Technology & Low Voltage
Cameras & Access Control
Security cameras, video doorbells, card readers and access control for homes and businesses, installed by licensed partners and coordinated with the build.
Overview
Cameras and access control are most effective when coverage is planned from the site layout: entries, driveways, parking areas, loading doors, gates and interior points where people or goods move. Each camera needs a mounting location, a cable path, power and a recording destination.
Access control covers how people get in – video doorbells and smart locks at a home, card readers, keypads, electrified locks and door hardware at a business. Door hardware, frames and life-safety egress requirements all have to line up, so access control is planned with the door schedule rather than added later.
In Florida, security and access-control work of this kind generally must be performed by appropriately licensed contractors. A licensed low-voltage or alarm contractor partner designs and installs the system; we coordinate the wiring, door hardware, power and inspections with the rest of the construction.
Who it’s for
- Homeowners who want coverage of entries, driveways and outdoor living areas
- Gated properties and homes with automatic gates
- Retail, office and restaurant owners securing entries, registers and storage
- Warehouses and industrial properties with loading docks and yards
- Property managers adding controlled access to shared entries and amenities
What’s included
Typically included
- Coverage planning for cameras based on the site and floor plan
- Cabling and power for cameras, including power over Ethernet where suitable
- Indoor, outdoor and weather-rated camera installation
- Network video recorder or cloud recording setup
- Video doorbells, smart locks and gate intercoms at residential entries
- Card readers, keypads, electrified locks and door hardware coordination at commercial doors
- Access-control panel and user credential setup
- Coordination with fire alarm and egress requirements at controlled doors
- Configuration of remote viewing and user permissions
- Owner training and system documentation
Common exclusions
- Monitoring service contracts and monthly fees
- Security guard or patrol services
- Door and frame replacement beyond what is needed for the hardware, unless included
- Gate operators and gate construction, which are typically part of the fence and gate scope
- Data storage plans beyond the recorder capacity selected
Every proposal lists its own inclusions and exclusions in writing.
Materials, design options & upgrades
How pricing works
Camera and access-control systems are priced per project, based on the number of cameras and controlled doors, the type of hardware at each door, cabling distances, the recorder or cloud platform and the configuration required.
Commercial access control often involves door hardware and frame work, coordination with the fire alarm system and inspection, which are included in the scope where they apply.
What changes the cost
- Number of cameras and their type and resolution
- Number of controlled doors, gates and readers
- Door hardware and whether frames need modification
- Cable distances, exterior runs and mounting heights
- Recording platform and storage capacity
- Integration with fire alarm, intercom or smart-home systems
- New construction versus retrofit in an occupied building
If this work is part of a larger project, it’s priced within that project’s budget — please don’t add separate estimates together. Read the pricing guide.
Typical stages
Security review
We walk the property or plans with you to identify what needs to be seen and which doors need control.
System design
The licensed partner proposes camera locations, door hardware and recording, and we align it with the door schedule and site plan.
Permitting where required
Access control and alarm work may require permits depending on your jurisdiction, coordinated with the overall project.
Rough-in
Cabling, backboxes and door-frame preparation are completed before walls and ceilings close.
Installation and configuration
Cameras, readers and hardware are installed and set up with users and permissions.
Testing and training
Each camera view and controlled door is tested, inspections are completed, and you are shown how to manage the system.
What affects the schedule
- Camera locations and door hardware need to be decided before rough-in
- Door hardware and reader lead times
- Permits and inspections where your jurisdiction requires them
- Network and internet availability for remote viewing
- Occupied businesses may need work staged around operating hours
Questions & answers
Do cameras need to be hardwired?
Hardwired cameras are generally more reliable and do not need battery changes. Wireless models suit locations where a cable path is impractical, but still need power.
How is access control coordinated with fire exits?
Controlled doors must still allow people to leave safely, and many are tied to the fire alarm so locks release when required. The licensed partner designs this to code, and the building department reviews it where a permit is required.
Can I see the cameras from my phone?
Yes, most systems support remote viewing. Access is configured with user permissions so you control who can see what.
Is monitoring included?
Monitoring is a separate service arrangement. We can include the equipment and wiring it requires, and you choose a monitoring provider.
Start here
Planning cameras & access control?
A short form — three steps, a few minutes. Share plans or photos if you have them. We’ll review it and follow up using the contact details you provide.