Cost by build phase
Coverage should escalate with what is actually on the ground. Paying for a standing post during site prep wastes budget; paying for passes during MEP rough-in loses copper.
| Phase | Recommended coverage | Typical monthly cost |
|---|---|---|
| Site prep and grading | 2–3 randomized passes/night | $300–$650 |
| Framing, materials staged | 4–6 passes/night or weekend post | $650–$1,800 |
| MEP rough-in (copper, wire, HVAC) | Standing overnight post, 12 hrs | $3,900–$6,300 |
| Finish and fixtures on site | Standing post + weekend day coverage | $5,500–$9,000 |
| Punch list and turnover | Back to 3–4 passes/night | $450–$900 |
The math contractors actually run
A single overnight copper or tool theft on a mid-size Sacramento job routinely costs more than a month of coverage once you add replacement, rework, and schedule slip. The schedule slip is the part that gets underestimated — a stolen HVAC unit is not just the unit, it is the lead time to replace it and every trade stacked behind it.
That is why coverage decisions should follow what is exposed, not the calendar. We size the post to the phase and re-quote when the phase changes, rather than locking you into a full-time post for the whole build.
What our construction posts include
- Gate control and contractor log-in during active hours where the post is staffed for it
- Overnight lot lockdown with equipment and material counts on every pass
- Trailer, conex, and fuel-tank seal checks documented with photos
- Copper, wire spool, and appliance staging areas checked by name in the post orders
- Timestamped photo log delivered each morning to the superintendent, not just the office
- Written escalation tree so the officer knows who to call at 2 a.m. and in what order