The difference between a 1-hour installation and a 3-hour installation often comes down to preparation. When homeowners are ready, we mount TVs faster, cleaner, and with fewer surprises. When they're not, we spend valuable time moving furniture, hunting for remotes, or waiting for decisions that should have been made beforehand.
This checklist ensures your TV mounting appointment goes smoothly—saving you time, money, and stress.
Before Scheduling: Questions to Answer First
Before you even book your appointment, have answers to these questions:
Essential Pre-Scheduling Questions
- What TV are you mounting? Have the brand, model, and screen size ready
- Where do you want it? Decide on the room and wall location
- What wall type? Drywall, brick, stone, tile, or concrete?
- Above a fireplace? This changes mount type and installation complexity
- Do you have a mount? Or do you need us to provide one?
- Wire concealment? Do you want wires hidden in the wall?
- Soundbar or speakers? Will additional equipment need mounting?
One Week Before: The Planning Phase
Finalize Your Mounting Location
This is NOT something to decide when the installer arrives. Consider:
- Viewing angles: Can you see the screen clearly from your primary seating?
- Glare and reflections: Will windows create glare during daytime viewing?
- Furniture arrangement: Does placement work with your current layout?
- Outlet locations: Is there a power outlet near your desired location?
- Cable box/streaming device: Where will source devices be located?
💡 The Cardboard Test
Cut cardboard to your TV's dimensions and tape it to the wall where you're considering mounting. Live with it for 24-48 hours. Sit in different seats. Watch during day and night. This simple test prevents "I wish we'd put it somewhere else" regrets.
Gather Your Equipment
Have these items ready and accessible:
- Your TV: Unboxed and in the room where it will be mounted
- Remote controls: All remotes for TV and connected devices
- TV mount: If you purchased your own mount
- TV manual: For reference on VESA pattern if needed
- Source devices: Cable box, streaming devices, game consoles
- Cables: HDMI cables, power strips, any specialized cables
One Day Before: The Preparation Phase
Clear the Work Area
Installers need access to the wall and floor space in front of it:
- Move furniture: Clear at least 6 feet of space in front of mounting wall
- Remove wall décor: Take down pictures, mirrors, shelves near mounting area
- Protect flooring: We bring drop cloths, but clear rugs if concerned
- Clear the mantel: For fireplace mounts, remove all mantel décor
- Access to outlets: Clear path to nearest electrical outlet
Prepare Your TV
- Unbox completely: Remove all packaging, including protective films
- Remove the stand: If your TV came with a stand, detach it
- Locate VESA holes: The mounting holes on the back of your TV
- Stage the TV: Place it on a soft surface (bed, couch) near mounting wall
- Power test: Confirm the TV powers on and works before mounting
⚠️ Critical: Test Your TV First!
ALWAYS power on and test a new TV BEFORE mounting. Discovering a dead pixel or defect after the TV is on the wall means unmounting for return/exchange. Test picture quality, sound, and all inputs before installation day.
Morning of Appointment: Final Checklist
Last-Minute Preparations
- Pets: Secure pets away from work area (drilling noise scares them)
- Children: Arrange supervision—work areas have tools and debris
- Access: Ensure installer can easily enter your home
- Parking: Let installer know where to park (especially for condos/apartments)
- Decision maker present: Someone who can make final height/placement decisions
Have These Items Handy
- WiFi password: Written down for smart TV setup
- Streaming logins: Netflix, Hulu, etc. credentials if you want apps configured
- Payment method: Credit card, check, or cash as previously arranged
- Phone charged: To communicate if installer needs to reach you
During the Installation: What to Expect
The Typical Process
- Walk-through (5-10 min): Installer reviews placement, confirms details
- Stud finding (5-10 min): Locating studs or assessing masonry
- Mount installation (20-40 min): Drilling, anchoring mount to wall
- TV hanging (10-20 min): Attaching bracket to TV, hanging on mount
- Wire concealment (30-60 min): If included, running wires through wall
- Device connection (15-30 min): Connecting cable box, soundbar, etc.
- Final adjustments (10-15 min): Leveling, angle adjustment, cleanup
Good Questions to Ask During Install
- "Is the height comfortable for our seating position?"
- "Should we consider a tilting mount for this location?"
- "Where is the best place for our streaming device?"
- "How do we adjust the mount if needed later?"
- "What's the warranty on the installation?"
What Causes Delays (And How to Avoid Them)
Common Delay Causes
- Undecided placement: Debating location adds 30+ minutes
- Unmoved furniture: Moving heavy items takes time
- Missing TV stand screws: Stand attachment bolts blocking mount holes
- Defective TV: Discovering issues after mounting means starting over
- Wrong mount: Customer-provided mount incompatible with TV
- Unexpected wall type: Discovering brick behind drywall changes everything
- Pets and children: Constant interruptions slow progress
How to Prevent Each Delay
- Use the cardboard test to finalize location BEFORE appointment
- Clear the area the night before
- Remove TV stand and locate all mounting hardware in advance
- Test TV operation before installation day
- Send mount information to installer ahead of time for compatibility check
- Inform installer of wall type when scheduling
- Arrange pet/child care during installation
After Installation: What to Do Next
Immediate Post-Installation
- Test everything: Power on, check all inputs, test sound
- Verify level: Confirm TV is perfectly straight
- Check mount operation: If tilting/swiveling, test full range
- Review wire concealment: Inspect for any visible cables
- Take photos: Document the installation for warranty purposes
Within First Week
- Live with it: Watch from various positions, times of day
- Check for issues: Listen for rattling, watch for any settling
- Contact installer: Report any concerns while under warranty
- Leave a review: Help future customers find quality installers
Special Situations: Extra Preparation Needed
Above-Fireplace Installations
- Clear entire mantel of decorations
- Know your fireplace type (gas, wood-burning, electric, decorative)
- Discuss heat concerns with installer
- Consider MantelMount if viewing angle is a concern
Brick/Stone/Tile Walls
- Inform installer of exact wall material when scheduling
- Expect longer installation time
- Understand wire concealment limitations on masonry
- Have vacuum accessible for dust (we bring one, but extras help)
High Ceiling Rooms
- Measure ceiling height and inform installer
- Confirm installer has appropriate ladder/equipment
- Discuss optimal viewing angle from seating distance
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be home during installation?
Yes, we require an adult (18+) to be present throughout the installation. They need to approve final placement, provide access, and sign off on completed work. If you can't be home, arrange for a trusted adult to be present.
How long does a typical installation take?
1-2 hours for basic drywall installations, 2-3+ hours for masonry or complex setups. Wire concealment adds 30-60 minutes. MantelMount installations typically take 2-2.5 hours. Being prepared can reduce these times significantly.
Should I buy my own mount or have you provide one?
We recommend letting us provide the mount to ensure compatibility with your TV and wall type. However, if you prefer to purchase your own, send us the model number before your appointment so we can verify it works for your setup.
What if I change my mind about placement after installation?
Minor adjustments (1-2 inches) on the same wall are often free. Moving to a different location or wall is considered a new installation and will be quoted accordingly. This is why the cardboard test is so important!
Book Your TV Mounting Appointment
Ready to get your TV professionally mounted? The TV Mount Men serve all of metro Atlanta with same-day and next-day availability. We'll confirm all details when you book and send reminders with preparation tips.
📞 Call (678) 870-8890 to schedule your installation. Free quotes, 5-year warranty, and preparation guidance included with every booking.
