Cabling and Wiring

Cabling & Wiring Service Costs

How much is too much to spend on a business cabling and wiring service? That depends on what you need them to do and the quality of service you expect for your investment. We'll break down cabling & wiring service costs and help you save a few bucks in the process.

Voice and data system upgrades are expensive.

But in addition to considering the cost of hardware and software, you have to factor in the possibility that you'll need to install new cable and wiring to meet the demands of the new system.

Pricing a business-grade cabling upgrade is a relatively straightforward process. Cabling and wiring service vendors offer competitive pricing that is based on the materials and effort that will be required to install or replace lines that connect workstations to the network server and phone cabinet. But there are also some strategies you can employ to minimize the impact on your budget.

Pricing Plans

Cabling and wiring service providers price installations on either a per-project or per-drop basis. Per-drop pricing can range from $100-$500/drop. The wide variation is based on the kind of cable you are installing and the scope of the project. Per-project pricing comes in at $15,000-$22,000+ for a typical 75 drop installation. If you require additional equipment (e.g. patch panels, etc.) your costs will increase. But in general, the cost per drop goes down as the number of drops goes up.

Cost Considerations

• Project specifications document. The total cost of your project should be clearly detailed in the project specifications document you receive from the vendor. This document will contain a project quote and information about the materials and service you will receive.
• Warranties. Make sure you receive warranty information from your vendor before you make any commitments. Cabling and wiring service warranties usually cover your infrastructure for a period of 5 to 10 years.

Strategies

• Network cabling installations for new construction or existing construction with upgraded outlets is always cheaper than for buildings that require an extensive retrofit. When you shop for new space, wiring concerns should be factored into the decision-making process.
• A long-term cost-saving strategy is to install more wiring than you need right now as a way to accommodate future growth. You'll spend more in the short run, but in the long run you can achieve significant savings.

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