You have decided you want a home theater, or a smart home system, or maybe a full security overhaul. You have done some research, looked at a few company websites, and now you are about to pick up the phone. But you are not entirely sure what happens next.
We get it. The custom AV industry is not always great at explaining itself. Pricing is rarely published. Timelines are vague. And if you have never worked with an integrator before, the whole process can feel opaque. So here is a transparent, step-by-step look at what working with a professional AV company actually looks like.
Step 1: The Initial Conversation
It usually starts with a phone call or a form submission on our website. We want to understand the basics: What are you looking to do? What is the space like? Is this a new build, a renovation, or a retrofit into an existing home? Are there any specific brands or products you are interested in?
This is not a sales pitch. It is a conversation to figure out if we are a good fit for your project. If your needs are outside our scope (maybe you need a commercial installation or a simple TV mount), we will tell you that upfront and point you in the right direction.
Step 2: The On-Site Consultation
For any project beyond a basic install, we come to your home. We walk the space with you. We look at room dimensions, window placement, ceiling heights, existing wiring, network infrastructure, and electrical panel capacity. We take photos and measurements.
This visit is also where we talk about your lifestyle. How does your family use the space? What frustrates you about your current setup? What does your ideal scenario look like? The best systems are designed around how you actually live, not around a spec sheet.
Pro tip: Before the consultation, think about the pain points in your current setup. The more we understand about what is not working, the better we can design something that does.
Step 3: The Proposal
Within a week of the consultation, we put together a detailed proposal. This is not a one-line quote. It is a full breakdown of equipment, labor, and what the system will do. Every component is listed. Every cost is transparent. If you want to adjust scope, add a feature, or scale something back, we revise the proposal until it matches your vision and your budget.
We also outline the timeline. Simple projects (a single room, a TV and sound bar, a few cameras) might be done in a day. Complex projects (whole-home automation, a dedicated theater, multi-zone audio) can take one to three weeks of on-site work, depending on scope.
Step 4: Installation
On install day, our technicians arrive on time (we know that sounds basic, but it matters). We protect your floors, we clean up after ourselves, and we treat your home like it is our own. If the project involves in-wall or in-ceiling work, we coordinate with your builder or contractor if you are in a construction phase.
Wiring is run behind walls whenever possible. Equipment is mounted securely and neatly in designated closets or AV racks. Cable management is a priority, not an afterthought. You should never see a tangle of wires behind your TV or a rats nest in a closet.
- Floors are protected with drop cloths during all work
- Wiring is concealed behind walls and in ceiling cavities
- Equipment is rack-mounted with proper ventilation and cable management
- All work areas are cleaned up at the end of every day
- Drywall, paint touch-up, and trim work included where applicable
Step 5: Programming and Calibration
This is where the magic happens. Once the hardware is installed, we program the automation system, calibrate the audio and video equipment, and configure every scene, schedule, and automation your home needs. This phase is often invisible to the homeowner, but it is the most time-intensive part of the project.
Audio calibration alone can take hours. We use measurement microphones and software to tune each speaker to the specific acoustics of your room. Video calibration ensures your display is producing accurate colors and proper brightness levels. Automation programming defines every interaction: what happens when you press "movie time," what your morning routine triggers, how the house responds when the last person leaves.
Step 6: Walkthrough and Handoff
Once everything is installed and programmed, we walk you and your family through the system. We show you how to use the remotes, the apps, the touchscreens. We make sure every person in the household feels comfortable operating the system, not just the person who hired us.
We also do not disappear after the install. We offer ongoing support, and most of our clients call us whenever they want to adjust a scene, add a new device, or tweak something that is not working exactly the way they want. That relationship is a big part of what separates a professional integrator from a product you bought at the store.
Pro tip: Make sure everyone in your household is present for the walkthrough, not just the tech-savvy family member. The system should be intuitive for everyone.
Ready to Start?
If you are in the Denver, Parker, Highlands Ranch, or Castle Rock area and have been thinking about a project, we would love to hear from you. The consultation is free, and there is absolutely no pressure. Our goal is to help you understand what is possible and what it costs so you can make the best decision for your home.