Low Voltage & Controls
Estimating Services
Professional estimating for structured cabling, security, access control, audio-visual, building automation (BAS/DDC), and nurse call systems. System-by-system accuracy from low voltage drawings and riser diagrams. 48–72 hour turnaround.
Standard Turnaround
By System Accuracy
States Covered
Drawing-Referenced
What's Included
Complete Low Voltage Takeoff
Every low voltage takeoff is 100% drawing-referenced — every device, cable run, and head-end item tied to a specific low voltage plan, riser diagram, or equipment schedule.
Structured Cabling & Data/Telecom
LF of Cat6/Cat6A/fiber cable by pathway, outlet counts, patch panel ports, and telecommunications room equipment — from low voltage drawings and cabling specifications.
Security & Access Control
Card readers, door contacts, motion detectors, cameras (IP/analog), DVR/NVR units, and control panels — unit counts by device type from security drawings.
Audio-Visual & Digital Signage
Displays, projectors, speakers, amplifiers, control processors, and AV outlets — unit counts from AV drawings and equipment schedules. Conduit and cable quantities included.
Building Automation & Controls (BAS/DDC)
DDC controllers, sensors (temperature, humidity, CO2, occupancy), actuators, and BAS panels — unit counts from controls drawings. Separate from HVAC equipment quantities.
Nurse Call & Healthcare Systems
Nurse call stations, dome lights, pillow speakers, and master stations — unit counts by room type from nurse call drawings and healthcare specifications.
Excel Workbook + Annotated Markups
Quantities in Excel organized by system type and floor level — with annotated PDF markups tied to low voltage plans, riser diagrams, and equipment schedules.
Why Choose Us
The Union Estimating Difference
System-by-System Organization
Each low voltage system is quantified separately — structured cabling, security, AV, BAS, and nurse call are never combined into a single line item.
Riser Diagram Reading
We read riser diagrams, one-line diagrams, and system schematics — not just floor plan device symbols — to capture backbone cable, head-end equipment, and inter-floor pathways.
BAS/Controls Included
Building automation and DDC controls quantities are included when controls drawings are supplied — device counts, controller locations, and sensor schedules.
Fixed-Fee Quote Before Work Begins
We review your drawings and provide a firm fee before starting. No hourly billing, no surprises.
48–72 Hour Standard Turnaround
Most low voltage takeoffs are delivered within 48 to 72 hours. Rush delivery available.
System Design & Programming Excluded
We quantify from your supplied drawings. System design, programming, commissioning, and installation are not included.
Project Types
Estimates for Every Project
Scope Boundaries
Inclusions & Exclusions
Included
- Structured cabling (LF Cat6/Cat6A/fiber, outlet counts, patch panels)
- Security and access control (cameras, card readers, door contacts, panels)
- Audio-visual systems (displays, speakers, AV outlets, control processors)
- Building automation and DDC controls (controllers, sensors, actuators)
- Nurse call systems (stations, dome lights, master stations)
- Excel workbook + annotated PDF markups
Excluded
- System design, programming, and commissioning
- Power distribution for low voltage equipment (see Electrical Estimating)
- Fire alarm device counts are included; fire suppression is separate
- Installation and material procurement (quantity-only package)
- Costs and labor rates (quantity-only package — pricing package available)
Delivery Packages
Quantity-Only or Cost Estimate
Two delivery packages available. Quantity-Only delivers measured quantities with no pricing. Cost Estimate adds agreed material and labor pricing using our proprietary database and current supplier/vendor quotes — assumptions documented in the workbook.
Quantity-Only Package
- All measured quantities in Excel — LF, SF, CY, unit counts by type
- Annotated PDF markups showing every counted item
- No pricing, no labor rates — quantities only
- Use with your own pricing or subcontractor quotes
Cost Estimate Package
- Quantity-Only: LF, unit counts, and annotated markups — no pricing
- Cost Estimate: material unit costs from proprietary DB + current supplier quotes
- Labor pricing based on trade productivity and local wage assumptions (documented)
- Waste, overlap, and installation allowances noted per system
- RSMeans used only for government/DOB work where required by scope agreement
How It Works
Four Steps to Your Takeoff
Upload Drawings
Submit your drawings and specifications through our contact form. PDF, CAD, Revit, and most other formats accepted.
Fixed-Fee Quote
We review scope and provide a firm fee before starting. No hourly billing, no surprises.
Takeoff & Review
We measure every quantity from your drawings and verify against schedules and specifications.
Delivery
Excel workbook with annotated PDF markups — delivered within 48–72 hours of approval.
FAQ
Low Voltage & Controls Estimating Questions
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Get Started
Ready for Your Low Voltage Takeoff?
Upload your low voltage drawings and get a fixed-fee quote within a few hours. No commitment required.
Request a Free Quote