Whether you’re outfitting an office building with high-tech conference rooms or setting the stage for a musical production, the principles of commercial audio video installation remain the same: to deliver long-lasting, high-performing audio visual and broadcast environments that allow you to better connect people through technology.
Such environments don’t happen by accident; they are the product of several steps that require careful consideration and thoughtful planning. Below, we’ll walk you through the information that’s critical to consider when approaching an AV installation.
How To Execute A Successful Commercial AV Installation
If you’re just getting started on a commercial AV installation, here are the steps you should expect to encounter so that the process runs as smoothly as possible.
1. Identify your goals.
Chances are there’s an underlying goal you’re looking to achieve.
Maybe it’s as simple as wanting to upgrade your business with a new commercial audio installation. Or maybe you’re know that a more high-tech setup will attract talented personnel. Perhaps you’re adjusting to the new way of working, either enabling remote work or upgrading an in-person office space.
Whatever your goal, it’s crucial to identify it so you can communicate it accurately to the AV integrator you’ll choose at a later stage.
2. Set your budget.
Defining your budget alongside your expectations for your space is one of the most critical components of a successful commercial audio visual installation.
The end results could look wildly different depending on the size and flexibility of your budget. Conference rooms, for example, can be built with anywhere from a $2,000 to a $100,000 budget, but the difference in results is dramatic.
A conference room built on a $2,000 budget would give you the basics. You’ll be able to walk into a conference room with a laptop, plug it into a screen to display any image or video you want to see, and use the laptop’s camera and microphone to host videoconferencing.
In contrast, a $100,000 conference room could be outfitted with all the bells and whistles, including:
Displays to cast video and share presentations
Microphones that pick up speakers’ voices
Video systems that auto-zoom on the current speaker
Multiple camera angles
Wall-mounted touch screens to control the lights, shades, and audio
In-ceiling speaker systems
High-resolution video, such as 4K
While these are just examples, they illustrate two ends of a sliding scale that can be achieved depending on the size of your budget. Typically, conference rooms cost between $8,000 and $20,000 to outfit for a commercial space, whereas a huddle room might be closer to $2,000.
Ready to get your commercial AV installation off the ground? Tell the Aspen Custom Electronics team about your vision and see how we can help!
3. Select an AV integrator.
An AV integrator is a person or company hired to design and execute your commercial AV installation. Choosing the right provider will be key to your project’s success.
There are two main types of AV integrators: residential and commercial.
Many integrators offer services for both commercial and residential locations, but specialize in one or the other. If your project is for a commercial space, you’ll want to work with a company that specializes in commercial audio video installation. Residential products won't always work in commercial spaces, and vice versa, so specialization is important..
You’ll also want to work with an integrator who can cater to the level of expertise within your organization. For example, a building filled with corporate offices likely employs a tech-savvy IT team to maintain its systems, whereas a church might rely on volunteers of varying expertise levels to maintain and run its systems. Your AV integrator will select different equipment in each of these cases.
To select the right AV integrator for your project, evaluate each of the providers you’re considering based on the following:
Previous work—Ask for photos or virtual walk-throughs of systems they’ve completed in other commercial spaces. Specifically look for examples of work in the same type of space you’re in (corporate, food establishment, church, etc.).
Manufacturer relationships—An AV integrator’s manufacturer partnerships will dictate the type of technology that’s ultimately installed in your space. Ask who their partners are to ensure you have access to the latest and greatest technology.
Knowledge of AV solutions and products—You want to work with an expert! Make sure the staff that will ultimately work on your space’s design and installation have the proper experience.
Industry certifications—Certifications from AVIXA are widely accepted as the industry standard.
Approach to change orders—Problems always arise; knowing how they handle changes means you’ll never end up with a surprise cost.
Personnel—You’ll work with certain staff members closely not just now, but in the long run, as the provider works to maintain systems. Make sure you feel good about the people on the team and trust that they have your back.
4. Get started!
Once you’ve selected an AV integrator to work with on your commercial space, you’ll kick off with your project manager and start the planning and execution stages.
Here’s what you should expect from your integrator as your project progresses:
The assignment of a designated project manager
The communication of timelines and product orders
Booking site visits to take measurements and record the space
Presentation of a mockup before work starts
Testing and training once systems are installed
Communication or offer of warranties
The option to purchase additional maintenance as a service
Looking for a partner for your commercial audio visual installation project? Check out Aspen Custom Electronics.
Aspen Custom Electronics has been in business for more than 14 years, specializing in commercial properties. Our staff has a combined 50+ years of experience in the AV industry, ensuring the highest possible level of service for all of our clients.
Throughout the southwest region of the United States, the Aspen Custom Electronics team has completed more than 580 projects on time and on budget. We always select the most advanced technology available, sourced from our certified, high-quality manufacturing partners.
While we pride ourselves on our expertise in and knowledge of the tech industry, we are first and foremost problem-solvers. We want you to achieve your vision, and help you connect with people effectively and efficiently through the use of technology. If you’d like to learn more about how we can help you with your next commercial AV installation, contact us.
