Residential Installations:

The following describes the process involved in a typical full-scale Residential AV or structured wiring installation. This process varies depending on the systems involved, as well as the size and type of the install. The basic process is also applicable to larger commercial installs.

Pt.1: Design Phase
A walk-through with the client is usually required before a proposal can be submitted for approval. The locations of TVs, touchscreens, speakers, hardware, and structured wiring jacks must be determined, depending on the types of systems being installed. These locations will be marked on-site, and on a floorplan or blueprint. Other issues affecting cost, and the time required to perform the work, will be addressed at this point. These issues will depend on the needs of the client, and the demands of the installation itself, whether new construction or a retrofit, residential or commercial, stock installation or custom design.

When the client has communicated their needs to the designer, and both have agreed upon the basic structure of the hardware and layout, a detailed design and proposal can be drawn up.


Above: Design for Lock residence, with twin 7.1 Surround Theatres, Central Media Server & Distributed Audio System

Pt.2: Rough-In Phase
During the rough-in phase, the necessary holes for cabling will be drilled, cables run, and boxes and enclosures installed. When cabling is pulled, loose cables will be bundled and stowed to keep them out of the way of other tradesmen onsite. All cables are labeled, and photos of the installation are taken, so that wiring routes and pathways are clear for any later moves, add-ons, or changes.

When the rough-in is finished, the jobsite will be prepared for other tradesmen to complete the drywall, painting, etc, which must be done before the trim-out work can begin. For most installations, a downpayment is due at the completion of the rough-in phase.


Above: Cabling rough-in for one of the 7.1 Surround theatres in the above design. Note the wooden speaker enclosures, or backboxes, mounted within the joists. These boxes greatly improve the bass and mid-range response from in- ceiling speakers.


Pt. 3: Trim-out & Finish Phase
During trim-out, hardware such as speakers, TVs, and other components are installed, programmed, and calibrated. Cabling is terminated with jacks or plugs, plated, and tested. System performance is checked with reference media, and remote programming is completed. At the end of the trim-out, all systems are ready for normal, everyday use. This phase typically includes a final walk- through and inspection before billing, to be sure the client understands the operation of their new systems.


Above: The finished 7.1 surround theatre w/ 42" plasma display in place, just in time for the holidays...



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