The cameras are only half of a CCTV system. The other half is the installation: where cameras go, how cables run, how the recorder is set up, and whether you can watch it on your phone. A poor installation can make even good cameras useless. These ten questions help you compare installers and spot the good ones.
1. Will you do a site survey before quoting?
A reliable installer visits your property first. Camera positions, cable routes, lighting, and your network all affect the design and the price. A quote given over the phone without seeing the site is a guess.
2. Will I get a written quotation?
Ask for a written quotation that lists the cameras, recorder, storage, cabling, and installation, with the full cost. It should be clear before work starts, so there are no surprises later.
3. What exactly is included in the price?
Check that the quotation includes the recorder, hard drive, cables, connectors, power, and labour. A very low "camera price" often leaves some of these out. Our CCTV price guide explains what a complete system includes.
4. Which brands and models will you use, and why?
A good installer can explain why each camera suits each position. Ask about resolution, night vision, and outdoor ratings. Read how to choose a CCTV camera brand and CCTV resolution explained.
5. What warranty do I get, and who handles claims?
Ask how long the warranty lasts on cameras and recorder, and who you contact if something fails. A warranty is only useful if the installer, or a clearly named support team, will actually handle it.
6. What cable and equipment will you use?
Good cabling matters, especially outdoors. Ask whether the cable is solid copper, how it is protected from rain and sun, and whether outdoor connections are sealed. Read PoE for CCTV explained.
7. How will I watch the cameras on my phone?
Remote viewing should be set up for you, and you should be shown how to use the app, play back footage, and export a clip. Ask whether this is part of the installation.
8. How will you protect the system from power cuts?
Ask about a UPS for the recorder, network switch, and router. Sudden power loss can damage hard drives, and a system that stops in a power cut leaves you without footage when you may need it most.
9. How much storage will I have, and for how many days?
The installer should tell you how many days of footage your hard drive will keep, based on your cameras. Read our CCTV storage guide. Choose a recorder with a few spare channels so you can add cameras later.
10. What support do I get after installation?
Ask what happens if a camera stops working, how to reach support, and whether they offer maintenance. Our CCTV maintenance checklist shows what to check yourself.
Warning signs
- A quote with no site visit
- No written quotation, or one that is vague about what is included
- Pressure to pay everything up front with no paperwork
- No clear warranty or after-sales contact
- Cables left loose or unprotected on a previous job, if you can see photos or examples
- An installer who cannot explain why a camera suits a position
Frequently asked questions
Should I ask to see previous work?
Yes. Photos of finished installations, or a customer you can speak to, show how neat and reliable the work is.
Is the cheapest quotation the best?
Not always. Compare what is included. A low price that leaves out the recorder, storage, or installation can cost more later.
Can I pay in stages?
Payment terms vary. Whatever you agree, get it in writing in the quotation.
How Enspire works
We start with a free site survey, send a written quotation with the full cost before any work begins, install and configure the system, set up viewing on your phone, and provide warranty and support afterwards. See our CCTV installation service, our Colombo office, or contact us.