Choosing the right smart home installer determines whether your $20,000-$100,000 automation investment delivers reliable performance for 15+ years or becomes an expensive source of frustration. This guide provides the essential questions, certifications, and evaluation criteria to identify qualified San Diego installers and avoid costly mistakes.
10 Essential Questions to Ask
1. What Certifications Do You Hold?
Look for: Control4, Crestron, or Savant dealer certification (proves authorized dealer status and training), California C-10 electrical contractor license (required for any electrical work), manufacturer certifications (Lutron, Sonos, etc.), CEDIA membership (industry association).
Red flag: Installers without proper licensing or dealer certifications cannot provide warranty support or legal electrical work.
2. How Long Have You Been Installing Smart Homes?
Ideal answer: 5+ years of smart home experience (not just general AV or electrical work). Ask specifically about Control4/Crestron experience if considering those platforms.
3. Can I See Your Portfolio and References?
Request: Photos of 5-10 completed projects similar to your home size and budget. Contact 2-3 recent clients (within past year) to verify quality, professionalism, and post-installation support.
4. What's Your Warranty and Support Policy?
Minimum acceptable: 1-year workmanship warranty on installation labor, manufacturer warranties on all equipment, clear support contact (phone/email), response time commitments (24-48 hours typical).
5. Who Will Actually Do the Work?
Clarify: Will the company owner/lead technician do the work, or subcontractors? What's the experience level of the actual installation team? How many projects are they handling simultaneously?
6. What's the Detailed Project Timeline?
Expect: Written timeline with specific milestones: design (1-2 weeks), equipment ordering (2-4 weeks), installation (3-10 days), programming (2-5 days), training (half day). Total 6-12 weeks typical.
7. How Do You Handle Changes and Additions?
Important: Clear change order process, pricing for additions, how scope changes affect timeline. Avoid installers who can't provide clear answers.
8. What Ongoing Maintenance Do You Recommend?
Professional answer: Annual system checkup ($300-$600), software updates (included or $200-$400/year), availability for troubleshooting and programming changes.
9. Can You Provide a Detailed Written Proposal?
Must include: Itemized equipment list with model numbers, installation labor breakdown, programming hours, timeline, payment schedule, warranty terms. Avoid vague lump-sum quotes.
10. What Happens If You Go Out of Business?
Good answer: System documentation provided, equipment accessible to other certified dealers, no proprietary lock-in. Control4/Crestron systems can be serviced by any certified dealer.
Red Flags to Avoid
- Quotes 30%+ below competitors: Indicates inexperience, inferior equipment, or incomplete scope
- Pressure to sign immediately: Professional installers don't use high-pressure sales tactics
- No physical office/showroom: Fly-by-night operators difficult to reach for support
- Can't provide references: Either new or has unhappy clients
- Vague about certifications: Likely not authorized dealer or licensed contractor
- No written contract: Unprofessional and legally problematic
- Requires full payment upfront: Standard is 50% deposit, 50% on completion
- Dismisses your questions: Indicates poor communication and customer service
Evaluating Proposals
When comparing proposals from multiple installers, look beyond just price:
- Equipment quality: Are they specifying name-brand components or generic substitutes?
- Scope completeness: Does the quote include programming, training, and support?
- Timeline realism: Unrealistically short timelines often lead to rushed, poor-quality work
- Communication quality: Clear, detailed proposals indicate organized, professional operation
- Warranty terms: Longer warranties demonstrate confidence in workmanship
The lowest bid is rarely the best value. Focus on finding an installer with proven experience, proper certifications, strong references, and clear communication. A $5,000 savings on a $40,000 project means nothing if the system doesn't work reliably or the installer disappears when you need support.