How to Successfully Select & Partner
with and Electronic Systems Contractor
Low-voltage systems have quickly grown in scale and complexity making it difficult to keep up on emerging technology and in turn keeping your clients happy. It is becoming more and more crucial to partner with a professional electronic systems contractor for proper design and specification of products of what has become one of the largest grouping of sub-systems in modern homes. Systems today consist of Lighting Control, Energy Management, Security, Phone/Networking, HVAC control, Audio and Video distribution, Media locations, and Theaters, etc.
Proper design helps a system integration project to be profitable for you all design/build professionals involved and streamlines the process for everybody. Before you begin your search for an electronic systems contractor partner, ask yourself these fundamental questions: Are you looking for the best firm with complete, beginning-to-end responsibility for your projects? Is this firm expected to design, engineer and provide documentation, and integrate with all the other parties involved?
People do not become overnight "experts". When it comes to home electronic systems there is nothing more dangerous or costly than a "little knowledge." Granted, in this business of rapidly advancing technologies, we're all learning all the time. Just make sure your electronic systems contractor isn't learning at your expense.
The following guidelines will help prepare you in your search for the technical "guru" you'll be relying on for years to come. As with any professional relationship, make sure you look for the right fit between you and your electronic systems contractor. This isn't like having appliances delivered and hooked up by someone you'll never see again. If you've chosen well, you'll be in contact with your electronic systems contractor for many years to come. The one key factor to always remember after you select your ESC partner is to bring he/she in at the very beginning of each project to ensure a smooth process for all partners involved, and most importantly, the client.
- Get multiple bids from reputable ESC companies that will take responsibility for the whole project (this gives you less subs to manage)
- Check References of Comparable Projects. A minimum of two references should be obtained.
Inspect the Facility. If a picture is worth a thousand words, a visit to the electronic systems contractor's office is worth thousands of dollars. - Explore Their Knowledge. Electronic Systems Contractor firms don't just install equipment. First, they must identify the client's needs and expectations. Then they must identify limitations and problems. They must analyze wiring schematics. Then they must plan the system, recommend equipment and quote a price. Sometimes this process must be repeated to accommodate a budget. All of this is very time consuming. However, a qualified electronic systems contractor can offer a realistic quote much quicker than a novice.
- Are they CEDIA Certified? The Custom Electronic Design & Installation Association offers training and certification specific to the electronic systems industry throughout the year on a wide variety of topics from wiring and acoustics to home automation and future technologies. Ask your prospective electronic systems contractor if he or she is a CEDIA Certified member and if they keep up on continuing education & training.
- Bring your ESC partner in at the beginning of the project. With everything clearly lined out in the beginning. You will have happier clients at the end of the build...After all, that is the primary goal!
CEDIA makes it easy for you to find an ESC partner by providing an online ESC finder system that you may search by country or by zip code. It lists all of the certifications each of the company employees hold as well. Visit www.cedia.org/homeowners/finder.php.
