Summary : Before selecting a cabling partner, always ensure they are skilled, certified, and easy to work with. Ask how they plan, test, and support their work. The right partner keeps your network fast, efficient, and ready for the future. Use our checklist to find one who truly fits your project.
A structured cabling system is the foundation of every connected building. Yet, many general contractors (GCs) rush to hire cabling and pay for it later. According to the PlanGrid/FMI Corporation study, Construction Disconnected, U.S. construction teams spend approximately $177.5 billion per year on non-optimal activities such as correcting mistakes, searching for project data, and resolving conflicts.
The good part is that you can avoid most of those costs by asking smarter questions before hiring your cabling partner. This checklist will help you do just that, plus, you can download our free “GC Cabling Partner Checklist”.
The cabling contractor you choose will determine how well your building’s data, security, and communications systems perform for decades. In New Jersey and Pennsylvania, where Network Drops has installed fiber and CAT6 networks since 1986, clients often tell us their biggest regret was “not verifying the installer’s standards first.”
Cabling work isn’t just about pulling wire. It’s about design, labeling, certification, and long-term scalability. A weak foundation now can delay every downstream trade later.
Your quick-check guide to finding a contractor who delivers reliable, code-compliant results, on time and on budget.
Why it matters: Certified contractors adhere to recognized standards, such as ANSI/TIA-568 and BICSI best practices. That ensures consistent labeling, terminations, and testing.
Ask for:
Pro Tip: A licensed cabling contractor in NJ or PA is required by law for commercial projects; don’t take shortcuts.
Not every site needs the latest fiber optics. A qualified installer should evaluate:
Ask them:
Insight: According to IEEE standards, CAT6A supports 10-Gigabit Ethernet up to 328 feet, making it an ideal choice for hospitals, schools, and enterprise offices planning future technology upgrades.
Why it matters: You need a visual, documented layout that aligns with mechanical and electrical plans.
Ask for:
Pro Tip: This documentation is gold later during renovations or maintenance.
GCs juggle multiple trades, electrical, HVAC, fire safety, often in overlapping zones. Poor coordination means change orders and delays.
Ask:
Best Practice: Choose a partner who provides weekly progress reports and communicates through shared project management tools (like Procore or Buildertrend).
Every cable run should be tested, labeled, and certified before turnover to ensure compliance with regulations.
Ask for:
Bonus: Reliable partners store test data and hand over a digital record for your project close-out binder.
A true professional stands behind their work.
Ask:
Why it matters: Warranty support ensures your infrastructure meets current and future network standards, which is critical for resale and compliance.
References speak louder than proposals.
Ask for:
Pro Tip: Follow up directly. Ask, “How was their communication? Did they hit the schedule and budget?”
Cabling work involves using ladders, accessing ceilings, and navigating firewalls. An unsafe job site can halt an entire construction project.
Ask:
Data point: The Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) states that the construction industry “had the highest number of electrical fatalities” in the U.S. between 2011-2022.
Why it matters: Timelines drive every trade sequence. One late cabling install delays security, AV, and IT activation.
Ask:
Pro Tip: Reliable installers send written daily or weekly updates.
The relationship shouldn’t end at hand-off. Ask what’s included post-install:
Ask:
Smart GCs know: The right cabling partner becomes your long-term infrastructure ally, not just a one-and-done subcontractor.
You’ve got the right questions, now use them on your next bid.
Download our free, printable checklist to compare cabling contractors side by side.
What’s inside:
Network Drops, a division of Magna5, has been a reliable cabling partner for general contractors in New Jersey and Pennsylvania since 1986. We collaborate with builders from the initial layout to the completion of the project and ensure that everything aligns with the customer’s needs.
All our technicians are licensed and trained experienced professionals who hold perfection in working around complexities and resolving them. We acknowledge the issues general contractors have in managing different trades and controlling costs while meeting deadlines. We believe in communicating regularly and in a transparent manner, with thorough planning in all projects.
We install high-speed data cabling that supports fast, reliable network performance. Our solutions are designed for future growth, helping your clients handle more devices and higher bandwidth as technology evolves.
Every organization has its own unique requirements; therefore, we design and deploy systems for structured cabling that comply with TIA and BICSI guidelines. Whether the project involves a new building or renovation, we plan neat and adaptable configurations that make tomorrow’s upgrades easier.
A clean and well-thought-out server room is the mainstay of a network. We set up and arrange server racks and patch panels in a way that ensures equipment is not only easily accessible but also properly marked and ready for both maintenance and expansion.
We manage the wiring for critical building technologies, including Wi-Fi, VoIP phone systems, and access control systems. The integration not only connects all systems but also ensures the uninterrupted flow of communication within your facility.
All our installations are tested and labeled to meet or exceed industry standards. In every case, we provide you with complete documentation and manufacturer-supported warranties, allowing you to hand over the complete project records to your client with complete confidence.
At Network Drops, we are not only concerned about the quality of our workmanship but also about the quality of our relationships. When your reputation hinges on the systems hidden behind the walls, you can always rely on us to provide a cabling infrastructure that will last and perform well for decades.
Hiring a cabling contractor doesn’t have to be an assuming game. With the right checklist and clear questions, GCs can protect timelines, budgets, and building performance.
Before signing your next contract, make sure your installer meets the standards your project deserves.
→ Talk to our certified team today. Schedule a free cabling site audit with Network Drops.
A cabling partner is a licensed contractor that designs and installs network, fiber, and low-voltage cabling systems to support data, security, and communications networks.
Look for certification (BICSI, manufacturer-trained), insurance, and clear communication. Reliable contractors deliver test results and documentation.
A small office (20-30 drops) may take 3-5 days. Larger commercial builds can take several weeks, depending on layout and construction phase.
Suppose your client anticipates high bandwidth needs or future expansions, yes. Fiber offers speed, reliability, and future scalability.
Yes. Network Drops provides free on-site or virtual assessments to evaluate cabling design, infrastructure, and future capacity.
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Scott Fcasni is the driving force behind Magna5’s commercial datacomm cabling division, delivering expert solutions that power reliable, high-performance network infrastructures. With extensive experience in structured cabling and a commitment to precision, Scott ensures that every project—whether for small businesses or large enterprises—meets the highest standards of quality and scalability.
