Selecting The Right Cabling Service

Written By Steve Bryan

Putting your computer network in the hands of an outside company can be a nerve-wracking experience, but bringing in an outside contractor to handle the network cabling makes excellent financial sense. Here are some steps to take to ensure you choose the right cabling service to meet your needs.

Interviewing cabling service providers
You have a few options for finding the right cabling service. Either conduct your own online research, or submit a free request for cabling & wiring quotes to get matched to multiple companies. Once you have a list of prospective companies, make sure to address the following points:

• How long has the company been in business? You want to hire a contractor who is familiar with proper wiring techniques, and the latest technologies. A quick look into a company’s background can tell you when they were established and the types of clients they’ve worked with.
• How much network downtime can you expect? Ideally, the cabling should be done in the evenings, or over a long holiday weekend to keep your employees up and running.
• Are physical changes to your office necessary? A cabling service may need to string wires and cables in hard-to-reach spaces, and install network outlets in each office. This could require drilling through plaster and drywall.
• Is the contractor skilled with structured cabling? Whenever you upgrade a network, it's best to make sure the contractor is familiar with the concept of structured cabling. Following industry standards now can help avoid costly upgrades in the future.
• What kind of equipment do you need to purchase? Depending on your facilities, an installation can be quick and easy with minimal add-ons, or lengthy and complex with lots of new equipment. Before work even begins, your contractor should let you know how much equipment your installation requires.
• Is the work guaranteed? Quality installers typically guarantee their work. It’s important to learn what guarantee your installer offers and whether they provide 24/7 emergency service if something goes wrong.
• How much testing is involved? Ideally, each cable should be tested as it is being installed. When all the components are in place, the contractor should perform an end-to-end test along with members of your office staff to ensure everything was property connected.
• What will everything cost? Cabling service companies typically charge for each location (or drop) where you need voice and data connections. Depending on your existing wiring status, you could pay $100 to $500 per drop. The company you work with should provide a detailed specifications document which will outline your overall costs.

Use BuyerZone’s free cabling and wiring price quote request service to find the right cabling service for your project. You’ll be able to compare costs from multiple providers, and select the one that works best for your business.