ECN Forum Forums General Topics of the Trade Voice - Data - Video Discussion Just starting VDV

I am an EC and looking to getting into the structured wiring/whole house audio/home theater market. I have taken the Leviton training and have experience terminating CatV and fiber when I worked as a union hand at Los Alamos Labs. That was several years ago but other than changes in fiber terminations, I know I can handle the rest. My questions are these: What other training should I look for? What is the going rate for the differnt type of installs, i.e. per CatV drop, coax drop, speaker run, panel install, module installs, etc. I live in North Texas so I am sure the rates are different for those of you in the north and east, but I have no idea what a fair price would be. I am still working at learning all the terminology so I can be comfortable with it when I talk to my future customers, I understand what it means and all but just am not "fluent". I have a couple of customers ready for me to do the work, but I don't know how to price it? Any advice? I still do my electrical contracting and will try to do the whole house, electrical and low voltage if possible. So for you experienced VDV people out there, I am listening. All advice/recommendations/cautions/etc. is welcome. Oh yea I am a one man shop and don't have a crew to train or help me.
Thanks in advance!

Well first off I don't think there are many (or any) guys here as ECs do whole house audio and especially home theater stuff. This is a specialized area and a trade of it's own. Also, if you are going to be good at it you need to specialize in it and nothing else.



From what you are saying it sounds like you really need to get some experience actually doing this kind of work before taking on responsibilities yourself and selling yourself as competent to a customer. I would suggest something like subbing yourself out to an established residential A/V contractor so you can learn the ropes first.

We all do CATV and network wiring though and you shouldn't have a problem with that. Any questions just ask. Perhaps someone from your area can help with pricing.

-Hal