| Here Are a Few Questions To Ask A Home Theater | | | | like 6 months same as cash for example? Or do they |
| Company When Speaking To Them On The Phone | | | | want all of the money upfront? |
| First of all, take the time to interview several home | | | | 6) Will they install some of your equipment that you |
| theater designers & installers before choosing one | | | | have purchased on your own? Or do they only |
| to work with. As you talk with them, be sure to listen | | | | equipment they supply? |
| carefully & take notes as they answer. | | | | 7) Are you a "Do it Yourself" kind of person? Will they |
| Remember its either find out now...or suffer the | | | | work with you on partial jobs like prewiring your |
| consequences of finding out later. | | | | theater room only? Or just hanging your plasma and |
| 1) Now this is important: Do they have an "unrestricted" | | | | setting up your personal surround sound system? |
| state license to do low voltage work...or are they wiring | | | | 8) Will they do small jobs? For example will they offer |
| & installing home theatre rooms without the | | | | to hang an LCD over the fireplace or optimize your |
| proper state license?. (You would be surprised how | | | | existing 7.1 surround sound system? |
| many electricians & security alarm installers say | | | | 9) Will they offer you a FREE onsite home theater |
| they are certified. Remember an unrestricted electrical | | | | consultation...or will they CHARGE you for the privilege |
| license does not authorize the installation of low | | | | to show them what they can do for you? Don't be |
| voltage wiring. It is not the same as an unrestricted low | | | | surprised if they charge a $100.00 or more for giving |
| voltage license. The same goes for a burglar alarm | | | | them the opportunity to earn your business. |
| license...this is a "restricted" low voltage license limiting | | | | 10) Do they have a home theatre showroom that you |
| them to burglar alarms only!) Do not not to settle for | | | | can come and play with all of the latest home theater |
| anything less than state licensed for "unrestricted" low | | | | equipment yourself? Can you bring your favorite action |
| voltage work. | | | | movies to hear your favorite sound effects on the |
| 2)Lets talk about insurance. What kind of insurance do | | | | different surround sound systems they have on site? |
| they carry? What happens if they drop your $5,000 | | | | Can you bring your favorite CD's and listen to the |
| Sony plasma Television? ) Are they insured with | | | | songs & compare them with several speaker |
| general liability insurance for all of their workers...as well | | | | packages so you can hear the difference? |
| as workman's comp? (Many companies use | | | | 11) While you are there do you feel comfortable talking |
| subcontractors that may or may not be licensed) Ask | | | | to the consultants or do you feel sales pressure to |
| to see a current proof of insurance during the | | | | spend more than you have in mind? Was your |
| interview process! Many companies give low prices to | | | | presentation informative and helpful , or was it a thinly |
| win your business, now you know how they can do | | | | veiled sales pitch? |
| that! Is the risk worth saving a few dollars to you? | | | | 12) Beware of sleazy sales tactics. Are they willing to |
| 3) Do they offer you a list of references to check? Or | | | | work within your budget...or are they pushing you to |
| do you have to ask again and again? Don't settle for | | | | spend more than you feel comfortable with? |
| phone references either. Friends and family can pose | | | | One way to find out is while checking their references. |
| as phony references. You would be surprised how | | | | Don't be afraid to ask about the sales process, and |
| many customers are proud to show you their new | | | | sales pressure. If they didn't like it they will be sure to |
| theater rooms, all you have to do is just ask! | | | | tell you! |
| 4) Do they have a website for you to check out their | | | | Does it take time to do get answers to these |
| company, look at testimonials , samples of the work | | | | questions upfront? |
| they do and a place to educate yourself about home | | | | Most certainly, yes. |
| theater? | | | | But in the end you will agree it was time worth spent. |
| 5) What about financing? Is special financing available, | | | | |