How to Prepare for a Mounting or Installation Visit
A checklist for getting ready before an installer arrives, covering access, measurements, photos, parking, pets and what to have to hand.
A mounting visit goes much more smoothly when the installer can walk in, see what is needed and get on with it. A little preparation, usually half an hour, can save time on the day, lower the chance of a price change and prevent unnecessary damage to your home.
Before you request the job
Decide what you want
Write down the items, the positions and anything unusual. Examples:
- "55 inch TV, on the living room wall above the sideboard, cables hidden if possible."
- "Three floating shelves, 80 cm wide, in the alcove."
- "Curtain pole and blinds in two windows."
The more precise your description, the more accurate the quote.
Take photos and measurements
Photograph the wall, the area around it, and any sockets, switches, radiators or pipes. Add a rough measurement of the width and height of the space. For TVs, note the screen size and the model number if you have it. For shelves and poles, note the length.
Gather the item information
- TV weight and VESA pattern, from the box or manual.
- Bracket model, if you already own one.
- Weight and fixings of mirrors and heavy items.
- Any instructions, fittings and spare parts.
Before the visit
- Clear the area. Move furniture away from the wall and cover floors or sofas if you wish.
- Check access. Make sure the installer can reach the working area, and tell them about stairs, narrow doors and parking arrangements.
- Have the items ready. Unbox TVs, shelves and mirrors, but keep packaging to protect them in transit.
- Mention hazards. Pets, children, known pipes or cables, and any previous drilling in the wall.
- Check power and water. Know where the consumer unit and the stop valve are, in case anything is hit during work.
- Have your permission in place. In a rented or leasehold property, confirm the landlord agrees; see mounting and installing in rented homes.
On the day
- Walk through the job and confirm positions with a pencil or tape.
- Let the installer scan the wall; they may suggest a small change to avoid services or find a stronger spot.
- Ask what fixings they plan to use, especially for heavy items.
- Agree what happens if the wall is not suitable.
- Check the finished job with a level and test it gently before they leave.
After the visit
- Look over the finished work in good light.
- Ask for any fixings, spares or packaging to be left, if appropriate.
- Confirm the final price against the quote.
- Leave a fair, factual review if the job went well or badly.
Using Compito for the job
On Compito you can search by postcode, compare ID-verified local providers, send your request with photos and details, then accept an offer and pay online. Messaging the provider through the platform lets you share photos and measurements before the visit; see how it works for the steps.
Common mistakes
- Giving a vague job description and getting a vague price.
- Not mentioning a hard-to-reach wall or awkward ceiling.
- Assuming sockets can be moved as part of a mounting visit.
- Leaving heavy items in boxes that nobody can lift safely.
If you are still comparing prices, how to compare offers for mounting jobs gives you a framework.
A worked example: a TV and shelf visit
Suppose you have booked a TV mounting and two shelves. Take a photo of the wall, one of the room showing the sofa position, and one showing the nearest socket. Measure the TV width and weight and note whether you already have a bracket. Mark with masking tape where you would like the centre of the screen, and note any cables you want to hide. Message the details beforehand so the installer arrives with the right fixings and tools.
Items to have ready
- The TV, its stand legs or the box, and the manual if you have it.
- The bracket and screws if you supply them.
- A clear route from the door to the wall.
- Details of parking and building access.
- A list of other small jobs for the same visit.
Pets, children and other points
Keep pets and young children in a different room while drilling, and move breakable items. If you rent, check you have permission to drill, and keep any written consent to hand.
Possible surprises
- The wall turns out to be different from what you expected.
- A cable or pipe is found, so the position needs to move.
- A bracket is not compatible with the TV.
In each case, the best result comes from agreeing changes in the messages. For more on what a clear request looks like, see how to compare offers for mounting jobs.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to be at home for the whole visit?
It is usually best to be there at the start and the end. Agreeing positions at the start and checking the finished work at the end avoids misunderstandings.
Should I buy fixings before the visit?
Not usually. Installers normally bring suitable plugs and screws, as they can judge the wall once they are there. Check the quote to see if they are included.
What if the installer finds a problem with the wall?
A good installer will explain options, such as a different position, extra fixings or a batten. Agree any change in price before the work continues.