Where Do I Start?

Adding a system to an existing structure has both good and bad points. It's
great because chances are you've lived in it for a while and have been able to
make decisions for a system based on that experience. You also aren't usually
under any major time constraints. The bad side is that there are always issues
that result in the cost of wiring being higher than with new construction.

Many of the steps for an existing home are similar to that of new construction.
You need to have a general concept of what it is you're interested in, make
notes as you have ideas, and then call to arrange an appointment in your
home. Part of the note-taking process should include alternate locations for
anything that might be mounted on or in a wall. There are going to be times
where installing flush-mounted speakers in a particular location, for example,
just becomes too difficult to be cost effective. Using sticky "Post-It" style pads
can help in marking where your placement options are.

During our visit, we will most likely ask to see all of the areas where you are
interested in having work done. This may also include attic and basement
areas.

Based on the type of work you wish to have done and notes gathered, we will
prepare a proposal outlining the system and costs involved. Once approved, we
will schedule a time for the work to start.

By the time most people in the process of building a new home even think
about things like adding music, specialized lighting, a Media Room or even a
Home Theater, they have already been bombarded with decisions that had to
be made "yesterday". We understand, and will do what we can to make the
process as easy as possible.

The best possible situation is to contact us during the design or blueprint stage
of the house. Being involved at an early stage also gives us an opportunity to
establish communication with the builder or general contractor prior to any work
starting. Another benefit is that you are able to make decisions without feeling
rushed or pressured due to time constraints.

If you have ideas of what you are interested in, jot them down:

Music in all the main rooms (but I don't want to have to listen to the same thing
as the kids); a DVD changer that feeds all of the rooms that have TVs (oh, and
I'll need a way to control it); a phone system with a built-in intercom (can I have
voicemail, too?); security cameras at the front and back doors; lighting that can
be set up for different atmospheres, etc. You'd be surprised just how fast the
"wish list" can add up.

When we meet, we will go over your list along with the budget you have set for
the project. Keep in mind that some banks will allow built-in items to be added
into the mortgage. Check with your lender for details.

We will also make suggestions based on your comments and any general
requirements you express. Does it make sense to wire for a small computer
network? What about music in the Master Bathroom? Or even a small LCD
panel TV to keep up on the latest news? We're happy to make suggestions
that you may never have thought of.

After the initial meeting, we will put together a proposal outlining the items
discussed, along with general price points for the project. If necessary, the
system outline can be modified or adjusted as needed. When any requested
changes to the proposal have been made, you will be provided a final proposal
for acceptance.

Upon acceptance, we will arrange for the prewire stage of the project. The best
time for our wiring to be scheduled is just about the time the electricians and
plumbers have finished, but prior to insulation being installed. Depending on the
size of the project, we may need to start earlier or plan with the builder for the
insulation portion be bumped out or started in a part of the house where we
have no wires to run. Unless otherwise noted in our proposal, all prewire costs
are based on unimpeded access for wire runs (no insulation or drywall
installed).

Once the prewire has been completed, we will schedule to make occassional
return visits to check on the status of holes being cut in the drywall, etc., for
any speaker pre-mount brackets and similar items.