Re: Thinking of installing myself...

[JoeRaisin <joeraisin@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

Frank Olson wrote:
> Robert L Bass wrote:
>
>> The problem for the consumer is that the dealer may or may not be very
>> talented.
>> His crew might be well-trained or they might be hacks picked up at the
>> unemployment line.
>
>

I take a bit of umbrage at that comment as well.  In Michigan we only
need a state license to install fire alarms but it is our company policy
to always have a licensed individual at least check on a site wether it
is a fire system or not.  Unlicensed techs are only turned loose after
they prove themselves competent.  This usually takes at least four to
six months.  By that time they are either capable of doing the job or
they don't work for us anymore.

The fire alarm technician license requires a NICET level II before you
can test for it.

We also undergo a background check prior to hiring on.

We do a lot of work in high end (multi-million dollar) 'vacation' homes
so we take pride in our installations and any "hacks" that manage to
make it through the job interview and background check don't last very
long in the field.  When your installers are drilling holes in doors and
windows custom made out of mahogany (usually from down your way, Robert)
you ensure that those installers know what the hell they are doing.

If the consumer takes a few minutes to check on the local companys (a
primate with a telphone could do it - its not rocket science) he/she can
find a reputable firm that will provide quality equipment and
installation at a reasonable price.

Maybe a monkey with a screwdriver 'could' install a system but I bet he
pops a hole in the vapor barrier fishing down an insulated wall....




>
> "That is categorically false.  Please don't muddy up a good thread with
> that false claim".
>
> In B. C., you can't "pick up" a "hack" from the unemployment line and
> put them to work the same day.  They have to be screened by having a
> criminal back-ground check done, and then licensed.  A number of
> jurisdictions are starting to require at least the back-ground check.  I
> run a security information site with links to many state sponsored
> initiatives.
>
> In B.C. the apprentice technician must either have three years of
> documented work experience and pass an exam before they can receive
> their "Technical Qualification" (TQ).  The only way to get around the
> three year requirement is to go through the BCIT course which gives them
> a 1.5 year credit.
>
>
>
>> The problem is that the customer has no way to know whether
>> the dealer in his living room is a good guy or a dolt.
>
>
>
>
> In BC, (and many other jurisdictions) installers are "TQ'd" and licensed
> by the Government.  "Dolts" are on the unemployment line, have moved
> back home with "Dad", sell a plethora of equipment online that they
> either wouldn't recommend installing themselves (or have never
> installed), and/or post huge PR and HTML files to Newsgroups from Brazil.
>
>
> Frank Olson
> http://www.yoursecuritysource.com