INDUSTRY RELATIONS
Jan/Feb 2020 | Residential Tech Today 35
equipment. As a single-person company, it
may be difficult to get him to service what he
has sold you. If you want more than audio/
visual systems and are looking for responsive
service to go alongside it, I urge you to continue
your search.
What about electrical companies? Electricians
are often tasked with installing speakers, smart
lighting switches, and video doorbells, but do
they know how the audio system works, how to
configure wireless networks, or how to
troubleshoot when something falls offline?
Typically, the answer is “No.” Some electrical
companies have invested in dedicated
departments for such a thing, but it doesn’t
automatically qualify them for proper design
and responsive service.
If not electrical, what about security
companies? Residential security providers have
access to a wide breadth of products, mostly
centered around life safety. Fire alarms, burglary
systems, and monitoring services are typically
the core offering, with “smart home technology”
or “home theater” living on the fringe – more as
an add-on installation service. Installations can
be inexpensive on the front end, with a nice long
monitoring contract on the back end. Always
read the fine print!
Typically, none of the above are stellar when it
comes to designing, configuring, and servicing a
home network, so it may seem logical to
consider an IT company to install your wireless
network. Here’s the challenge: wireless access
points should go where you want wireless
internet. This means placing a set-top box,
extender, or wireless router in your kitchen,
master bedroom, or pool house. I’ve seen IT
companies install a wireless router with multiple
antennas on a shelf with family photos. While
you may get a great signal at a fair price, it comes
with a cost – poor aesthetics and (commonly)
exposed wires.
While you can manage your home technology
experience by hiring a combination of the
above, you may end up with disjointed systems
and in some instances, doubling of efforts.
If the idea of managing multiple companies or
people gives you a headache, consider a custom
integrator. These companies are built to
understand your needs, discuss any technology
problem, and develop a solution with you.
In new construction, custom integrators work
with design/build professionals to create and
share drawings that guide electricians,
carpenters, and their own team. CI professionals
do the same for existing homes and often turn
“dumb” houses “smart” by providing internet
access, motorized blinds, smart lighting, music,
movies, and more. Many times, CI companies
act as a low-voltage general contractor and
coordinate other trades – such as electricians or
drywallers – to provide turn-key installations so
you have only one point of contact for the
project. Often times these professionals have
had formal product training and likely have
industry “best practice” education with
certifications to prove it. Pricing is typically
more than any of the aforementioned “guys,” but
the offering is different. It’s the whole pie and
not just a slice. It should cost more.
Throughout this article, I’ve used the word
“typically” a lot, which was purposeful. Not all
companies fit into these five groups as I’ve
outlined them. Consider it as more of a guide
instead of a rule book when looking for a home
technology professional for your project. You
may want more than an AV Guy; you may want
a CI Gal! x
Projects like these couldn’t be done by “just an AV guy.”