We know that installers often prefer to complete a preliminary site visit to evaluate the existing set-up before installing or retrofitting a new building intercom system. With Whoo this is an unnecessary step, as our intercom is designed to be simple to install. Most installations take less than 4 hours per door but sometimes you do find more challenging circumstances. To address this issue, we have created a resource to work around any unforeseen issues that may arise.
As we discuss in our post “What to have in your truck”, some installations have the potential to be trickier than others. It won’t matter how much you plan ahead, you’re not going to know what you need until you’re there (or in some cases, until you’ve broken through a wall or untangled some legacy wires.) Generally, none of these issues can be identified by a site evaluation. To save you time and money, we recommend instead to empower the installer to choose contingency plans if the work is not straightforward, and to carry any additional materials mentioned in our material checklist, which includes a list of all the extras that you may need to get the job done.
A pre-site visit has the potential to leave your crew unprepared for some potential challenges that can only be identified once the installation project has begun. We’ve seen installers show up with only the equipment they think they need, only to realize that the project needs more. Sending someone beforehand won’t save you time, and ultimately will cost you more.
By foregoing the pre-installation visit, and ensuring that you have the recommended extra equipment in your truck, you will be prepared to complete any installation within the allotted time frame no matter what you find on the spot.