Installing a TV wall mount can transform any room into a sleek, modern home theater. But mounting a heavy flatscreen TV by yourself can also inspire anxiety. This is why many people consider hiring professional TV mounting services to safely and perfectly install their television on the wall.
While professional installation takes the hassle and guesswork out of mounting your TV, it does come with some distinct drawbacks. Before deciding to pay for TV mounting services, consider these key cons first.
It’s More Expensive
Easily the biggest disadvantage of professional TV mounting is the added cost. While DIY mounting simply requires purchasing wall brackets and hardware, installation services can run $100 all the way up to $800 depending on TV size, mount complexity, and ease of access.
Many homeowners vastly overestimate the difficulty and opt to overspend on pros when convenient DIY TV mounting would have sufficed. Always weigh whether the extra cost brings enough extra value and assurance for your needs.
Scheduling Can Be a Hassle
Good luck hiring a professional TV mounting crew on short notice. Reputable installers often book up jobs weeks in advance — and that’s if they service residential homes at all rather than only commercial clients. You’ll also need to meticulously coordinate timing with other home projects.
Instead of instantly mounting your brand new TV the moment inspiration strikes, hiring pros means gritting through frustrating delays.
They May Upsell Unneeded Services
More ethical professional TV mounting crews simply provide the installation labor you pay for. Unfortunately, some companies leverage their expertise to pressure unknowledgable customers into expensive unnecessary add-ons.
Savvy homeowners must beware of overzealous upsells on dubious value-adds like custom recessed electrical wiring, elite cable concealment packages, and overpowered mounts. Politely say no thanks rather than getting strong-armed into upgrades you don’t truly require.
TV May Lose Some Adjustability
DIY TV mounting means you personally install exactly the type of articulating mount you choose for ideal swivel and tilt adjustment to your preferred viewing angle. By outsourcing installation, you lose total control — pros may opt for cheaper fixed mounts over premium adjustable versions.
This reduces post-install flexibility in tweaking your angle of view. Be extremely explicit if articulation is required to prevent getting stuck with a rigidly-mounted flatscreen.
While ease of use makes professional TV mounting enticing, the higher costs, wait times, sales pressure, and reduced customization can dampen the appeal. Carefully weigh the pros and cons before deciding whether to DIY or hire for your TV installation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I mount my TV myself or hire a professional?
If you’re generally handy and have the necessary tools, DIY TV mounting is usually best to save money. But for overly large/heavy TVs or complex installations, a pro’s expertise in safety and precision can be worth costs.
What’s the average cost of professional TV mounting?
Expect to pay $100 — $250 for smaller TVs, while large 75″+ TVs with articulating mounts can cost $500 — $800 or more for installation. High-end in-wall mounting runs even pricier.
How long does it take to mount a TV?
DIY mounting generally takes 1–3 hours from unboxing equipment to final TV positioning. Professional installation may only take 30–60 minutes of active labor time, but total service time is longer accounting for site evaluation, scheduling, and peripheral duties.
Can I change my viewing angle if pros mount my TV?
Possibly, but articulation flexibility can be limited if installers use basic fixed mounts. This is why explicitly discussing mount types and adjustability is so important upfront before allowing professional TV mounting.
What if I damage my wall during DIY TV mounting?
Use drywall anchors appropriately for your wall type and TV size to prevent excessive tearing or cracks around mounting holes. Any minor cosmetic damage is easily patched with spackling compound and touch-up paint once the TV mount is securely installed.
Carefully mull over what benefits professional TV mounting offers versus convenient DIY installation — complexity and personal capabilities should drive the decision. Weigh all pros, cons and costs regarding your specific scenario before deciding on utilizing TV mounting services.