access control, motorized shades, BDA/DAS, sales center technology and IT services.
Does ITS provide insurance certificates?
Yes. ITS is a licensed and insured contractor and provides certificates of insurance on request.
Next step
Send us your plans for an itemized bid.
Email your plan set and scope, and we will return a clear, itemized low voltage bid by system and room.
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