Security systems for new construction
For general contractors, electrical contractors, developers, architects and design consultants building condos, offices, schools and industrial sites in Alberta and BC.
Updated
The quick answer
We design, supply, install and commission the electronic security on new builds and major renovations: access control, cameras, video intercom, parcel lockers, intrusion alarms and the network behind them. Send us the drawings and specifications and we price the scope. Where there’s no security design yet, we lay out the devices with you. On site we coordinate with the electrical contractor, the door hardware supplier and the fire alarm contractor, and at closeout the owner gets full documentation and admin access to every system.
What we handle on a new build
| Stage | What we do |
|---|---|
| Pricing | Price the security scope from the drawings and specifications, and list any questions or gaps we find. |
| Design help | Device layouts, door schedules for electrified hardware, camera coverage and riser needs where the design isn’t finished. |
| Submittals | Product data for the devices we propose, for the consultant to review. |
| Rough-in | Device locations, back box and conduit needs, and power requirements given to the electrical contractor early. |
| Install and programming | Cabling, devices, controllers, recorders and software, programmed to the owner’s schedules and users. |
| Commissioning | Every door, camera, intercom and alarm point tested, including the fire alarm release with the fire alarm contractor. |
| Closeout | As-built device lists, programming details, admin access and owner training. |
Trades we coordinate with
| Trade | Where we meet |
|---|---|
| Electrical contractor | Conduit, back boxes, power circuits and the location of every security device. |
| Door hardware supplier | Electrified locks, strikes, exit hardware, door position switches and power transfers on access-controlled doors. |
| Fire alarm contractor | Fire alarm releases on stair and exit doors. See stairwell re-entry and crossover floors. |
| Elevator contractor | Floor control from the access control system, and the intercom in the cab where it’s needed. |
| Gate and overhead door companies | Readers, intercoms and plate-reader cameras that connect to the gate or door operator. |
| IT and the owner’s network team | Network switches, VLANs, internet and remote access for the security systems. |
Systems we install on new builds
Doors and entry
- Access control on entrances, suites, amenity rooms, parkades and elevators
- Video intercom at the front door and parkade
- Parcel lockers sized to the building
- Muster systems for industrial sites
Video, alarms and networks
- Cameras and recording, with remote video monitoring through our monitoring partner
- Intrusion alarms, including cooler and freezer temperature alarms
- Structured cabling, network switches and Wi-Fi for the security systems
- Temporary construction site cameras while the building goes up
Brands we can price
We install and fully support 27 brands, including Avigilon, Genetec, Milestone, Axis, Kantech, HID, CDVI, Dormakaba, ButterflyMX, 1VALET, Bosch, DSC, Inner Range, ICT, Uniview, Ubiquiti UniFi, Hanwha Vision, Resideo, Qolsys, Snaile, Luxer One and MTech, with cabling from Belden, CommScope, Panduit and Hubbell.
We price the system as specified. Where it helps the owner, we can also suggest an alternate for the consultant to review, clearly marked as an alternate.
What the owner gets at closeout
Documentation
- As-built device lists by door, camera and panel
- Programming details and schedules
- Product data and warranty details from the manufacturers
Control
- Admin access to every system, in the owner’s name
- Licences and cloud accounts registered to the owner
- Training for the property manager or facility team
Admin access and full documentation are handed over on every project, so the owner is never tied to one installer.
Sending drawings and specs
Email drawings, specifications and addenda to contact@callhightower.com with the project name, location, tender closing date and the sections you want priced. For a renovation or tenant improvement in an occupied building, we walk the site first.
Working in Alberta or BC? We have offices in Edmonton, Calgary, Red Deer and Kelowna. See our service areas.
Have a project out for tender?
Send the drawings and specs, or book a call with our team to talk through the security scope.
Related: stairwell re-entry and crossover floorsconstruction site securityaccess controlbusiness networks
Stuck with a system nobody will fix?
We repair and take over cameras, access control, intercoms and alarms installed by other companies, when your current provider has fallen short.
Help: Export Avigilon video
New construction security questions
Do you work as a subcontractor to general contractors?
Yes. We price and deliver the electronic security scope for general contractors and electrical contractors on new builds and renovations.
Can you price from drawings and specifications?
Yes. Send the drawings, specifications and addenda, and we price the scope and list any questions we have.
Can you help when there’s no security design yet?
Yes. We lay out doors, readers, cameras and intercoms with the owner or consultant, and write a clear scope.
Who supplies the electrified door hardware?
It depends on the project. Often the door hardware supplier does, and we coordinate locks, strikes, exit hardware and power transfers. We can also supply it from brands we install, such as Dormakaba.
Who installs conduit and back boxes?
Usually the electrical contractor. We give them device locations, back box types and power needs early, so rough-in is right the first time.
Do you tie access control into the fire alarm?
Yes, on the access control side. The fire alarm contractor provides the release signal, and we connect and test the doors with them.
What does the owner get at handover?
As-built device lists, programming details, admin access in the owner’s name and training. We hand these over on every project.
Can you provide cameras during construction?
Yes. Temporary site cameras, including solar-powered and cellular cameras, can watch the site while the building goes up.
Do you work in both Alberta and BC?
Yes. We have offices in Edmonton, Calgary, Red Deer and Kelowna, and we support projects across Canada and in the USA.
Can you support the building after the warranty period?
Yes. We offer service and maintenance plans, and the owner keeps full admin access whoever they choose.
More answers: Questions about working with HightowerGlossary: access controlIP camera
Talk to us about your project
Tell us the project name, city, building type and stage. For tenders, email drawings and specs to contact@callhightower.com.
Call and a real person answers, 24/7 for emergencies.