Subscriber Discussion

How To Manage A Project/Contract With Several Variables/Unknowns?

JH
Jay Hobdy
Feb 21, 2018
IPVMU Certified

We have a project with a building being renovated. They already started, and are working their way down the floors. They are 1-2 weeks away from where we need to work and doors have not been chosen, some some doors have not been decided on etc. But we need to put AC on them. I do not what strike to use, if crash bars are being used, etc.

 

How do I write the contract knowing these changes may come? As I type this, my thought is to just write a specified agreement and put a special condition for change orders?

 

 

Avatar
Michael Silva
Feb 22, 2018
Silva Consultants

One option would be to create a menu with the prices for each type of door, for example a Type 1 door would be a single door with electric strike, a Type 2 door would be a single door with electric lock and transfer hinge, a Type 3 door would be a pair of doors with exit device with latch retraction, etc.

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UI
Undisclosed Integrator #2
Feb 22, 2018

I would go about it the same may Michael suggested. 

Provide your base price noting that it will also require option a, b, c or d. Each of which would be options based on the type of door that was installed.

UI
Undisclosed Integrator #1
Feb 22, 2018

Or make the designation “hardware to be determined, furnished by others”. The owner can choose to have the door person, locksmith or you compete for it. 

JH
Jay Hobdy
Feb 22, 2018
IPVMU Certified

Great advise

 

How about a project in design where you are working closely with the developer on new construction/rehab on the design and equipment, but we have no contract, agreement etc. Our current project is down to the wire, I doubt they would have time to shop, and we being competitive anyway. But we have another where they are waiting on funding etc and in the meantime, we go back and forth on design, etc. We literally designed the whole camera system, access control and gate entry system and still have zero dollars and no contract.

 

 

Is there any type of contract to help us secure the project early on? Or is it just part of the process and hope you earn the business?

 

 

Avatar
Michael Silva
Feb 22, 2018
Silva Consultants

Many developers will pump integrators to do lots of free design work and then either end up doing nothing, or giving the work to someone else - perhaps their electrical contractor. There is a big difference between doing enough of a design to prepare a proposal, and providing free consulting services. 

I would suggest getting a small contract for design/consulting services up front, with the understanding that if you are given a contract for the installation work, any money paid for design/consulting will be applied to the purchase price.

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