When you're making the decision to have an entry gate added to your property there are many details to consider before making any choices. Often folks don't understand or consider what makes any entry system a valuable part of a property's security package or what makes it nothing but a nuisance or worse, a liability.
Here's a few tips.
Safety.
Automated access gates can carry large liabilities for the property owner, manufacturers and installers. Always follow all local building codes and recommendations. In the U.S.A. most locations require all automated access systems to adhere to UL325 recommendations for automatic gates. Even where it's not required following these guidelines is smart money spent, potentially saving you from costly litigation. For more on this check out DASMA's website, here, http://www.dasma.com/safetygate.asp. They have a lot of good info in tech data sheets #'s 351-377 here, http://www.dasma.com/pubtechdata.asp.
Zoning and Code compliance.
This should be the first thing you check. Restrictions are usually based on safety, liabilities, aesthetics. In many locales for example restrictions prohibit sub-divisions from having entry gates at all. There may be variances and/or fee's required as well. Once past the zoning issues you'll need to find out if your governing building inspector's office requires permits and inspections, and related fees.
Landscaping and paving.
The time to begin your gate installation is BEFORE any grading, paving, and landscape work commence. Often there will be electric, phone and data connections that are best installed in trenches before the road surface, or land scaping is completed.
Access.
Who needs access? There will be different needs for any property that will necessitate the use of certain types of equipment. For example a single family residence could potentially only use a remote control similar to a garage door opener's. However a commercial location may need a timer to open and close the gate at a certain time, as well as a keypad and intercom to allow multiple users access. Programmable keypads, intercoms, and telephone interface systems come in many shapes and sizes. Find someone well versed in automated access to help in selecting what's right for your property.
Budget.
This is the one that causes problems. Simply put automatic gates and systems are not cheap. So if you decide to spend the money, take the time to find out how to spend wisely. Quality is usually tied pretty tightly to cost, generally the better systems will cost more. Budgeting realistically for a quality system installed by an experienced, ethical professional installer usually is cost effective when compared to having to make changes or additions after the fact.
Hiring a gate contractor.
Many of the same things you'd consider in hiring any pro apply here, too. Are they insured, look for general liability and workers compensation or the property owner in at risk during any work performed. Are they licensed, if required. Most states have licensing required for any job over a certain dollar amount, or for certain types of work performed. In my state, NC, any work over $30,000, and certain types of work regardless of cost, require the persons doing the work to be a licensed contractor. However these laws are updated regularly so check with your state's licensing board for requirements.
I hope this helps, and good luck in selecting your gate projects.
-Brian-
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