AV Planning & Budgeting, AV Consulting Insights, Hybrid Meeting Spaces James Stoffa AV Planning & Budgeting, AV Consulting Insights, Hybrid Meeting Spaces James Stoffa

When DIY AV Isn’t Worth It: Knowing When to Call in a Pro

It’s tempting to try and spec out your own AV system — especially if you have a tech-savvy internal team. With all the gear and tutorials available today, why not DIY it and save some budget?

Sometimes that works. But sometimes, it quietly costs more in time, frustration, or rework than bringing in a professional from the start.

Here’s how to know when a DIY approach is fine — and when calling an AV consultant is the smarter (and cheaper) move.

When DIY Might Work:

  • You’re upgrading a single display or soundbar

  • You’ve used the exact setup before and are replicating it

  • You have in-house AV experience and time to manage it

But even in those cases, the moment your setup touches networking, conferencing platforms, or integrated control systems — complexity ramps up fast.

When It’s Time to Bring in a Consultant:

1. You’re Planning Multiple Rooms or Locations

Standardization matters. A consultant helps ensure each space works consistently, fits your brand, and can be supported long-term.

2. You’re Dealing with Hybrid Meetings

Getting audio, video, and content-sharing to feel seamless — especially with remote participants — takes thoughtful design. DIY often leads to frustration from echo, poor mic pickup, or low camera quality.

3. You’re Under a Tight Deadline

With project schedules, ordering delays, and contractor coordination, you’ll need someone who knows how to keep things moving without costly change orders.

4. You’re Spending Real Money

If you’re spending more than a few thousand dollars, it’s worth protecting your investment with proper planning, documentation, and oversight. Consultants often save you more than their fee just by avoiding missteps or overspending.

What a Consultant Brings:

  • Clear functional design tailored to your needs

  • Accurate, vendor-neutral equipment recommendations

  • Coordination with architects, contractors, and IT

  • Detailed documentation and installation support

  • Peace of mind — your system will work the way you need it to

Not sure whether to DIY or call in help?
We’re happy to review your plans and let you know what makes the most sense. Let’s talk.

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