Basic office build-out help needed - who to call?

toadette · February 2010

My firm is relocating to a new space within our building. Since I'm the low (wo)man on the totem pole I have the honor of doing all the tasks that nobody else wants to. This time they want me to make arrangements to have the new office "wired" for internet (and phone). Right now we just have ethernet cable coming out of the drop ceiling in everyone's office (current office predates the internet) and running to our router, but they want it wired all pretty with jacks and such.

I suggested asking the building to do it (since they're the ones constructing the interior walls), but I was told that they wouldn't do that. (Which I have a hard time believing, but whatever). So - who/what kind of a service do I call for interior phone/internet wiring?

If we subscribe to a new phone system will they do the interior office wiring for that?

I seem to recall from a previous thread that someone here does this sort of thing frequently (new office set-up), hope you're out there and reading this!

whynot_31 · February 2010

Electricians aren't cheap, but they all know how to do this work at this point. Talk directly to the guy the building has hried to do the elctrical work

If you get a new phone system, the phone people also know how to do it, but they'll charge you as well.

alex · February 2010

Do not use an electrician to wire data/telecom, you will pay more than you need to and they might not run it properly.

whyfi · February 2010

Definitely talk to the building first and find out who they've used in the past - management isn't happy with just anyone doing work in their building.

If you have a decent number of people/computers, you're going to want a networking specialist to consult with, because it's not a small task to get (and keep) it up and running. The good news is, usually you can get someone with brains to get the plans laid out and then get run-of-the-mill contractors to pull wire to spec - they're cheaper than electricians, and you're doing low-voltage stuff, so the electrician will be over-qualified (and over-paid).

babynamib · February 2010

I know a guy who does just this type of phone systems and web wiring for offices and buildings, all over the Tri state area. I will PM you his number.

Sara

toadette · March 2010

Thanks for the tips all. I wish I could convince this office that we need a networking specialist or any sort of contract IT person...our network is run by "the guy who reads PC World". Sigh.

For anyone who PMed info - the move might be on hold so I'm not making any calls yet, but will likely be in touch in the future. Thanks again.

Basic office build-out help needed - who to call?

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