Late-Stage Assistance: Turning Challenges into Wins

When most people think about engaging an owner’s representative for low voltage, they picture a long, steady partnership, years of planning, design, and coordination from day one. And that’s true for many of our projects. But sometimes, WhiteSpace gets called in late in the game.  

That’s exactly what happened on a recent development. We were brought in in January. Residents were scheduled to move in the coming December. The finish line was in sight… and some costly decisions had already been made.  

Our role? A “Review and Assist” engagement. But as it turned out, the project needed much more than a quick check-in. 

Finding $500,000 in Savings — Even if We Couldn’t Capture It This Time 

One of the first things we spotted was a door lock package that was dramatically overspent compared to what was needed. In fact, we identified $500,000 in potential savings.  

Unfortunately, the doors and locks had already been purchased, so the money couldn’t be reclaimed on this project. But now, the owner knows exactly what to look for on future developments, and where tremendous savings can be realized without sacrificing quality or security. 

Fixing an Overspec’d Package Room 

We also discovered that the package room solution on the table was far more complex – and far more expensive – than necessary.  

It wasn’t just overkill for the resident experience. It was going to cost significantly more to maintain and operate long-term. We recommended a streamlined package management solution that not only improved the user experience but also came in at a much lower price point and with better operational efficiency for the onsite team. 

Running a Late-Stage Managed WiFi RFP 

When we stepped in, the ISP proposals were all over the place — different formats, pricing, and assumptions — making it impossible to compare fairly.  

Worse, the infrastructure wasn’t even spec’d. Drywall was about to go up without the backbone for Managed WiFi in place, and no installer had been lined up. We quickly corrected both, avoiding costly rework and schedule delays.  

We then leveled every ISP proposal, ran a competitive process, and delivered a clear side-by-side comparison. The result: better service, a stronger price point, and a project back on track — even this late in the game. 

When “We Know Low Voltage” Isn’t Quite Enough 

Low voltage decisions can’t be made in a vacuum— they have to fit into the bigger technology strategy.  

The architects and contractors on the job were talented professionals, but they aren’t low voltage specialists. And that’s not a knock on their abilities; it’s just not their core competency.  

Without a deep understanding of low voltage systems, owners can end up with:  

• Over-specified solutions that cost more than necessary  

• Missed opportunities for operational efficiency  

• Technology decisions that don’t align with long-term goals  

This is where WhiteSpace comes in. As the owner’s representative, our sole focus is protecting the owner’s investment in building technology. We know the systems, the vendors, and the pitfalls – and we’re relentless about getting it right. 

Happy Client, Happy WhiteSpace 

Whether we’re involved from day one or brought in during the home stretch, our job is the same:  

• Protect the owner’s interests  

• Maximize value in the short-term and long-term 

• Ensure technology works for both residents and operations  

Late-stage assistance isn’t always ideal, but with the right expertise, it can still deliver big wins.  

If you’re developing, renovating, or simply want a second set of eyes on your technology scope, let’s talk. The earlier we get involved, the more value we can bring – but as this project proves, it’s never too late to make a difference.