12 questions to ask before hiring an AV installer

Installing sound or screens in a venue is not just about the day of the job. You will live with the result for years, so it pays to ask the right questions up front. Here are twelve to send to any installer you are considering.

Experience

1. 1Have you worked in venues like mine? Can you share photos or a reference?
2. 2Who will actually do the work: you, or a subcontractor?
3. 3Have you worked with this brand of equipment before?

The job itself

1. 1What exactly is included in the quote, and what is not?
2. 2Will the work need an electrician, building consent or landlord approval?
3. 3Can you work outside our opening hours?
4. 4How long will the job take, and what happens if it runs over?

Equipment

1. 1Is the equipment commercial grade, and why did you choose it?
2. 2Can my staff run it day to day without calling you?

After the job

1. 1What warranty do you give on labour, and what is the manufacturer warranty on equipment?
2. 2Will you leave documentation: a wiring diagram, equipment list, settings and passwords?
3. 3How quickly can you respond if something fails on a busy night?

Red flags

• A quote with one line and no detail.
• Pressure to pay the full amount up front.
• No proof of insurance.
• Reluctance to hand over passwords or documentation when the job is done.
• A request to pay or communicate outside the platform you found them on.

Ready to shortlist? Search technicians by skill and location, then message a few with your questions.