How to hire an AV installer

What AV installers do

• TV mounting: on drywall, brick or over a fireplace, with the wires hidden.
• Whole-home audio: in-ceiling or in-wall speakers in several rooms, controlled from an app or keypads.
• Outdoor audio: weather-rated speakers for patios and pools.
• Video distribution: one cable box, streaming player or game console feeding TVs in several rooms.
• Soundbars, receivers and surround sound for a living room or bonus room.
• Wi-Fi and wiring to make streaming reliable (some AV installers do this; see our low-voltage guide).

How licensing usually works

There's no single “AV license” in most states. What applies depends on the work:

• Low-voltage wiring (speaker, HDMI, network cable) is licensed in some states and not in others.
• Anything at 120 volts is electrical work: a new outlet behind the TV, a new circuit for an equipment rack, or moving a switch. That usually needs a licensed electrician and a permit. Many AV companies have an electrician on staff or work with one.
• Your city may have its own rules, including permits for new wiring in some cases.

We show the license details we found in public records with the date we checked. Confirm what applies in your state before you hire.

Questions to ask

1. What will you mount the TV to, and what mount will you use for its weight?
2. How will the wires be hidden, and will any power work be done by a licensed electrician?
3. Which brands do you recommend, and why those?
4. Will I be able to control everything from one remote or app? Who sets that up?
5. Is the quote for equipment and labor, and what happens if I already own some equipment?
6. What's the warranty on the installation, and who do I call if something stops working?
7. Can you show me a similar job you've done?

Red flags

• Running a TV's power cord inside the wall.
• Mounting a large TV without checking for studs or using anchors rated for its weight.
• A quote that lists brands but not models, or labor with no description.

Common questions

Do AV installers need a license?

It depends on the state and the work. Mounting a TV and running speaker wire often needs no special license, but some states license low-voltage wiring, and adding an outlet or circuit behind the TV is electrical work that usually needs a licensed electrician and a permit.

Can the wires be hidden in the wall?

Usually. Low-voltage cables can often run inside the wall through a recessed plate. A power cord should not be run inside the wall: a code-compliant in-wall power kit or a new outlet behind the TV is the safe way.

What is CEDIA?

CEDIA is an industry association for home technology professionals, and it offers training and certifications. It's one useful thing to ask about, alongside the installer's licenses, insurance and recent work.

Last reviewed November 8, 2026. License rules change and differ by state; confirm details with your state's licensing board and your local building department.