Drop count and locations
A good quote lists how many drops go where, ideally tied to a floor plan, and whether each location gets one, two or more cables.
Cable type and jacket rating
It should name the cable category (Cat6, Cat6A, fiber type) and the jacket rating the building requires: plenum for air-handling spaces, riser for vertical runs between floors.
Pathways and support
How the cable gets there matters: J-hooks, cable tray, existing conduit or new conduit. Cable lying on ceiling tiles is a shortcut that fails inspections and causes problems later.
Terminations at both ends
Look for jacks, faceplates and patch panel ports at the far end, not just the cable pull. Confirm the jacks and panels match the cable category.
Racks, cabinets and cable management
If the job includes a new rack, cabinet or network room cleanup, the quote should say so, including horizontal and vertical cable management.
Labeling
Every faceplate and patch panel port should be labeled with a consistent scheme, printed, not handwritten. Ask what scheme they will use or whether they will follow yours.
Testing and certification
Each run should be tested, and you should receive the results. Certification testing to the cable category is the standard for commercial work.
Firestopping and code items
Any penetration through a fire-rated wall or floor needs firestopping. A quote that ignores it is leaving out real work.
Documentation and handoff
You should get as-built notes or drawings showing where each drop lands, plus the test results, so your IT team or partner can support it later.
Schedule, access and exclusions
After-hours work, lift rental, building access rules and anything excluded (like patch cords or ceiling repair) should be spelled out up front. Those are the usual sources of surprise change orders.
Want a second look at a quote you already have? Send it to us and we'll tell you what's missing.