Security Systems Estimating Services

For contractors and subcontractors who are bidding security systems scope on residential, commercial and industrial projects, Forte Estimating offers specialized security system estimating services. Our estimators have real-world trade experience and know how to use detailed take-off software to generate accurate, bid-ready security systems estimates based on up-to-date material and labour pricing, plus support for CCTV estimating services and access control estimating services.

From specialties subcontracting to work directly or general contractors requiring a security systems estimate as part of a larger bid package, our team offers the details needed to accurately price the work to secure competitive bids.

From your plans and specifications we produce a surveillance system estimating for your package, organized to be given directly to suppliers for material cost or review by your own bid team.

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What Is Security Systems Estimating?

Security systems that provide estimates of the number and type of cameras, access control devices and supporting infrastructure needed to install a building’s electronic security and surveillance systems.

Our takeoffs include the number of cameras and access control devices by location, the number of cabling and conduit between each other and head-end equipment, and the number of servers, recorders, and control panels located on the security drawings.

These quantities are not something that is just a part of the bid — they are a direct input into the material takeoff and planning of the schedule after the project is awarded, so an incorrect security systems takeoff can cause issues long after the job has been won.

Our Security Systems Takeoff Process

Surveillance system estimating of the assignment start with a comprehensive review of all drawings and specifications involved, followed by a detailed quantity takeoff broken down into the categories that are the most important to get the best price.

Once quantities are measured, a second estimator checks the takeoff for accuracy before the estimator price is added, so that measurement mistakes or scope gaps are not passed on to the bidder.

  • Cameras — count by type, location, and coverage requirement
  • Access control devices — card readers, locks, and door position switches by opening
  • Cabling and conduit — linear footage between devices and head-end equipment
  • Head-end equipment — servers, recorders, and control panels

What's Included in Our Security Systems Estimate

You’ll get accurate device count by type and location, a cabling and conduit quantity schedule and a list of head-end equipment for quoting with accuracy by the security integrator.

The files are provided in spreadsheet and PDF format and can be tailored to your company’s preferred takeoff template, or format if you have a preferred take off template.

Key Considerations for Security Systems Estimating

The placement and coverage requirements for cameras are usually based on a security consultant’s design and we simply refer to that design, not simply “counting” cameras generically, which would not guarantee that the camera counts are accurate. Access control device counts are compared to the door schedule to assure that all doors opened are controlled.

Residential vs. Commercial Security Systems Estimating

In residential security systems, the requirement is just to cover cameras and access control at entry points—commercial security systems estimating, on the other hand, require full coverage of cameras and access controlled points within the premises and the presence of a central monitoring system.

Why Trade Contractors Choose Forte

Security system specialty subcontractors who bid security projects select Forte as a company who understands the trade, not a drawing set. That industry-specific knowledge enables us to find scope information a generalist estimator wouldn’t catch, ensuring that your margin is intact before you ever hand over a number.

We can also price security system estimates as one off project estimates or a retainer contract for a subcontractor bidding this type of estimate on a frequent basis and looking for a regular and reliable partner for their estimates.

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Submit your plans/ drawings:

Click here to send us plans and specifications. We will analyze and send you a quote in the next 5 minutes.

Get a Quote:

Click here to send us plans and specifications. We will analyze and send you a quote in the next 5 minutes.

Receive estimate:

you will receive a quote including invoice, turnaround time, and delivery date. Then, you can pay via credit card or debit card or PayPal.

Contact us Now

Call us now and upload your construction project plans with all the specific details to explain the scope of work that includes construction drawings, specifications and other specific documentation.

Submit Plans

Receive your schedule

Our expert team of BIM Estimators manages to deliver the final draft for review and consult through an email or call to consult and finalize the construction project.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you reference a security consultant's design for camera placement?

Yes, when a security consultant’s design is available, we refer to it directly to ensure the coverage and camera counts are the same as the intended design.

Can you cross-check access control devices against the door schedule?

Yes, all access controlled openings are checked for the architectural door schedule to ensure that all doors are included in the estimate.

Do you estimate both analog and IP-based camera systems?

Yes, we can estimate the cost of IP-based and traditional analog camera systems, depending on the project’s requirements.

Is it possible to add head-end server and recording gear to the estimate?

Yes, with a full security system quote, you will include the cost for the servers, recorders and control panel equipment.

What is your estimated time for developing a security systems estimate?

Most security systems quotes are finished within 24-48 hours for standard sized jobs, however for larger and more involved jobs, it may take 3-5 business days.

info@forteestimating.com

30 N Gould St STE 7001 Sheridan, WY 82801