Low voltage left off the master schedule
When the low voltage phases are not on the schedule, rough-in collides with insulation and drywall. Placing them early keeps the trades in order.
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Free guide for project managers and owner's repsScheduling low voltage without surprises.
Low voltage touches almost every phase of a project, from framing to closeout. This guide lays out the phases, the documents to ask for and the questions to settle early, so the technology scope stays on schedule and on budget.
One point of contactRFIs answered in writingChange orders priced first
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.
- One named project contact from the low voltage contractor
- A bid itemized by system and room, so changes can be priced against it
- A written division of work with the electrician
- Low voltage phases placed on the master schedule
- RFIs and scope questions answered in writing
- Change orders priced in writing before any added work
- Pre-wire inspection booked before insulation
- Trim-out scheduled after paint, not before
- Owner training scheduled before move-in
- Closeout package: system documentation and warranty records with installation and purchase dates
Timing
When each decision needs to be made.
The five phases where technology decisions matter most.
STEP 01
Kickoff
Confirm scope, contacts and the schedule, and name one point of contact on each side.
STEP 02
Rough-in and pre-wire
Low voltage rough-in runs alongside framing and the electrical and mechanical trades.
STEP 03
Inspection
Pre-wire is ready for inspection before insulation and drywall.
STEP 04
Trim-out
Devices and equipment are installed after paint and finishes.
STEP 05
Programming and closeout
Systems are commissioned, the punch list is completed and closeout documents are handed over.
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.
Verbal answers to scope questions
Answers that are not written down are hard to defend later. Written RFI responses keep the record clean for everyone.
Unpriced changes
Added work done before it is priced creates budget disputes. Pricing every change in writing first keeps the budget under control.
Closeout without warranty records
Owners need to know what was installed and when. Records with installation and purchase dates make service and warranty claims straightforward.
Questions
Common questions.
If your question is not here, call 786.266.7676 and we will answer it directly.
Who will the project manager work with at ITS?
One ITS project contact from kickoff through closeout, who answers questions and coordinates the field team.
How does ITS handle change orders?
Every change is priced in writing and approved before the work is done.
What is in the ITS closeout package?
System documentation, owner training and warranty records that list both the installation date and the equipment purchase date for each item.
Does ITS work on commercial and high-rise projects?
Yes. ITS works on luxury estates, high-rise residences, mixed-use and commercial buildings across Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach and the Florida Keys.
Next step
Let's get ITS on your schedule.
Send your project and timeline, and our project team will confirm scope, contacts and dates.
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