Why installer selection matters more here than almost anywhere
A poorly installed panic room gives you the feeling of security without the reality. A door rated RC3 in an unreinforced frame. A communication system with no backup power. A ventilation system that wasn't commissioned correctly. These failures are invisible until the moment they matter most.
12 questions to ask every installer
- How many dedicated panic rooms have you installed in the last 3 years? Not renovations with a security door — dedicated panic room projects with structural reinforcement, communications, and systems integration.
- What resistance rating standards do you work to? They should reference RC ratings (EN 1627) or equivalent Australian/international standards without prompting.
- Who manufactures the security door you're specifying? Quality brands (many European — Italian, German, Swiss) vs unknown suppliers is a significant quality indicator.
- How do you specify the frame reinforcement relative to the door rating? The answer should demonstrate they understand that door and frame are a system.
- What is your approach to wall reinforcement, and how do you determine the specification required? They should reference the threat model and existing construction type as inputs.
- What communication systems do you install, and how do they maintain function during a power outage? Backup battery on a dedicated cellular system is the minimum acceptable answer.
- How do you handle ventilation for stays beyond 30 minutes? If they look blank, that's a significant red flag.
- What confidentiality measures do you take during installation? NDAs, limited crew knowledge, unmarked vehicles — any competent installer has an answer to this.
- Can I speak directly with 3 clients who had panic rooms installed — not just general builds? References who can speak specifically to the quality and performance of the panic room, ideally 2+ years post-installation.
- Do you use subcontractors for any part of the installation? And if so, how is confidentiality managed with those subcontractors?
- What is your commissioning process, and what documentation do you provide at handover? A professional installer provides a full commissioning report, maintenance schedule, and tested emergency procedures.
- What support is available after installation? At minimum, phone support and a commitment to respond to system failures quickly.
Red flags
- !Cannot explain resistance rating standards or references them inconsistently
- !Leads with price before understanding your requirements
- !Cannot provide references from specific panic room installations
- !No mention of ventilation or treats it as optional
- !Proposes a communications system with no battery backup
- !Cannot describe how door rating and frame specification interact
- !Uses vague language around "bulletproof" or "impenetrable" without resistance rating specifics
Our matching service only introduces buyers to installers who have passed a structured vetting process — including reference verification, portfolio review, and a technical interview. We don't list general builders who have done one panic room.
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