HOW TO SET A REALISTIC BUDGET FOR YOUR AV INSTALLATION

TIPS ON SPENDING MONEY WISELY WHEN BUILDING YOUR HOME’S AV SYSTEM

Audio and video can significantly enhance how you and your family enjoy your New Orleans home. Your home’s audio and video are more than just speakers and TVs. You can have whole-home audio that plays music simultaneously in every room, and indoor and outdoor home theater systems that provide superior watching experiences. You can even incorporate the latest hidden AV tech that blends seamlessly with your décor.

Those are just a few possibilities of AV installation and smart technology, but you’ll also want to think about your budget and how much you’re willing to spend on your products. When setting a realistic budget for your Louisiana home’s AV installation, here are some critical topics to consider.

SEE ALSO: FAQ: Answering Your Biggest Home Audio Video Questions

HIRE A QUALIFIED AV INTEGRATOR

First off, it’s crucial to hire a qualified AV integrator to guide you through AV installation and provide expertise before, during, and after. The right installer can help you differentiate between products and choose the best system for your home and lifestyle. Installing audio and video on your own, without specific technical knowledge, may cause stress, wasted time, and added expenses. A professional, expert AV integrator will provide upfront costs and complete the project correctly and on time.

AV integrators often also have partnerships with name-brand manufacturers. Through working with a partnered AV company, you may be able to get essential home AV upgrades at a lower cost than purchasing them on your own as a consumer. 

HAVE SEPARATE BUDGETS FOR YOUR SYSTEMS

When planning your AV installation, you may get overwhelmed by the various systems. You might want to combine everything into one large cost, but it’s best to think about these as separate budgets: sound systems, TV systems, home theater, home networking, and smart home automation systems.

Also, consider purchasing and implementing your AV technology and tools in phases. You can make the most necessary purchases first and monitor how everything’s working. If there’s anything you’re missing, you can then make additional purchases.

DON’T SETTLE FOR CHEAP

While it’s important to stay within your budget when building your entertainment system, you also shouldn’t settle for the lowest-priced options — if you can avoid it. You get what you pay for when you get the cheapest products. That being said, you also shouldn’t buy unnecessary features and functions. Reflect on the features you need and will use. Seeking expertise from your AV integrator can help you with your decision-making. They can recommend a quality system and ensure the system design fits your needs.

For help choosing the right TV or Projector, check out our article on the best home audio video screens.

USE A BUDGETING CALCULATOR

There are tools that will help you understand what you should expect to spend on a new home technology project. The Home Technology Association has a great online Budgeting Tool that asks you specific questions to give you an estimated budget range; the price includes labor, accessories, and design and engineering. You can count on the HTA as a helpful resource; their certification system is the first and only industry standard of excellence for home technology installation companies.

If you're considering a flexible entertainment setup, exploring options beyond traditional cable services can be beneficial. Learn more in our article on cutting the cord.

Acadian Home Theater & Automation is the AV integrator you can rely on to help you create the AV installation budget that’s right for you and your family. We are proud to be awarded one of the Top 100 Integrators by CE Pro, the leading information source for the Custom Electronics industry. Acadian is the only company in Louisiana to be awarded CEO Pro Top 100 Integrator eight years in a row (2010-2018).

We’re excited to help you, so fill out our online form or give us a call today!