It can be fairly easy to find a Columbus audio visual specialist. But can they understand what you want, and provide it at a price you can afford?
Here’s how to vet your local AV technician:
Look at their credentials
Look for consultants with certifications like:
- CTS-D (Certified Technology Specialist – Design, from AVIXA)
- CTS-I (Installation-focused)
Ask about experience with audio, video, control systems, networking and acoustics treatments–and what types of systems they’ve worked on.
Ask to see their portfolio and references
- Ask for examples of completed projects similar in scale and type to yours
- Check if they’ve worked with organizations like yours
- Request references and call them
Ensure they are objective
You want an audio visual specialist who won’t push specific products. Ask how they approach product selection and if they take commissions from manufacturers.
Make sure they have design and documentation skills
You want a specialist who can provide:
- Schematic diagrams
- Reflected ceiling plans (RCPs)
- Rack elevations and cable schedules
- Scope of work (SOW) for RFPs or bids
Find out if they can collaborate and communicate
- They should have experience working alongside architects, IT staff and GCs
- Look for clear communicators who explain things in plain terms, not tech jargon
- Ask if they are willing to educate and guide you, not just deliver blueprints
Will they install the system themselves?
Ask if they provide oversight during installation to ensure the system is built as designed. Ensure they offer system testing, commissioning, training and support.
Look over the contract carefully
- Ensure their pricing is transparent and based on design services, not product markup
- Your project should include a needs assessment, schematic design, construction documents, bid review and commissioning
- Watch for conflicts of interest—especially if they also sell gear
Don’t be afraid to ask questions
Ask about their process, a challenge they faced and how they solved it, how they stay current on AV tech and standards, and lifecycle planning.
If a prospective vendor is pressuring you to make a decision, keep looking. Choosing the right AV specialist for your needs is the best way to get a functional, scalable and cost-effective audiovisual solution.
We like to ask–and answer– a lot of questions to make sure the client is a good fit for Midwest Audio Visual and vice versa.