My builder has a guy that he insists I use for my new home's electronic systems. What should I do?

Many builders have established relationships with 'preferred' subcontractors. What makes them 'preferred' is different for different builders and how rigidly they adhere to their 'preferred list' varies, too.

Builders are really busy people. It's critical that they control as many variables as possible in order to meet the construction schedule and their promises to you. We've worked with most Richmond area builders. They'll tell you that we do good work, that we don't hold up their projects, and that we have a good reputation. (They may also say their guy is less expensive. Maybe. Maybe he just offers less.) We can provide your builder with all the insurance, lien waivers, and license information he might need. If you push, your builder may allow you to have Home Media do your system.

If your builder won't budge you have two choices: accept what he's offering or you have his guy do the absolute minimum — say, the central vac, voice/data wiring and cable TV — then have Home Media install the sophisticated parts of your system after you move in. This approach is easier than you might think.

Half of our work is in existing homes and we're really good at it. Although the wiring is certainly easier in new construction it's actually only a small part of the total cost of a system. It's your house, after all, and you'll be married to the electronic systems for a long time. You ought to get what you want.