Residential AV Consulting Services
Independent Expert Guidance for Your Smart Home Investment
Considering a home automation or AV system but feeling overwhelmed by options, proposals, or technical jargon? Integration HD's Residential Consulting Service provides you with independent, expert guidance to make informed decisions about your technology investments.
Yes, we're installers. And yes, we offer unbiased consulting. Here's why that works:
Over ten years of hands-on experience of installing every major home automation system gives us unique insight that pure consultants simply don't have. We know what works in real homes, what fails six months later, and what clients wish they'd done differently. We live with these systems through service calls, troubleshooting, and long-term support—which makes our consulting advice grounded in reality, not just specifications.
Our Commitment to You:
When you hire us for consulting, you're paying for our honest, expert opinion—period. Whether you ultimately choose Integration HD for installation, hire another company, or decide to go a different direction entirely, our consulting advice remains objective and focused solely on your best interests.
Many consulting clients do end up hiring us for installation once they see our expertise and fair pricing. But there's absolutely no obligation, and we're completely transparent about that from day one.
How Our Consulting Service Works
We provide independent guidance to help you navigate the complexities of modern smart home technology—whether you're building new, renovating, or enhancing your existing home.
What We Offer:
Quote Analysis & Comparison
Review and compare multiple proposals side-by-side
Identify inconsistencies, gaps, or overpriced items
Ensure you're getting fair market value
Translate technical specifications into plain language
Point out what competitors may be overlooking or over-selling
System Design Review
Evaluate proposed system architecture and equipment selections
Identify potential compatibility issues before installation begins
Recommend alternatives based on your specific needs and budget
Ensure scalability for future expansion
Assess whether the proposed solution matches your technical comfort level
Technology Guidance
Truly unbiased advice on brands, platforms, and ecosystems
Explain the pros and cons of different automation systems based on real-world performance
Help you understand what you actually need vs. what's being sold
Recommend solutions based on your lifestyle, not our inventory
Share what we've learned from installing and servicing these systems for a decade
Pre-Installation Planning
Review wiring plans and infrastructure requirements
Identify optimal equipment locations
Ensure proper preparation for seamless installation
Coordinate with architects, builders, and other contractors
Prevent costly mistakes before construction begins
Vendor & Installer Evaluation
Help you vet potential installers (even if they're our competitors)
Review contracts and service agreements
Set realistic expectations for timelines and outcomes
Identify red flags before you commit
Ask the right questions on your behalf
Why Our Installation Background Makes Us Better Consultants
We've Installed It All – Control4, Crestron, Savant, Lutron, Josh.ai, and every other major system. We know what works, what doesn't, and why—because we've troubleshot them at 2 AM.
We Know the True Costs – Years of installation experience means we can spot inflated pricing, unnecessary add-ons, or suspiciously low bids that will cost you more later.
We Understand Long-Term Ownership – We don't just consider installation; we think about software updates, service needs, user experience, and what happens when you need support in five years.
We're Brand-Agnostic – Because we install and service all major brands, we have no incentive to push one over another in our consulting role. Our recommendation is based solely on your needs.
We Speak Your Language and Theirs – We can explain complex technical concepts to homeowners and communicate effectively with your other contractors.
Who Benefits from Consulting?
Homeowners who have received multiple quotes and need help deciding
Those planning new construction or major renovations who want to get it right from the start (including but not limited to architects, interior designers, general contractors, home developers or home owners)
Buyers of high-end homes with existing smart systems that need evaluation
Anyone who wants expert advice before making a six-figure technology investment
Homeowners dissatisfied with their current system seeking alternatives
People who value independent expertise over sales pitches
Our Consulting Process
Initial Consultation – We discuss your project, goals, timeline, and what you need from us
Document Review – You provide quotes, plans, or system documentation
Analysis & Research – We evaluate everything based on our experience and current market conditions
Detailed Report & Meeting – We present our findings, recommendations, and answer your questions
Ongoing Support – Available for follow-up questions as you move forward (included in project fee or billed separately)
Transparent Pricing
Our consulting services are billed as:
Hourly Rate: For quick reviews, second opinions, or specific questions
Project Fee: For comprehensive analysis of multiple quotes, full system design review, or ongoing consultation through construction
After our initial conversation, we'll recommend which billing structure makes the most sense for your situation.
What Happens After Consulting?
If you'd like us to install: We'll provide a detailed proposal for our installation services. This is a completely separate engagement—you'll receive the same quality proposal we'd give any client, and you can compare it to others with full knowledge of what you're looking at.
If you hire another installer: That's perfectly fine. You'll have the knowledge and confidence to move forward, ask the right questions, and ensure you're getting what you pay for.
If you decide to wait or change direction: You've still made a smart investment in expertise that will serve you when you're ready.
Ready to Make Informed Decisions?
Contact Integration HD today to discuss your project. Whether you're evaluating quotes, planning a new build, or just trying to understand your options, we're here to provide the expert guidance you need.
Because the best smart home is an informed smart home.
Call: 516-612-0677
Email: support@integrationhd.com