How to Find the Perfect Integrator, Pt. 2
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Now that you know what to look for in an integrator, here are the tools for honing in on one who’s the best fit for you
by Eric Thies
updated January 18, 2022
In Part 1, I described how a wild west mentality tends to reign in the world of technology integration and walked you through what the criteria are for determining if someone is really qualified to be a high-end integrator. Here I give you the four basic questions you should ask any integration firm you might be considering. Following the questions, I’ll tell you about the Home Technology Association, which is your best resource for beginning the process of locating a properly vetted integrator in your area.
Can I speak to three recent clients with similar scope and size projects?
You don’t want to be a guinea pig for this firm. They should have a proven track record of similar projects.
Are you a dealer for all of the stuff we want?
You need to be able to get support on the product in your home. If the integrator can’t get the manufacturer to answer a call, you are in trouble.
What is your service policy and how do I get help after you install this stuff?
Most companies falter after the sale. They have no formal process to handle servicing their clients and typically devote all of their resources and staff to the big projects in process (with the big checks being handed out) and not the $150 service call. Find out how they handle service requests and after-hours problems, and if they have dedicated staff to address service issues.
Do you do all this work with in-house staff or do you subcontract any of it out?
Again, back to service. You want the company to be able to service you after the fact without relying on a pile of other subcontractors.
These are just a few easy questions to get you towards making a good choice. Another terrific resource to help you find a great integrator is the Home Technology Association. This is the first group to realize that 90% of companies in this trade wear clown shoes.
They have developed a certification system that puts integrators through the ringer so consumers can dramatically improve their chances of success. Each HTA Certified company must have a minimum of nine references from industry experts, design/build pros, and manufacturers. They must demonstrate that they have technical proficiency, have a great history of customer service, and have a stellar industry reputation.
I have been through the application process, and it is impossible to pass certification unless you are an exceptional company. They also do a terrific job of segregating the installers into three tiers: Estate—if you are a gajillionaire building a giant house, Luxury—if you are just a regular wealthy person, and Foundation—for the guys like me with regular-size homes. The HTA is the easy button for selecting an integrator, and as an integrator, the list of certified companies is really strong. It represents the best of the best.
In closing, don’t hire a technology partner unless you ask the important questions and do some research. Remember, the chances of you having a happy tech experience is less than 50% unless you do a little homework. You don’t have to understand tech in order to pick a great company.
Eric Thies is the founder of DSI Luxury Technology, the most awarded custom installation firm in North America. He is a member of the Home Technology Association and helped develop the HTA certification system. He is also a member of The Guild Integrator’s Alliance—an invitation-only group of 13 of the premier integration firms in the US.
Once you enter your zip code in the integrator finder and the list of integrators appears, scroll down to see the complete set of search results
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