Q: Can you come to my home and provide a complimentary consultation?
A: We are happy to visit your home, show you photos of gates, and discuss the aspects of a new gate installation or the automation of an existing gate.

Q: Of what type of material can you make my gate?
A: Bay Cities Automatic Gates offers gates in wood, aluminum and ornamental iron.

Q: What is the difference in cost between these types of gates?
A: Since the ornamental iron gate is less costly than wood, most prefer to use this type of material. Aluminum gates are used near beach locations or any wet locations and they are more costly than ornamental iron.  Repairs to aluminum gates are also more costly than iron because they require specialty-welding techniques.

Q: Is there an advantage of wood over iron?
A: The wood gate generally affords more privacy, though there are iron styles that can also be quite private.

Q: Do I have to paint the iron gate often?
A: All BCAG ornamental iron gates are primed and powder coated to provide at least ten years of maintenance free enjoyment.

Q: How can I see who is at my gate before I buzz them in?
A: The telephone access control unit can contain a small camera that provides a full view of the person contacting you from the gate. A separate camera mounted discretely nearby can provide a superior quality image, if preferred. These systems are wired into the cable TV systems or viewed via monitors, throughout the home. They can also integrate with the home’s security system.

Q: With the proliferation of cell phones, why would I want a telephone entry system?
A: Hearing a stranger’s voice is the first line of defense in access control and not everyone has a cell phone, especially delivery personnel. The best feature of a telephone access system is that you can control your gate using any digital phone from anywhere you may happen to be. Often the unforeseen situation proves its worth many times.

Q: How large are the transmitters used to open the gate and must I juggle two, one for my garage door and one for the gate?
A: Transmitters can be sized for key rings or installed on a car visor alongside the garage door transmitter. If a homeowner’s automobile has the capability, the installer can program the inside roof controls to open the gate. Some garage door opener controls are compatible with gate frequencies and can combine, so only one control is required.

Q: Do I need a permit to install my gate?
A: Some municipalities and fire districts require a permit to obtain the Knox Switch application and some do not.  We cannot install an automatic gate without the addition of the Knox Switch. BCAG is willing to perform the permit process on a time and materials basis. The homeowner is also free to make application to their city for a gate permit. BCAG is happy to assist with the drawings and technical data required by the municipal building departments.

Q: How long does the permit process take?
A: It can take approximately three to six weeks, depending upon a city’s backlog.

Q: How much does the permit cost?
A: Depending upon the municipality, there can be a fire permit for approximately $200 and the building permit is often assessed as a percentage of the complete job. Three feet by two feet, the building department also requires plans of the proposed entry alteration. Depending upon the job and location, costs can add to approximately $2,000 to $2,500.00, depending upon the number of inspections involved and if the homeowner plans to be home for these inspections.

Q: Do you have references for prior work?
A: We have many satisfied customers and local sites you can review in order to check out our work.

Q: We would like to install some lights on the gate posts/columns. Can you do this for us?
A: Our electrician or yours can easily add lights to the new gateway. Typically, the homeowner chooses the lights and we can install them. The lights can turn on using a photocell sensor or timer.