By the SightShield team · · 3 min read
Why a survey comes before a quote
A CCTV quote without a site visit is a guess. Camera count, lenses, cable lengths, mounting heights and recorder location all depend on the building, the light and what you want to achieve. A proper survey takes from 30 minutes for a flat to half a day for a factory, and it is the difference between a system that identifies a face at the gate and one that shows a blurry figure.
What the surveyor asks you
- What are you worried about — theft, staff issues, visitors, safety, compliance?
- Which areas matter most: gates, doors, cash counters, stores, parking?
- Do you need to identify faces and number plates, or just see activity?
- How many days of recording do you need?
- Who will view the cameras, where, and on which devices?
- Any existing cameras, cables or recorders that could be reused?
What the surveyor checks on site
| Item | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Entry and exit points | Every way in should be covered, with at least one face-level view |
| Distances and angles | Decide lens size and resolution for each camera |
| Lighting, day and night | Backlight at gates and glass doors needs WDR; dark areas need IR or colour night vision |
| Mounting surfaces and heights | Walls, ceilings, poles; reachable for maintenance but not tampering |
| Cable routes | Conduits, false ceilings, cable trays and outdoor runs |
| Recorder location | Secure, ventilated, near power and network |
| Power and backup | Socket for NVR and switch, UPS capacity |
| Network and internet | Router location and upload speed for remote viewing |
Tools a good surveyor uses
- A laser distance meter for cable runs and target distances.
- A test camera or phone app to preview fields of view.
- Floor plans or photos marked with camera positions.
- A check of mobile data or broadband speed at site.
How to prepare
- Have floor plans or a rough sketch ready if you have them.
- Arrange access to the terrace, stores, electrical and network rooms.
- List problem incidents you have had, with times and places.
- Know your budget range so options can be matched to it.
- For apartments and offices, involve the association or facilities manager.
What you should get afterwards
- A camera plan showing positions and what each camera covers.
- A quote with exact camera, NVR, hard disk and switch models.
- Cable type and estimated lengths, and how they will be routed.
- Recording retention days and storage size.
- Timeline, warranty terms and AMC options.
Survey to quote: an office example
At a 6,000 sq ft office in Indiranagar, the survey found a glass entrance facing the afternoon sun, a server room with no ventilation and a false ceiling that made cabling easy. The plan placed a true-WDR camera inside the entrance at face height, moved the NVR to a ventilated rack, added a camera at the fire exit that the client had forgotten, and sized storage for 45 days. The client approved the itemised quote the same week.
Red flags
Be wary of a quote given without seeing the site, a plan that counts cameras but does not say what each one sees, or vague model names such as “4MP IP camera” with no brand or model number. You cannot compare such quotes fairly, and you cannot check the cameras are certified for sale in India.
STQC certification for CCTV cameras →Book a survey
SightShield surveys homes, shops, offices, apartments and factories across Bangalore. You get a marked camera plan and an itemised quote with model numbers.
Contact us for a CCTV survey →Quick answers
How long does a CCTV site survey take?+
About 30 minutes for a flat or shop, and up to half a day for a large factory or apartment complex.
Is a site survey necessary for a small home?+
Yes. Even a short visit avoids wrong lenses, poor angles and cable surprises.
What should I prepare for the survey?+
Floor plans if available, access to all areas, a list of concerns and a budget range.
Should the quote include model numbers?+
Yes. Exact models let you compare quotes and check certification.
Can a survey be done by video call?+
A video call can help with a first estimate, but a site visit is needed for an accurate plan and quote.