What should a site survey cover for a building automation and smart controls project?

The survey should document the space layout and zone boundaries, existing electrical infrastructure, ceiling heights and sensor placement constraints, and any integration requirements - BMS protocols, HVAC linking, room booking systems, or security system connections. Agree the zone map and scene schedule with the client before design begins. Late changes to zone boundaries or integration scope are the most common cause of commissioning overruns on smart controls projects.

How do you quote programming time accurately for a DALI installation?

Price programming as a standalone line item rather than absorbing it into installation labour. Estimate based on the number of addressable devices, number of zones and groups, number of scenes per zone, and any integration points with BMS or other systems. A room with four zones, three scenes per zone, and occupancy control typically requires several hours of commissioning time independent of device installation. Agree the scene schedule in writing before programming begins.

When does the final invoice get raised on a smart controls installation?

The final invoice should be raised after the client has signed off on system performance - not on physical installation completion. Smart controls projects are only complete when every zone functions to the agreed scene schedule, sensors respond correctly, and any BMS integration has been verified. Raising the final invoice before this point creates disputes and weakens your position if issues arise after payment.

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Lighting & Electrical - Building Automation and Smart Controls Installation

8 steps. Survey to sign-off.

Step by step

Enquiry and site surveyLeads

Log the enquiry as a lead and conduct a structured site survey using eForms App, capturing zone layout, existing infrastructure, integration requirements, and sensor placement constraints.

System design and quoteQuotes

Design the control system, specify DALI drivers, sensors, scene panels, and gateway devices, then quote for materials, first and second fix labour, programming, and commissioning as discrete line items.

Order confirmation and deposit invoiceInvoices

Raise a deposit invoice on acceptance, confirm first fix programme dates, create the job record, and assign the site supervisor.

RFQs and equipment procurementRFQs

Issue RFQs for DALI drivers, sensors, controllers, and specialist gateway equipment. Convert to purchase orders with delivery dates tied to the first fix programme and monitor for lead time risks.

First fix - cabling and containmentJobs

Install cabling runs, conduit, trunking, and back boxes for all sensors, scene panels, and control equipment. Maintain a zone-by-zone completion record to support DALI addressing at second fix.

Second fix - device installation and circuit testingWorks Orders

Install DALI drivers, luminaires, sensors, and scene panels. Test each circuit and confirm every device is powered and addressable on the DALI bus before commissioning.

Commissioning and integration testingProject Tracking

Address DALI devices, assign zones and groups, program scenes and dimming curves, test occupancy and daylight responses, and verify BMS gateway communication where integration is in scope.

Handover, certification, and final invoiceInvoices

Walk the client through system operation, hand over zone maps, programming records, and commissioning certificates, obtain written sign-off, and raise the final invoice.

What this workflow solves

Commissioning and programming time is consistently underpriced because quotes are built around the materials schedule rather than the zone count, scene complexity, and integration scope.

Control system equipment arrives late or in multiple partial deliveries, making it impossible to confirm whether first fix can start on schedule or when commissioning can realistically be booked.

Clients finalise scene requirements, occupancy zone boundaries, or BMS integration points on site during commissioning rather than at design stage, turning fixed-price commissioning into an open-ended task.

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