Quick Checklist for New Tech Buyers: What to Ask Your Installer Before They Come

Quick checklist for new tech buyers: What to ask your installer before they come

Booked a pro but not sure how to prepare? You’re not alone—homeowners and renters often waste time and money because a technician arrives without the right access, measurements, or expectations. This checklist gets you ready so the install goes faster, costs stay predictable, and your home looks the way you want.

Inverted‑pyramid summary: What matters most (read first)

Before the crew shows up, confirm these five essentials: exact measurements of cable runs, power access at device locations, the router/AP location and desired Wi‑Fi footprint, your aesthetic preferences for cable concealment, and a clear budget range for concealment and labor. Tackle these now and you’ll avoid surprise fees, extra trips, and messy cables.

Why prep matters in 2026: trends that change the conversation

Tech and home networks evolved rapidly through late 2024–2025. More homes now have Wi‑Fi 7 APs, multi‑gig Ethernet, and Power over Ethernet (PoE) cameras or access points that need both data and power planning. Fiber‑to‑the‑home rollouts and affordable 10Gb switches mean installers are asked to integrate higher‑speed backbone wiring and concealed in‑wall runs more often. In short: installers come with capability, but your prep determines whether you get a tidy, future‑ready system—and a predictable invoice.

Before booking: confirm scope and expectations

When you contact an installer or book via a local directory, get these basics in writing:

• Scope: What's included (cable type, number of runs, termination, wall plates, testing, cleanup)?
• Fixed vs hourly pricing: Flat price per run or hourly labor? Ask for both estimates.
• Materials: Will the technician bring in‑wall rated Cat6A/6, RG6, fiber, or use surface raceways?
• Warranty: Labor and materials warranty length and what it covers.
• Arrival window and contact method (text, app, call).

Home prep checklist (practical, minute‑by‑minute)

Use this checklist as your working document the day before and the morning of the visit.

72 hours before: decisions to make

• Decide main router/AP location—central, elevated, and near a network entry point (fiber ONT or cable modem). If you’re unsure, ask the installer to recommend based on a floor plan.
• Choose concealment style: in‑wall, surface raceway, baseboard channels, or decorative covers. Each has different costs and permit needs.
• Set a budget range for concealment and labor. Typical 2026 consumer ranges: surface raceways ($20–$150 per run), professional in‑wall runs including plate and termination ($150–$450 per run depending on walls and access), more for fiber or multi‑gig backbone.

24 hours before: measurements and photos

Save the installer time and reduce surprises by providing these as part of your booking notes or app upload:

• Measure cable distances—measure from the source (modem/ONT) to each device location along likely cable paths (baseboards, through attic, across ceiling). Round up to the nearest foot and note obstacles (stairs, HVAC ducts).
• Photos—snap clear photos of the modem/ONT, the room where devices will be, the attic/basement access, and the wall surfaces (drywall, brick, plaster).
• Floor plan sketch—simple hand sketch with device locations and measured distances helps the estimator plan materials.

Morning of the visit: access and safety

• Clear a 6–8 foot working area around the install location—move furniture slightly to allow ladders and tools.
• Unlock attic, basement, closets and ensure safe access to crawlspaces. If you can’t, tell the installer ahead of time.
• Disable security systems temporarily if needed and leave alarm codes or instructions.
• Pets and kids—keep pets secured and children away from the work area.

Specific prep items: measurements, power access, router location

Measurements: what to measure and why

Installers price runs by distance and complexity. Provide:

• Linear run length along walls or ceilings (not as the crow flies).
• Vertical drops (wall to floor, attic to ceiling).
• Number of wall penetrations (exterior vs interior).
• Wall construction type (drywall, plaster, brick, EIFS) because cutting and patching differ.

Power access: the overlooked detail

Many modern devices require power close to the data port. Confirm:

• Outlet proximity—is there an outlet within a few feet? If not, do you want an installer to add one or will you accept a power injector/PoE solution?
• PoE needs—for cameras and APs, does the device support PoE (802.3af/at/bt)? If so, you’ll need a compatible switch or injector and possibly higher gauge cables for PoE++ loads.
• High‑power devices—EV chargers, wall‑mounted TVs, or amps may require dedicated circuits; discuss with electrician if needed.

Router & Wi‑Fi location: plan for coverage and latency

Router placement affects speed, range, and the number of wired drops you’ll need. Prepare to answer:

• Do you want the router visible or hidden? Visible routers often have better cooling and antenna placement, but you may prefer to hide it in a cabinet with ventilation.
• Will you use mesh or centralized APs? Mesh networks (especially Wi‑Fi 7 nodes) need AP‑to‑AP backhaul—wired backhaul is best for consistent performance.
• Do you need more wired ports for gaming, workstations, or streaming devices? Each wired device typically needs a drop to a switch location.

Aesthetics & cable concealment: options and price expectations

Your visual standards determine how far installers will go. Pick one and communicate clearly:

• Surface raceways—fast and inexpensive, paintable, minimal drywall work. Typical install time is low and costs are at the lower end.
• In‑wall runs—cleanest look; requires drywall access and patching. Expect higher labor and possible permits for exterior wall penetrations.
• Baseboard or floor‑molding channels—neat for running along floors without cutting walls.
• Decorative covers—useful when concealment needs to match room design (wood covers, channeling behind crown molding).

Be specific: “I want zero exposed cable in the living room” vs “I’m okay with paintable channels.” This saves rework.

Sample questions to ask the installer (copy‑paste list)

Use these exactly during booking or when the technician arrives:

• “Do you carry in‑wall rated cable and do you pull permits for exterior wall penetrations?”
• “If you find unexpected obstacles (no attic access, fire block), how will extra time/materials be priced?”
• “Can you test every run and provide a written test report (speed/test results)?”
• “What’s your cleanup policy? Do you remove old cable and wall debris?”
• “What warranty covers labor, connectors, and wall finishes?”
• “If I choose to upgrade to 10Gb copper or fiber later, what backbone would you recommend now?”

What to expect on the invoice (avoid surprise charges)

Invoices commonly separate materials and labor. Ask for line‑item estimates that include:

• Per‑run materials (cable, connectors, faceplates)
• Labor hours and hourly rate (if applicable)
• Permit or inspection fees (if required)
• Patch & paint or drywall repair
• Testing & certification

Two short case studies (experience & outcomes)

Case study: Prepared homeowner — fast, clean, lower cost

Maria measured runs, uploaded photos to the installer via a directory app, and specified she wanted in‑wall runs behind the TV and the router in a central closet. The installer confirmed the scope and brought a permit template. Work finished in 3 hours, with test reports provided and a single line‑item invoice. Maria paid 20% less than a previous neighbor who hadn’t measured.

Case study: No prep — surprises and delays

Tom booked a TV wall mount and extra Ethernet drops without measurements. The installer arrived and found plaster walls and a sealed attic, requiring different tools and more time. The bill increased due to unexpected wall repair and a second trip. The project finished cleanly, but at a higher cost and longer timeline.

Advanced tips for 2026‑ready installs

• Plan backbone now: If you expect to add 10Gb devices or fiber later, ask the installer to run conduit or multiple empty sleeves during the original job—cheaper now than later.
• Prefer wired backhaul for Wi‑Fi 7: Mesh APs will perform better with wired connections, reducing latency for gaming and streaming 8K/VR content that’s common in 2026 homes.
• Ask about PoE provisioning: Modern cameras and APs may need PoE++—verify the switch capacity and cable gauge. This avoids underpowered devices and re‑wiring.
• Document everything: Keep photos of in‑wall terminations, test reports, and serial numbers for future troubleshooting and warranty claims.

“A little prep saves hours of technician time and hundreds in surprise costs.” — Local cabling pro

How to evaluate installers in a local directory

When choosing a pro from a marketplace, look for:

• Verified reviews with photos and before/after examples.
• Clear pricing on profiles—estimates, per‑run rates, and hourly charges.
• Certifications (BICSI, CompTIA Network+ or manufacturer certifications for structured wiring and fiber).
• Scheduling flexibility and transparent cancellation policies for same‑day or next‑day service.

Final checklist (printable, day‑of)

1. Measurements uploaded and marked on sketch
2. Photos of modem/ONT, TV wall, attic/basement taken
3. Desired concealment chosen (surface/in‑wall/decorative)
4. Outlet availability confirmed or plan to add one
5. Pets secured; 6–8 ft workspace cleared
6. Contact number and arrival window confirmed
7. Budget range and payment method ready
8. Ask for written test report and warranty on completion

Actionable takeaways

• Measure and photograph before the visit—saves time and money.
• Decide concealment style up front to align expectations.
• Confirm power and PoE needs so installers bring proper supplies.
• Ask for line‑item pricing and a test report to avoid surprises and verify performance.
• Plan for future upgrades—run extra conduit or sleeves when walls are open.

Next step: Book a vetted local installer

Ready to move from planning to installation? Use a trusted local installer directory to compare profiles, read verified reviews, and book the pro who matches your technical needs and aesthetic standards. Upload your measurements and photos during booking to get faster, more accurate quotes and an on‑site visit that finishes on time and on budget.

Book now on our local installer directory to get matched with vetted, rated professionals and schedule emergency or same‑day service.

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