Who is Responsible for What During Drive-Thru Installation?
Who is Responsible for What During Drive-Thru Installation?
Drive-Thru Installation: Who Does What
A successful drive-thru installation requires coordination between multiple parties. Installation stalls—and costs everyone money—when responsibilities aren't clear upfront. This guide defines every role so your team, your GC, and ours are aligned before work begins.
Key Parties Involved
- Supplies all equipment
- Hires & manages 3rd-party technicians
- Conducts site surveys
- Coordinates scheduling & logistics
- Tests & verifies system functionality
- Provides power at install points
- Provides network infrastructure
- Ensures site access
- Coordinates with GC
- Final sign-off
- Concrete foundations/footers
- Conduit installation
- Electrical rough-in
- Trade coordination
- Permitting (typically)
- Final electrical hook-up
- Dedicated circuits
- Code compliance
- Electrical permits
- Final digital monitor connections
- CAT6 runs to network switch
- Network configuration & testing
- Remote monitor verification
Responsibility Matrix
Who is responsible for each task. Actual assignments may vary by project scope and contract terms.
Site Preparation
| Task | Howard | Customer | GC | Electrician | LV Tech |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Concrete foundation/footers | — | — | ✓ | — | — |
| Conduit installation | — | — | ✓ | — | — |
| Electrical rough-in to junction boxes | — | — | ✓ | ✓ | — |
| Power outlets at install points | — | ✓ | — | ✓ | — |
| Network ports & switch | — | ✓ | — | — | — |
| Firewall configuration | — | ✓ | — | — | — |
| Site survey | ✓ | — | — | — | — |
| Permitting (if required) | Optional* | ✓ | ✓ | — | — |
* Howard can manage permitting if requested; costs passed through at actual cost.
Equipment Installation
| Task | Howard | Customer | GC | Electrician | LV Tech |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Supply equipment | ✓ | — | — | — | — |
| Mount menu boards/fixtures to foundation | ✓ | — | — | — | — |
| Mount indoor monitors (wall/ceiling) | ✓ | — | — | — | — |
| Install headset base station | ✓ | — | — | — | — |
| Install speaker/mic (drive-thru) | ✓ | — | — | — | — |
| Saw cut vehicle detector loop | ✓ | — | — | — | — |
| Run cables through conduit | ✓ | — | — | — | — |
| CAT6 runs to network switch | ✓ | — | — | — | ✓ |
| Final electrical hook-up | — | — | — | ✓ | — |
| Final digital monitor connections | — | — | — | — | ✓ |
Common Issues & How to Avoid Them
Confirm GC has completed conduit runs before scheduling equipment installation. Without conduit, cables cannot be run and installation will be delayed.
Ensure the electrician has installed outlets at base station, charging station, and monitor locations prior to installation day.
Digital menu boards require network connectivity. Confirm ports are active, firewall is configured, and one port is available per monitor.
Outdoor fixtures cannot be mounted without a completed foundation. Allow adequate cure time for concrete before scheduling installation.
Some jurisdictions require 4–6 weeks for permit approval. Start applications early and clarify who is responsible for permits upfront.
Final electrical hookup is not included in Howard's installation price. Schedule a licensed electrician to complete connections after equipment is mounted.
The installation team needs access to the site and building for mapping. Ensure a knowledgeable site contact is available on installation day.
If our team arrives and the site is not ready (power, conduit, access), a return-trip charge will apply. Complete the Pre-Install Verification step to prevent this.
Typical Project Timeline
30-day post-installation warranty applies to errors in installation. Product warranties are separate.
Ready to Plan Your Installation?
Our team has 75+ years of experience coordinating complex multi-party drive-thru installations across QSR, convenience stores, and restaurant chains nationwide.
Responsibility assignments reflect standard installation practices and may vary based on contract terms, project scope, and local requirements.