TV wall mounting might seem like a simple weekend DIY project, but trust me — it’s one of those jobs where professional help can save you from disaster. After watching my mate’s poorly mounted 55-inch Sony crash to the floor last summer (goodbye £1200 television), I’ve become somewhat passionate about proper installation. The right contractor makes all the difference between a sleek, professional finish & a potential wall catastrophe.
Finding the perfect professional to mount your telly requires asking the right questions upfront. Not all contractors offer the same expertise or service quality, and prices vary WILDLY across the UK. I’ve compiled these essential questions based on both personal experience and extensive research to help you avoid costly mistakes.
So before you hand over your precious flatscreen to someone with a drill and a smile, consider these crucial questions…
1. What Qualifications & Experience Do You Have?
The first thing you should ask any potential TV mounting contractor is about their qualifications. In the UK, there’s no specific “TV mounting licence” (wouldn’t that be nice?), but several relevant qualifications exist that indicate professionalism and competence.
Look for contractors with electrical certifications such as City & Guilds or NVQ qualifications. While basic TV mounting doesn’t always require electrical work, many installations involve connecting to power sources, hiding cables in walls, or installing additional equipment. Someone with proper electrical training understands building regulations regarding power points near televisions.
Experience matters too! Ask how many years they’ve been mounting TVs specifically. Someone who’s mounted hundreds of televisions likely has encountered & solved various problems that might arise during your installation. Request to see photos of previous jobs similar to yours, especially if you have unusual requirements like mounting on a particular type of wall material or accommodating an awkward space.
2. What’s Included in Your Quote?
Nothing worse than being hit with unexpected costs after you’ve committed to a service. A proper TV mounting quote should be comprehensive and transparent. Some contractors offer attractively low headline prices but then add extras for every little thing.
Ask if the quote includes the mounting bracket or if you need to purchase one separately. Quality brackets range from £30 for basic models to £200+ for fully articulated options that allow extensive movement. Some contractors mark these up significantly, so it’s worth comparing prices.
Does the quote include cable management? This can mean simple cable tidying with clips or more complex solutions like channelling cables through walls (which might require additional permits in some areas). Also check if the price covers connecting components like sound bars, game consoles, etc.
Time is another factor to clarify. Will they charge a flat fee or by the hour? If it’s hourly, ask for an estimate of how long the job typically takes. Most standard TV mountings should take between 1-2 hours, but complex installations could require half a day.
3. What Type of Wall Mounting Hardware Do You Use?
The quality of mounting hardware can literally make the difference between a secure installation and a disaster waiting to happen. Don’t be shy about asking specific details about the brackets and fixings they intend to use.
Good contractors use brackets rated for MORE weight than your TV requires. For instance, if your TV weighs 25kg, the bracket should be rated for at least 35kg. This provides a crucial safety margin. Ask if they use name-brand brackets from reputable manufacturers like Sanus, Vogel’s, or Peerless-AV, which tend to be more reliable than generic options.
Wall fixings are equally important & must be appropriate for your specific wall type. Mounting on a solid brick wall requires different fixings compared to plasterboard or drywall. If they’ll be mounting to a stud wall, ask if they use a stud finder and what type of screws they employ. For drywall installations, they should use toggle bolts or other specialized anchors rather than simple wall plugs.
Frankly, any contractor who can’t provide specific details about their hardware choices should be approached with caution. The best ones will happily explain their preferred methods and why they choose certain components.
4. How Will You Handle Cable Management?
There’s nothing that ruins the clean look of a wall-mounted TV quite like a tangle of cables hanging down! Cable management should be a key consideration for any professional installation.
Ask the contractor to explain their standard approach to cable management. Some basic options include using cable clips or raceways that attach to the wall surface. For a truly professional finish, inquire about channelling cables through the wall itself. This creates an invisible installation but requires more work and possibly some plastering and painting afterward.
If you’re considering in-wall cable routing, check that the contractor understands UK building regulations regarding this. Certain cables (particularly power cables) may need to be encased in specific protective conduits when routed through walls. Some installations might require a qualified electrician to install a new power point behind the television.
Think ahead about all the devices that will connect to your TV — sound systems, game consoles, streaming devices, etc. A good contractor will help plan for these connections and ensure sufficient cable capacity for your setup.
5. Do You Provide Any Guarantee or Warranty on Your Work?
Any reputable contractor should stand behind their work with some form of guarantee. This demonstrates confidence in their installation methods and provides you with peace of mind.
Ask what happens if the TV falls or the mount fails after installation. (Heaven forbid!) Will they cover damage to the TV or repair costs? Most quality contractors offer at least a 12-month warranty on their workmanship, which covers any issues with how the TV was installed.
It’s also worth asking about their insurance situation. Professional contractors should carry public liability insurance that protects you if something goes wrong during the installation that causes damage to your property or injures someone. Don’t be embarassed about requesting proof of this insurance — it’s a standard request for any trade professional.
Additonally, find out their policy on post-installation adjustments. Sometimes after living with a wall-mounted TV for a few days, you might want slight adjustments to the height or angle. Will they return to make minor tweaks, and is this included in their service or would it incur additional charges?
6. Can You Assess My Wall’s Suitability Before Installation?
Not all walls are created equal when it comes to supporting the weight of televisions! A professional contractor should be willing to evaluate your wall’s suitability before proceeding with installation.
Different wall types require different mounting approaches. Solid brick or concrete walls generally provide the most secure mounting surface, while plasterboard/drywall installations depend entirely on finding and securing to the wooden or metal studs behind. Some walls may appear solid but actually be hollow blocks or have other limitations.
Ask if the contractor will check for pipes or electrical wiring in the wall before drilling. Professional installers use stud finders with pipe/wire detection capabilities to avoid these hazards. They should also determine if your chosen position is structurally sound enough to support your TV’s weight.
If your preferred location isn’t suitable, a good contractor will suggest alternatives rather than proceeding with a risky installation. They might also recommend additional reinforcement for certain wall types. This preliminary assessment might seem like an extra step, but it’s crucial for safety and longevity of the installation.
The Bottom Line
Choosing the right TV wall-mounting service isn’t just about finding the cheapest option — it’s about finding someone who’ll treat your expensive television with the care it deserves & create an installation that’s both safe & aesthetically pleasing.
By asking these 6 key questions, you’ll be able to separate the true professionals from those who might leave you with a precariously hanging screen or unsightly cable situation. Take your time, get multiple quotes, and don’t be afraid to ask for references or examples of previous work. A little due diligence now can save you from headaches (or worse, a shattered TV) later. And trust me on the cable management — it’s worth paying extra for a clean, professional-looking finish that you’ll appreciate every single day.
