Make a detailed list of all the services and technology you are going to require in the project. It is important to know this at the outset as it enables smart cable planning and installation that will save money in the long run.

• Some of the things you might want to add are:
• TV installation and audio
• Aerial & satellite services
• Networking and PC work
• Phones & Broadband
• Other (CCTV , entry phone)

We need to be clear before we start as to what you expect of us in terms of coordinating the project. A managed project is where we would oversee the project from start to finish, normally in collaboration with the architect, designer or contractor and build a good understanding with them to ensure success.

There would be a charge for this but the benefit would be that we’d take an initial brief from you then make sure that we are the point of contact for any questions and the go to people for any and all AV information. It is important that when we give instruction on cable installation that we factor in additional time and site visits to ensure all is progressing well, then to check and sign off before closing up the walls and ceilings.

We are happy to provide chargeable consultation and instructions but would deem this to be an unmanaged project where you pay for our time on an ad hoc basis as you feel that it is needed. Although this will depend on various things at your end to ensure things are not missed or done incorrectly.

Useful things for us to know include:

• Plans available (basic floor plan is essential even if no more detail is available)
• Who is the architect?
• Who is the designer?
• Who is the contractor on site?
• Who do we instruct on site?
• Who is being briefed on client expectations of the AV provision, us or the main contractor?
• Who are we invoicing?
• Who is overall responsible for the outcome of the project and do we need to manage our part of the project?

There’s a huge difference between the project that is just at planning or tendering stage and a job take over from another company or person (in this case we’ll need to know why so we can understand what needs to be done to make you happy). Less extreme but still pertinent would be to know if the project has just started, whether we are at the stage where the main building work is happening, if the 1st fix of electrics is imminent or is actually happening as this will affect how long we have left and enable smart planning.

If any aspect is late, immediate, urgent etc. it is no problem, we’ll just need to know upfront how desperate the situation is so we can make sure you get the resources you need when you need them. If the cables and services are in and just an equipment fit is required, we’ll need to know when this will happen, who did the cabling and what information have you got on what was done.

With refurbishment and new build projects, we need to establish if the property owner is very interested in the AV installation area or just has various end user requirements plus how much involvement they want in the project. We’re happy to take on most of the decision making is they just have a requirement and need a solution. We understand that often the home owner is not too concerned with how we got there, only that we’ve delivered the result they were looking for.

Where the property owner really needs help and advice, we’ll be happy to assist, likewise where they are very specific about equipment and what they want, we’ll settle just as happily into a role where we take direction and precise instructions.

First thing first, is there an equipment list or do we need to help to provide this? Secondly, if one exists already, who came up with the products and what was their thought process when they made the decisions? Lastly, we love to help but we won’t poke our noses in anywhere they’re not wanted, so it’d be nice to know at the outset whether you are open to changes or suggestions from us.