Getting a new telly mounted on your wall sounds simple enough, but I’ve learned the hard way that finding the right professional for the job isn’t always straightforward. After a disastrous experience with a “mate of a mate” who left my living room wall looking like a construction site, I became rather methodical about vetting TV installers. There’s nothing worse than paying good money for shoddy workmanship or discovering hidden costs after the fact.
I’ve compiled these 12 essential questions to help you avoid the pitfalls & secure a competent professional who’ll get the job done right. Trust me, asking these questions upfront could save you a massive headache later!
1. Are You Properly Qualified and Insured?
This might seem obvious, but it’s CRUCIAL to verify credentials before letting someone drill holes in your walls and handle expensive equipment. A qualified TV installer should have specific training or certification in AV installation. Many legitimate professionals are certified by recognised industry bodies or have completed manufacturer training programmes.
Ask about public liability insurance too! This protects you if something goes wrong during installation — like if they accidentally drop your brand new £1,500 OLED TV or damage your property. A professional who hesitates or gets defensive about sharing their qualifications or insurance details is waving a massive red flag.
I once hired someone who claimed to be “fully qualified” but wouldn’t provide specifics. Halfway through the installation, it became painfully obvious he’d overstated his expertise. Lesson learned!
2. What’s Your Experience with My Specific TV Model?
Not all tellies are created equal! Different brands and models have their own quirks and mounting requirements. A Samsung QLED might need different considerations than an LG OLED or a Sony Bravia. You want someone who’s familiar with your particular make & model.
Good installers will have worked with a wide range of TVs and be knowledgable about the specific requirements for yours. If they seem unfamiliar, they might need to research on the spot or — worse — make uneducated guesses.
It’s worth asking how many similar installations they’ve completed in the past year. An experienced installer should be able to tell you about common issues with your model and how they address them — that’s the kind of expertise worth paying for!
3. Can You Assess My Wall Type Before Quoting?
Wall composition is EVERYTHING when it comes to TV mounting! Plasterboard (drywall), brick, concrete, or timber-framed walls all require different mounting hardware and techniques. A professional installer should ask about your wall type — or better yet, inspect it in person — before providing a final quote.
If they don’t mention wall assessment, bring it up yourself. The last thing you want is for someone to arrive with inappropriate fixings or discover mid-installation that your wall requires special treatment, resulting in additional costs or a botched job.
Be especially cautious if you live in an older property. Victorian homes, for instance, can have lath and plaster walls that require specialised mounting techniques. An experienced installer will know this and advise accordingly.
4. What’s Included in Your Quoted Price?
Ah, the dreaded hidden costs! I’ve been caught out before with what seemed like a reasonable quote, only to face a series of “extras” that nearly doubled the price. A transparent professional will provide a detailed breakdown of costs upfront.
Ask specifically whether the quote includes: – The wall bracket and all mounting hardware – Cable management (hiding or tidying wires) – Connection of all devices – Removal and disposal of packaging – Any necessary wall repairs or finishing touches
Some installers advertise attractive base rates but then charge supplements for services you’d reasonably expect to be included. Don’t be shy about clarifying exactly what you’re paying for — it’s your right as a consumer to know!
5. How Will You Manage Cables and Connections?
Nothing ruins the sleek look of a wall-mounted TV like a jumble of cables hanging down! Cable management is an art form, & a skilled installer should have several solutions to offer based on your specific setup and preferences.
Ask whether they can chase cables into the wall (where appropriate) or use conduits to conceal them. If you need connections to multiple devices — gaming consoles, sound systems, set-top boxes, etc. — discuss how these will be arranged for both aesthetics & functionality.
A quality installer will take time to understand your entertainment setup and suggest the most practical cable management solution. They’ll also consider future-proofing, like leaving space for additional connections you might add later.
6. Do You Provide a Warranty on Your Workmanship?
Your TV likely comes with a manufacturer’s warranty, but what about the installation itself? Professional installers should stand behind their work with some form of workmanship guarantee.
This is particularly important for wall mounting, where problems might not become apparent immediately. Perhaps the bracket wasn’t secured properly, or the cables were improperly connected. A good installer will offer at least a 12-month warranty on their labour and be willing to return to fix any issues that arise from their workmanship.
Get the warranty terms in writing before proceeding — verbal assurances tend to evaporate when problems actually arise! This simple step could save you significant money & stress if something goes wrong months after installation.
7. What Happens If My TV Needs to Be Relocated?
Life happens! You might redecorate, rearrange furniture, or simply decide you’d prefer your TV in a different position. It’s worth asking whether the installer offers any support for relocating TVs they’ve previously mounted, and what the cost would be.
Some companies provide discounted rates for returning customers or include one free relocation within a certain timeframe. Others might charge full price regardless. Knowing this in advance helps you make an informed decision, especially if you’re not 100% certain about your chosen location.
I once spent ages deliberating about where exactly to position my TV, and I’m glad I did — but having flexibility from your installer is certainly reassuring.
8. What’s Your Availability for Repairs or Adjustments?
Even the most perfect installation might need tweaking down the line. Perhaps you notice the TV isn’t quite level after a few weeks, or you decide to add a soundbar that requires adjusting the height.
Good installers understand that after-service is part of building a reputation & will be reasonably available for minor adjustments. Ask about their typical response time for such requests and whether there’s a callout fee for small fixes.
This question also gives you insight into their customer service approach. An installer who’s difficult to pin down about future availability might be equally difficult to reach if problems arise!
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right TV installer isn’t just about finding the cheapest quote — it’s about securing someone with the skills, experience & professionalism to enhance your viewing experience while protecting your valuable equipment.
By asking these 12 questions, you’ll separate the true professionals from the chancers & significantly increase your chances of a stress-free installation. Remember, a properly mounted TV should give you years of trouble-free enjoyment, making the initial care in selecting your installer well worth the effort. Don’t skimp on this important step — your fancy new telly (and your peace of mind) deserves better!
