How to find a good installer (non-ripoff as well) in San Francisco?

[Monkey]

This is for installing in-wall speakers, remote controlled lights, etc. in a condo downtown for my brother.

He has been running in to people who want to completely rip him off.

[Hammie]

Originally Posted by Monkey

This is for installing in-wall speakers, remote controlled lights, etc. in a condo downtown for my brother.

He has been running in to people who want to completely rip him off.

Most electricians should be able to run the wiring and do the lighting. He may need to mount the speakers in the wall, though.

What do you mean by rip off? Maybe he is just underestimating the cost to do work in his building.

I have been told by electricians that since my house was built in 1910, they may come across some unexpected things when I was looking at adding some can lights in my basement.

[Monkey]

Thanks. I think he wants to use an actual installer this time.

Basically sine he lives in a rather new condo in a very affluent building the installers he has talked with seem to think he is willing to pay whatever (as others in the building may have).. For example telling him he needs three $800 remotes to do what he wants. Somebody selling bar stools tried to get him to buy 8 $1,000.00 bar stools

For example one installer was only willing to install in wall speakers from their source, I'm sure they'd recieve a nice margin on the sell.

An installer that is realistic and not just trying to milk him for everything they think they can but instead just do what he wants and makes sense would be great!

[Hammie]

Originally Posted by Monkey

Thanks. I think he wants to use an actual installer this time.

Basically sine he lives in a rather new condo in a very affluent building the installers he has talked with seem to think he is willing to pay whatever (as others in the building may have).. For example telling him he needs three $800 remotes to do what he wants. Somebody selling bar stools tried to get him to buy 8 $1,000.00 bar stools

For example one installer was only willing to install in wall speakers from their source, I'm sure they'd recieve a nice margin on the sell.

An installer that is realistic and not just trying to milk him for everything they think they can but instead just do what he wants and makes sense would be great!

Have him try this site (http://www.imagingscience.com/dealers.php). I know it is for ISF calibrators, but many of the companies who do the calibration also do custom HT work. Might be worth a try.

[Monkey]

thanks for the tip!

[SlmShdy1]

There's a Magnolia Audio/Video in San Ramon and Santa Clara. They have one install team that covers the bay area. Try going through them. Much better than Geek Squad.

[Monkey]

thanks, I will have him look into them as well.