My column from the September issue of the Angie's List Magazine.
The allure of new flooring, a fancy flat screen TV or state-of-the-art appliances usually prompts research into which is the best brand and how much you can afford, but how often do you consider the actual installation? For most consumers, it’s an afterthought. But a bad installation can spur a major case of buyer’s remorse.
According to a recent nationwide poll, 39 percent of Angie’s List members experienced a successful installation, but for nearly 10 percent, it was a “total nightmare.” And in 85 percent of those cases, installation was arranged by the retailer. Retailers frequently offer free or easy installation, but you shouldn’t fall hook, line and sinker for the promotion. Do your own research first. In some instances, you might be better hiring on your own.
Such was the case for Shereen Thomas of Hockley, Texas, who purchased a new washer and dryer from a local retailer during a free delivery and installation promo tion. One week after installation, during the rinse cycle, the drain hose came out and flooded her utility room and kitchen. After much back and forth with the store and its insurance agency, Thomas was out $3,200 in repairs and never reimbursed. “Lesson learned? Absolutely!” she says. “We’ll never have the delivery and installation performed by the store again. We’ll either do it ourselves or hire a professional.”
Christopher Madkins, owner of Cinema Labs in Indianapolis gets at least 10 calls a year to come in and clean up a retailer-arranged home theater installation. “A custom installer will be there for the long haul to answer questions and can also come in before the fact to give you an unbiased opinion on the best products and set-up for your personal situation.”
To decide which route is best, ask the retailer if they use subcontractors, and if so, check their rating on Angie’s List. You can also read store-specific reviews to see how other members have fared overall. If you do decide to go this route, ask the installer for a personal contact number should any problems arise. If they give it to you, great; if not, be leery.
If timing is important, be sure to ask how long it will take to get your installation scheduled. According to a nationwide poll of installers on Angie’s List, 43 percent said it takes an average of one week. If your purchase needs to be assembled, that can also add to the wait.
It’s also not a bad idea to see if the installer can do a site survey before your appointment to check door widths, electrical connections and anything else that might make for a difficult installation. If that’s not possible, ask the installer what needs to be available, such as access to the attic or water turned off, so the site is properly prepared.
With appliances and electronics, make sure you know how to use them before the installer leaves. There’s nothing worse than having a brand new home theater system and having no idea how to turn it on! )
To see more, go to magazine.angieslist.com.
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