FAQ
The questions clients ask most.
Twelve answers to the things that come up on the first call. If yours isn’t here, email us.
How long does a typical project take from first call to commissioning?
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For a small office (one boardroom + lighting), about 4–6 weeks. For a 20,000 sq ft retrofit, 10–14 weeks. We give a written schedule with the proposal.
Do you charge for the on-site walk and proposal?
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No. The first walk and the proposal are free. We earn the project by being useful before there's any money on the table.
Are your proposals fixed-price?
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Yes, on all but the most exploratory work. If we run into something we missed, we eat it. If you change scope, we tell you the cost in writing before proceeding.
Do you do residential work?
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Almost never anymore. We're focused on commercial buildings — offices, hotels, restaurants, clinics, retail and multi-family. We're happy to refer you to a residential integrator.
What manufacturers do you install?
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Lutron, Crestron, Control4, Sonos Pro, QSC, Ubiquiti, Cisco Meraki, Axis, Hanwha, Brivo, Kantech, BrightSign and more. See our Partners page for the full list.
Do you offer service contracts?
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Yes. Annual service agreements include 24/7 phone support, scheduled tune-ups, firmware updates and prioritized response. Pricing depends on system complexity.
Can you work with our existing IT vendor / GC / architect?
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Yes — we usually do. We're comfortable as a low-voltage subcontractor or as the single source on a smaller job.
Do you carry insurance?
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Yes. $2M general liability, full workers' comp, and additional coverage for higher-value installs. Certificates available on request.
What's the smallest project you'll quote?
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We routinely do single-room AV installs and small access-control retrofits in the $4k–$8k range. Below that, we'll usually refer you to someone better suited.
How do you handle warranty issues?
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Manufacturer warranties pass through to you. Our labor is warranted for one year on most installs. We come fix it. No drama.
Do you sell equipment without installation?
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No. We're an integrator, not a reseller. Hardware-only sales create support headaches for everyone.
Where can I read your privacy policy?
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On our Privacy Policy page in the site footer. Reach out to host@pchthomeautomation.com with any questions.
Ready to talk?
Tell us about your building. We’ll come walk it with you.
Most projects start with a free, no-pressure site walk in Rochester or anywhere in the surrounding nine counties. Bring a floor plan if you have one — we’ll bring coffee and ideas.