Security Camera Installation: Managing Multi-Day Projects
Complex installs need complex project management. Here's how to keep security camera projects on track, on budget, and profitable.
Security camera installation isn't like other service trades. Jobs can span multiple days, require different skill sets, and involve coordination with other contractors, IT departments, and property managers. Poor project management on these jobs doesn't just hurt margins—it kills your reputation.
This guide covers the systems and processes you need to manage security installation projects professionally.
What Makes Security Installs Different
Unlike single-visit service calls, security camera projects have unique challenges:
- Multi-day timelines: Most commercial jobs take 2-5 days
- Multiple phases: Site survey, rough-in, termination, programming, training
- Coordination required: Electricians, IT, general contractors, customer stakeholders
- Change orders: Scope creep is the norm, not the exception
- Technology complexity: Different brands, platforms, and integrations
The Site Survey: Foundation of Every Good Project
Never quote a security job without a thorough site survey. What to document:
- Camera locations with field of view requirements
- Cable run distances and routing challenges
- Power availability at each camera location
- Network infrastructure and bandwidth
- Mounting surfaces (concrete, metal, wood—each needs different hardware)
- Lighting conditions at different times of day
- Customer's monitoring preferences (on-site NVR, cloud, both)
Take excessive photos. What seems obvious on-site becomes confusing when you're building the proposal back at the office.
Accurate Quoting: Include Everything
Security installers lose money on under-quoted jobs more than any other trade. Your quote must include:
- All equipment with specific model numbers
- Cable and conduit with 15-20% overage for unforeseen routing
- Labor broken down by phase
- Lift rental or scaffolding if needed
- Permit fees if applicable
- Programming and configuration time (often underestimated)
- Training time for the customer
- Contingency line item for unknowns (5-10%)
“I used to lose my shirt on every commercial job until I started including a contingency line. Now I explain it upfront: 'We'll return any unused portion.' Customers respect the honesty.”
Project Phases: Breaking Down the Work
Organize multi-day projects into clear phases:
- Phase 1 - Rough-in: Run cables, install backboxes, mount conduit
- Phase 2 - Equipment: Mount cameras, install NVR/switches
- Phase 3 - Termination: Terminate cables, make connections
- Phase 4 - Configuration: Program cameras, set up recording, test
- Phase 5 - Handoff: Customer training, documentation, support setup
Each phase should have a defined deliverable. Phase 2 isn't complete until every camera is physically mounted. This clarity prevents scope creep and keeps the project on schedule.
Managing Change Orders
Change orders are inevitable on security projects. Handle them professionally:
- Document every requested change in writing immediately
- Price changes before agreeing to do the work
- Get signature approval before proceeding
- Track change order impact on timeline
- Invoice change orders separately (makes final billing cleaner)
A common mistake: absorbing small changes to avoid confrontation. These add up fast and destroy margins. Better to have an awkward conversation than an unprofitable job.
Coordinating with Other Trades
Security installs often overlap with other work. Coordination tips:
- Get the GC's schedule and build your timeline around milestones
- Confirm IT readiness before scheduling network configuration
- Coordinate with electricians on power drops early
- Document delays caused by other trades (protects you from blame)
- Over-communicate with project managers—they hate surprises
Project Management for Security Installers
Local Business Pro tracks multi-day projects, change orders, and keeps everyone on the same page.
See HowDocumentation That Protects You
Security installation requires extensive documentation:
- As-built drawings: Show where everything actually got installed
- Camera views: Screenshots of what each camera sees
- Network diagram: IP addresses, switch ports, VLANs
- Login credentials: Secure handoff document for customer
- Warranty information: Registration numbers and support contacts
- Training sign-off: Customer acknowledges training was provided
Customer Communication Throughout
Multi-day projects require proactive communication:
- Daily progress updates during active work
- Photos of completed work at each phase
- Advance notice of any schedule changes
- Written summary at project completion
- Follow-up call 2 weeks after handoff
The Bottom Line
Security camera installation is project management as much as technical work. The companies that succeed treat each job like a mini construction project: clear scope, defined phases, documented changes, and constant communication.
Master these fundamentals and you'll avoid the profitability problems that plague most security installers.
About Mike Chen
15-year HVAC veteran turned business consultant. Helps contractors streamline operations and grow revenue.
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