DESIGN-BUILD SERVICES
Security systems come in varying sizes and levels of complexity. For basic systems which involve just a few devices we are normally able to determine the requirements after a quick on-site meeting with you, after which we can provide a proposal and a firm price quote. For larger or more complex projects a design process is necessary to determine the full scope of your requirements and for you to gain a better understanding of the options available to you. You may also need to explore alternative solutions and compare costs to stay within budget. In this situation you’ll have the option of hiring a security consultant, or engaging in a design-build process with a security system provider. Let’s explore the processes and benefits of each option.
Hiring a Consultant
There are two common scenarios in which clients typically hire a security consultant;
They don’t have a trusted security installation company to work with, and don’t feel comfortable choosing one.
The rules governing their organization require them to engage in a formal tender process in which drawings and specifications are created “for tender” and multiple companies are invited to bid on the project.
When going this route, you’ll need to engage in a process to decide which consultant to work with. This may include meeting with multiple firms to describe your needs. They will then provide a range of cost options for their services. These can include system design, selection of products, creation of drawings and formal specifications, procuring bids, selection of the successful bidder, contract administration, and installation supervision. Typically the cost for these services would add around 10 to 20 percent to the overall project cost, depending on the services you choose.
Some security consultants work independently while others are specialists working for an electrical engineering firm. You should avoid engaging an electrical engineering firm that doesn’t have a security specialist on staff as security systems are a completely different discipline than other electrical work. If you are looking to work with a consultant and are not sure where to turn, we can provide names of consultants we’ve worked with in the past, and whose standards of work are high enough that we are willing to bid on their projects.
Design-Build Services
Much of the work Versatech performs would be considered “Design-Build”. This encompasses system design, installation, and future maintenance. It allows us to work with a client to determine their needs, develop a technical design, make product recommendations, and create proposals with cost options. For new construction we can work with your project team including architects, electrical engineers, hardware specialist, code consultants, and general contractors. These services are provided by Versatech at no cost. The only cost to you is the quoted installation price if you choose to proceed.
The Design-Build process is our preferred way of working and we believe the most efficient and cost-effective. It allows clients to benefit from our decades of experience in the field while allowing you to avoid paying for consultants and ending up with security provider you have no relationship with. Security systems are not like concrete or drywall. They are living systems that you, your staff, or clients will engage with daily. It’s a relationship that shouldn’t be left to chance.
There are many benefits to working with Versatech on your system design, the most important being our depth of knowledge and holistic design approach. We service the systems we install. That is one of the main benefits of the design-build process. You aren’t paying a company to install your system and then walk away. You’re choosing a partner that will continue to work with you in the future to keep your system up to date and working reliably.
Having serviced clients for over 30 years we’ve learned how to select equipment and apply installation techniques that result in systems that are easy to use and require minimum service. Our goal is to provide you with a system that will operate reliably for 10 to 20 years before requiring significant upgrades. A quality security system should be an investment, not another piece of disposable technology that you’ll need to replace in 3 to 5 years.
As a small business we know that every dollar is hard earned and must be spent carefully. That’s why we take pride in providing honest advice on how to achieve your security goals in the simplest, most cost-effective manner. We often direct clients away from spending money with us when we believe there is better value to be found in other options such as lock upgrades, security patrols, or process changes. Our goal is to build long term relationships and that begins by treating our clients in the way we wish to be treated.
It can be challenging to choose a partner for larger projects, and we know we’ll need to earn your trust. We’re eager to hear about your security challenges, and happy to use our decades of experience to offer solutions. There’s no cost or obligation and we’re happy to provide references from other clients who we’ve helped in the past. Please don’t hesitate to reach out and contact us or click here to learn about more about some of our design build projects.
