Custom installations can vary enormously in both scope and size, but the procedure is always similar.
Step 1) Choose your Electronics Systems Contractor. This will be the most important decision that you will make during this process. A well thought out and designed system, be it a dedicated Home Theatre system, a multi-room distributed audio and/or video, or fully blown Home Automation installation is a joy to use, it will add value to both your lifestyle and to your home. On the other hand a poorly designed and implemented system can become a nightmare.
It is essential that you have the confidence in the company you choose to have the expertise to make the correct recommendations of the technology that would best serve your needs (after all they should be the experts, not you). They must be able to demonstrate the ability to integrate and install this technology. It is important that they have regular exposure to new and emerging products and technologies.
Ask to view the design documentation from one of their previous projects. Trying to implement a complex system without documentation is like navigating a foreign city without a road map.
Past experience has shown that without extensive training the majority of related industry members (builders, electricians, security installers etc) do not have the knowledge necessary to design, install and commission most home electronic systems. (For example Len Wallis Audio employs a number of electricians who have then undertaken considerable training.)
Step 2) We meet with you, the client, and if applicable other interested parties (e.g. architect, interior designer). At this time we can gauge your requirements and expectations, and you will have the opportunity to research both the products and the solutions that we have to offer.
Step 3) If you are in the process of renovating or if the home is in an advanced state of construction we will then arrange to have a project manager visit your site.
Step 4) Armed with the project manager’s report and with the feedback you provided at the initial meeting/s the salesman involved will draft up a proposal. This will then be checked for accuracy by the project manager (just to ensure that nothing has been overlooked). Once both parties have signed off on the proposal it will be forwarded to you.
Step 5) You provide feedback on the proposal, and any changes that you feel are necessary are then addressed in subsequent proposals.
Step 6) Once the quote is accepted it is then forwarded to our draftsman who will do two sets of drawings, the first is the interconnection schematic showing all cables connecting the individual components. The second is the wiring schematic for the various rooms (speaker cable, networking cable etc.) This process is yet another safeguard ensuring that the system design is 100% correct, but more importantly it takes any guesswork out of the installation once our installers are on site. If the pre-wire is being handled by another party, e.g. your on-site electricians, this schematic will then be handed over to them.
From this stage the project is passed over to a project manager who will ensure the smooth running of the installation. While the initial salesman is still very involved in the project most of your day-to-day contact will be with the assigned project manager from this time.
Step 7) Pre-wire. This involves running all necessary cables, and takes place early in the building process – roughly at the same time that the electricians are running their cables.
Step 8) Fit-off. This stage involves the installation of all the wall-plates plus the in-ceiling or in-wall speakers.
Step 9) Installation of the system itself. Once all of your cabinets have been installed, and the various trades have left site we will install and connect the system.
Step 10) Programming of any learning remotes or automation systems (in larger installations much of the programming will be done on our premises while other parts of the installation are taking place.)
Step 11) Training and hand-over. We will walk you through the operation of the system.
Step 11) Three month bedding-in period. During this period you will have time to see if there are any elements of the system that require further customisation/fine tuning, or any changes that you would like to make to the programming of the control system.
Step 12) Service contract.