What a security system change order is for
Owners add cameras once they see how good the first ones look on their phone, and cable routes change when the attic turns out to be closed off. A signed change order for each, with the new total, keeps the install moving and the invoice free of arguments about what was agreed.
What to put on a security system change order
- Devices added or dropped.
- Route changes and why.
- New cable footage.
- New total.
- Signature before the work.
A worked example
The owner adds a camera over the garage, the back runs need wall fishing because the attic is closed, and a motion detector is dropped.
| Line | Qty | Unit | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Camera, supplied and installed, garage | 1 | each | Your price |
| Wall fish, back yard runs | 2 | each | Your price |
| Credit: motion detector | -1 | each | Your price |
Explain route changes in one line. Owners accept extra time when they know the attic was closed off.
Line items security installers use
| Line item | Unit | How to write it |
|---|---|---|
| Camera, supplied and installed | each | Type, resolution and mounting location. |
| Network video recorder | each | Channels and storage size. |
| Cable run, Cat6 | ft | Attic, wall fish or exterior; jacks and labels. |
| Alarm panel and keypad | each | Brand, zones and communicator. |
| Door and window sensors | each | Wired or wireless, per opening. |
| Motion detector | each | Pet-immune where needed. |
| Video doorbell | each | Wired to the chime or battery. |
| Smart lock | each | Door prep and app setup. |
| Network switch with PoE | each | Ports and power budget. |
| App setup and owner training | hour | Phones set up and the owner shown how to use it. |
| Yearly system check | visit | Cameras, recording, batteries and sensors tested. |
| Alarm permit | each | Where the city requires one from the owner. |
Terms and deposit language for security system
- Deposit. A deposit at booking covers cameras, recorders and panels bought for the job. Follow your state's deposit rules for home improvement and low voltage work.
- Payment. Balance due at install, after the system is tested and the owner's phone is set up.
- Warranty. Equipment is under the maker's warranty. You warrant your install and cabling for the time stated. Damage from storms, power surges and tampering is not covered.
- Monitoring, if chosen, is provided by a central station under its own contract.
- The owner keeps the admin passwords; you keep only what you need to service the system, with permission.
- Wi-Fi and internet service are the owner's; cameras that rely on them are only as steady as that service.
How to fill it in
- Put in the original estimate number and amount.
- Write what changed in the reason box, plainly.
- Add the new work; type a minus quantity for any credit.
- Fill in the days added.
- Print it for a signature on site, or send it from Koira to sign by phone.
Free tools for security system
- Security camera installation cost calculator
- Maintenance plan pricing calculator
- Labor rate calculator
- Estimate generator
The same change order for other trades: appliance repair, auto detailing, carpentry, carpet cleaning, chimney, house cleaning, commercial cleaning, concrete, deck, drywall, duct cleaning, electrical, fence, flooring, garage door, general contractor, glass, gutter, handyman, holiday lighting, home inspection, hood cleaning, hvac, insulation, irrigation, junk removal, landscaping, lawn care, locksmith, masonry, moving, painting, pest control, plumbing, pool service, pressure washing, property maintenance, remodeling, restoration, roofing, septic, siding, snow removal, solar, tile, tree service, water treatment, waterproofing, window cleaning, window and door.
More for security installers: how security installers run on Koira.