When Work Goes Wrong: Why AV Professionals Matter
A stucco mishap shows why “close enough” isn’t good enough. For AV done right, trust Entertainment Pros in Clearwater, FL.
We’ve all seen it happen—someone says they can take on a project, but the results show they’re in over their head. In the world of audio, video, and home automation, “close enough” can quickly become a costly headache.
A Quick Story About a “NOT”
Sometimes you have a project, need a solution or repair, and someone tells you they can do it. Sometimes they bite off more than they can chew. Some people don't "stay in their lane". Sometimes it still works out fine. Sometimes not. This is a quick story about a "NOT".
The Original Installation
We configured a home 9 years ago with a dedicated Home Theater complete with LED indirect lighting on some soffits and edges, fiber optics starlight ceiling, 7.2 surround system, complete home automation, multiple touchpanels, and speakers throughout, inside and out.
Water Damage and Stucco Repairs
The home suffered some water damage due to a roof leak, and after the roof leak was repaired, the homeowner called a stucco company to repair an outdoor ceiling area. This area has lights and a pair of Monitor Audio speakers in the cement/stucco ceiling.
I stopped by to check on the repair status at one point, and discovered the stucco company had totally covered the area where the (2) large round speakers were supposed to be reinstalled. I asked about the holes, they stated, "if you provide the circle dimension, we will cut the holes".
The “Cement Beaver” Holes
I returned with the speakers (which need a nice round hole of a very specific size) for the install, and was shocked. I made the incorrect assumption that the company doing the stucco/concrete work was well-versed and capable of easily creating a professional, concentric hole in the stucco far better than I, the "A/V Guy".
I always tell people, no matter what I have gone through in my life, I am frequently surprised by what I run across. This one shocked me. It appears they brought their favorite Concrete Beaver along to gnaw a hole in the stucco ceiling.
Also, they were aware the holes were for 4" deep speakers, and they made the hole directly under a truss, which could not be altered.
Taking Matters Into My Own Hands
I called the contractor, he told me to do what I needed to make it work and they would handle the repairs. I grabbed my trusty Dewalt Reciprocating saw, installed my carbide blade (perfect for cutting neatly through cement and stucco), traced a NEW hole (needed to relocate slightly to avoid the truss hiding above) and proceeded to cut the holes I previously and (and incorrectly) assumed they were going to make.
For visual stimulation (sorry, that may be quite a stretch), I have the following photos:
The Real Moral of the Story
The moral of the story- sometimes a "handyman quality" person is capable of performing tasks or completing repairs, sometimes you need to call a professional. This is one of those “latter” times.
The portion of this "adventure" that really floors me is that I was able to perform the portion of the repair that should be in their wheelhouse. I should be calling THEM to fix MY screwup in the stucco, not the A/V guy doing a better job than them.
Now the client is waiting for them to patch their remaining holes and then repainting. The project should have been completed a month ago, but it required 3 more trips due to them “biting off more than they could chew".
I frequently tell people, "Just because you CAN doesn't mean you SHOULD". Somewhere in my blogs or on my website, I shared the quote by Benjamin Franklin, "The bitterness of poor quality remains long after the sweetness of low price is forgotten". Unfortunately, this still rings true today.
If It Matters, Call a Professional
The moral of this story? If in doubt, call a professional. If it's important that a good job is done, call a professional. If you CARE, call a professional. Or at least someone that cares.
If you need something that is in OUR wheelhouse and would like to deal with a company that CARES, call Entertainment Pros.
Entertainment Pros
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727-804-2277
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