It takes an army of professionals to design and build a home or for any major renovation project. Architects, the general contractor and every tradesperson, including the plumber, the electrician and the bricklayer, are all integral to the process. Think of the people who install the electronic components and systems as just another important link in the construction chain.

Just as you’ll find a wide variety of electronic systems, there’s also a wide variety of home systems installers, with differing levels of expertise, knowledge and experience. Many installers specialize in the design and installation of a certain type of system, such as security or lighting. Others might be trained to install home theaters. Naturally, it’s important to find an installer who has the skills to suit your desires for your home.
If you’re unsure of just what you want, or you may want every type of system installed in your home, it’s best to hire a professional who can design and install a variety of systems – networking, security, lighting control, whole-house music systems and climate control, for example. These jacks-of-all-trades are commonly called home systems installers or home systems integrators. They are highly skilled individuals who offer both you and your builder the convenience of working with just the one subcontractor. You'll find the Aegis Dealer Locator a great place to find this kind of expertise.
Because it’s tough to master every facet of home electronics, many home systems installers purposely select two or three categories of products (lighting and whole-house music, for example) to offer and install.
In this case, they often buddy up with firms that might specialize in security and home control to offer their clients a complete home systems package.


Finding the Right Resources
Depending on the systems you want, finding professionals to install technologies into your home might be as simple as chatting with your builder or contacting a company such as Aegis Systems, with a proven expertise in integrating technology into the home to make your life more enjoyable. Just as they get the plumber and the electrician for the job, your builder should know which companies to subcontract for the design and installation of your home theater and security system, for instance. In many cases, the electrician might be qualified to install the wiring and components for some systems.
If you don’t have the luxury of having your builder subcontract home systems installers for you, you can find and hire home systems installers yourself. Start by visiting the dealer locators of companies such as this site who specialize in home automation. Also visit the Web sites of organizations that specialize in this field such as CEDIA. (CEDIA is the Custom Electronic Design & Installation Association). Just as you would for any person who works on your house, check the references of each home systems installation firm. If the company operates a showroom, visit it. It’ll give you a good idea of the installer’s level of technological expertise and eye for design – plus it may inspire you to consider other features and functions you might have never considered.

Part 1 - Hire the Right Builder to Create Your Smarthome
Part 3 - Getting Started - Three Easy Steps to the Smart Connected Home

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