Q: What should I look for when hiring a pro?

Like any other installation job in your home-plumbing, electrical, carpentry-a comprehensive electronics system may involve hiring a professional to do the work. That means everything from the design phase to the installation to the finishing touches. It also means having someone there to teach you how to operate your brand new universal remote control, video projector, media server and more. Finding a quality professional isn't as difficult as finding a needle in a haystack, but you still don't want to prick your finger with a poor installation experience. Here's a checklist of items to consider when choosing a pro.

• Watch Out For the "Jack of All Trades, Master of None" Types
  It's a common phrase in the industry to signify companies that promise they'll do any system you need-only they forget to tell you that they're mediocre in half of the installation categories they offer. Not everyone who builds a home theater can install a Crestron control system, for example. Find a specialist, or even companies that subcontract work for which they don't have expert personnel (this may include focused areas such as home control programming or security installations).
• Check Out Their Work
  The industry is full of "trunk slammers" who have earned that moniker for a good reason. Look for reputable tradespeople who can demonstrate their electronics expertise to you either in their showrooms or in actual customer homes. Often a system installer's showroom acts as a home, with rooms that replicate an actual residence's rooms so employees can easily demonstrate home control or lighting systems, for example. They probably have dedicated theater rooms as well, but it's a good idea to ask if you can tour a past client's home or theater. Keep in mind that many of these businesses, especially those that tout super high-end systems, earn customers based on word-of-mouth referrals.
• Consider an Installer's Attention to Detail
  Right down to wire runs from the A/V component rack and structured wiring boxes, make sure a potential installer can demonstrate a meticulous work ethic. Some firms gain several job contracts a year by being hired to clean up another company's mess. A comprehensive showroom may have an equipment rack to highlight the company's precision and dedication to detail. You'll want that same level of perfection implemented in your own home.
• Can You Understand What The Installer is Talking About?
  Are you getting too much technobabble? While the inherent nature of an A/V installer's job requires a significant amount of technology know-how, some do a better job of breaking it down into layman's terms, while others try to use it to their advantage and talk you into upgrades you may not want. If an installation firm's employees make you feel at ease as they listen to your wishes and present ideas in return, then chances are you'll develop a comfortable working relationship with them. They are salesmen, too, but just because you don't know what separates a $400 receiver from a $14,000 amp doesn't mean they can act like used-car salesmen.
• Find Out Who His Friends Are
  Electronics firms frequently maintain relationships with homebuilders, woodworkers, masons, electricians, interior designers and others. Refurbishing a basement or bonus room takes much more effort than just deciding what size projection screen will fit the space. Will you need to shop around for a cabinet that can house your new TV and A/V components, or does your potential installer know a carpenter who specializes in custom work?
• Not All Installers Are Going to Have Diplomas on The Wall
  attesting to their education record, but many gain certification from an organization like CEDIA (Custom Electronic Design and Installation Association). The Systems Designer Directory in this magazine and on our companion web site, www.electronichouse.com, can point you in the right direction when you are searching for reputable dealers.
• Last, electronics are fun, so look for a company that exudes it.
  Heck, they get to install and demo home theaters for a living!