Choosing the right home theater installer in Raleigh is more important than choosing the right equipment. A great system installed poorly is a frustrating experience. A modest system installed correctly is a joy to use every day. Here is how to evaluate AV companies and what separates professional integrators from handymen with a drill.
Certifications That Matter
The AV industry has several recognized credentials:
- CEDIA Member: The Custom Electronics Design and Installation Association. Membership requires adherence to professional standards and ongoing education. Not every installer is a CEDIA member.
- RTI Dealer: Requires training and certification from RTI. You cannot legally install and program RTI systems without dealer certification.
- Lutron Certified Installer: Lutron requires training and certification for dealers who install RadioRA 3 and HomeWorks. Uncertified installers cannot access the programming software.
- ISF Calibration: ISF (Imaging Science Foundation) certification for display calibration is the mark of a company serious about image quality.
Ask any company you are considering: Are you a certified RTI dealer? Are you Lutron certified? Ask for the certification numbers if you want to verify.
Questions to Ask Before Hiring
- Can I see examples of projects similar to mine? Do you have references in Raleigh I can contact?
- Who specifically will be installing the system -- employees or subcontractors?
- What does ongoing support look like after installation? Is there a service contract?
- Do you carry liability insurance and workers compensation?
- What happens if something stops working two years from now?
- Who programs the control system? Is it done by the same person who designs it?
Red Flags to Watch For
- No physical address or local presence -- AV work requires return visits for support
- Very low bids that do not specify equipment brands or model numbers
- Pressure to decide quickly or sign before receiving a written proposal
- No service or support plan offered after installation
- Lack of certifications for the brands they are proposing to install
- Relying entirely on consumer equipment (Best Buy brands) for a commercial-quality install
Creative Mind Technologies -- Raleigh AV Professionals Since 2009
We are a certified RTI dealer, certified Lutron installer, and CEDIA-affiliated integrator serving Raleigh, Cary, Apex, Wake Forest, and all of the Triangle. Every project comes with a written proposal, manufacturer warranties, and ongoing support.
Schedule a Free ConsultationHow to Compare Quotes
When comparing proposals, make sure you are comparing the same things. A ,000 quote and a ,000 quote for a home theater may both be reasonable -- but only if they specify the same equipment and scope. Insist on itemized proposals that list every piece of equipment by brand and model number, the labor scope, and what is and is not included. Vague proposals protect the installer, not you.
The cheapest quote is rarely the best value. A home theater that requires three service visits in the first year because of poor installation quality costs far more than the difference between the low bid and the professional bid.
