Hire a Custom Installer

Finding a custom installer to design your home theater or media room may seem like a daunting endeavor. You're dealing with home electronics, after all, and electronics can be intimidating. But hiring a custom installer is really no different than hiring an architect, interior designer or other professional. The most important factor to consider is experience. You want someone you can trust who isn't going to "drop the ball" halfway through the project.

There's no need to feel intimidated, either, because an experienced custom installer recognizes the importance of establishing a good rapport with clients from the start. If the installer has an "attitude," don't waste your time, because his attitude will only get worse. Your future custom installer should make you feel relaxed and appreciated, not patronized. Any lack of knowledge about electronics on your part should be met with an enthusiastic and sincere desire to educate you. The installer should be willing to take the time to help you understand the options available to meet your requirements and your budget.

Before you begin your search, ask yourself these fundamental questions: Are you looking for the best company with complete, beginning-to-end responsibility for your project? Is this company expected to design, engineer and provide comprehensive documentation, and integrate with all the other parties involved (i.e., architect, interior designer, builder, cabinetmaker)?

Perhaps you're looking for the lowest possible price or most economical solution to your needs. Make sure you understand the differences between simple systems (not necessarily easy to use or future upgradeable) and expensive systems. Generally speaking, the easier a system is to use, the more expensive it is to purchase and install. With custom-installed home media systems, the old adage, "you get what you pay for" applies in spades.