David:

Speaking only for myself, that is similar to how we do it.

What we do is show a sample of the programming on a touchpanel prior to having the system installed, usually just after the project acceptance and during rough wiring. The client hasn't seen the system operate yet, and the touchpanel will seem fine to them at first blush. Present the touchpanel for customer acceptance, and have them sign off on it. From that point forward they understand that changes are extra. I still give them at least one gratis reprogramming because they can make the case that it's hard to understand "how they want it" until the system if operating in front of them. Nonetheless, if you establish up front how the touchpanel will look and behave, and make it clear that significant changes are an extra, this will sharply limit (in my experience) the re-do's to touchpanel programming that might ensue.

Just depends on the job. On a major job you might as well figure you time and money in for reprogramming. On a small job show the customer how to hook up to their computer and let them play with the program you created for them. The major job generally has a customer who does not want to mess with the program and does not mind spending the money to have the job done correctly. We get many requests to reprogam other company's installs. Point of story: Work hard to make a remote run as efficiently for the client as possible...IF it would not work for your home, then don't leave it for a customer. Make it simple!!!!!