Contact Us
Contact

Questions • Answered

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about TV mounting, wire concealment, brackets, smart home setup, and working with Elite AV SWFL.

📺 TV Mounting

What size TV can you mount?
We mount TVs of all sizes — from 32-inch bedroom TVs to 85-inch and larger living room displays. The bracket, wall hardware, and mounting approach are all selected based on your TV's size and weight. There's no TV too big or too small for us.
Can you mount a TV above a fireplace?
Yes — fireplace mounts are one of our most popular installs. We drill into brick, stone, tile, or mantel surrounds using the correct hardware for each material. Wires are concealed in-wall or through a custom conduit path so the final look is clean and seamless. If your fireplace generates significant heat, we'll discuss whether a heat shield or a mantel-mounted pull-down bracket makes sense to protect the TV.
Can you mount a TV in a corner?
Absolutely. Corner mounts work best with a full-motion (articulating) bracket that lets you swivel the TV out from the wall and angle it toward your seating area. We'll make sure the viewing angle is comfortable from wherever you sit.
Can you mount a TV outdoors on a lanai or patio?
Yes. Outdoor TV mounting is one of our most requested services in Southwest Florida. We use weather-rated mounts built to handle Florida's heat, humidity, and salt air. We'll help position the TV to minimize sun glare and route all wiring cleanly through the wall or in surface conduit. Covered patios, screened lanais, pool areas, and outdoor kitchens are all fair game.
What height should my TV be mounted at?
The general rule is that the center of the screen should be at eye level when you're seated in your primary viewing spot. For most living rooms, that's around 42–48 inches from the floor to the center of the TV. We'll measure and discuss placement with you before drilling a single hole — we want you to love where it ends up.
Will mounting damage my wall?
Any wall mount requires holes for the bracket. We keep drilling to the minimum necessary and use the right anchors for your wall type so the mount is secure without unnecessary damage. If you ever remove the TV in the future, the holes are small and easy to patch. Our installs are clean — no extra holes, no cracked drywall, no mess.
Do I need to have my TV unboxed before you arrive?
You don't have to. We're happy to unbox, inspect, and mount a brand-new TV right out of the box. Just have it at the location when we arrive. If it's already unboxed and set up, that's fine too — we'll carefully move it to the wall.

🔌 Wires & Cables

How do you hide the wires behind a wall-mounted TV?
We use in-wall cable routing (called “fishing”) for drywall installations — cables go behind the wall from the TV down to your devices so nothing is visible. For concrete or block walls where in-wall routing isn't possible, we use surface-mounted paintable conduit that blends with your wall color. We can also install a recessed power outlet behind the TV so there's no power cord visible at all.
What does "fishing" a wire mean?
Fishing is the process of routing a cable through the inside of your wall from one point to another — for example, running an HDMI cable from behind the TV down to a media console below. Each cable run is called a “fish.” The price per fish is typically $25–$50 depending on wall type and distance.
Can you hide wires on a concrete or block wall?
Yes, but the method is different. Concrete and block walls don't allow standard in-wall routing, so we use surface-mounted cable raceways or paintable conduit that sits flat against the wall and can be painted to match. It's clean, low-profile, and looks professional. In some cases, if there's drywall over block, we can fish cables through the gap.
What if I have multiple devices (soundbar, gaming console, cable box)?
Each device that connects to your TV typically needs its own cable run. A basic setup with one streaming stick is usually just one fish. Add a soundbar, gaming console, cable box, or Blu-ray player and each one may need an additional HDMI or optical cable fished through the wall. More devices = more cables to hide = higher cost, but we'll give you a clear total before we start.
Do you provide HDMI cables or do I need my own?
We can provide HDMI cables as part of the install. If you already have cables, we're happy to use yours. For longer runs (over 15 feet) or 4K/8K signals, we may recommend a higher-quality cable to ensure a reliable picture — we'll let you know if that's the case.
Can you add a power outlet behind the TV?
Yes. Installing a recessed power outlet behind the TV eliminates the power cord entirely — nothing runs down the wall to the existing outlet below. This gives you the cleanest possible look. We'll discuss whether this makes sense for your setup during the quoting process.

🔨 Brackets & Mounts

What's the difference between flat, tilt, and full-motion mounts?
Flat mount: Holds the TV flush against the wall with no movement. Sleekest profile, great when the TV is at eye level.

Tilt mount: Lets you angle the TV slightly downward (typically 5–15°). Useful when the TV is mounted higher than eye level, like above a fireplace.

Full-motion (articulating) mount: Extends the TV away from the wall and lets you swivel left, right, up, and down. Ideal for corner installs, bedrooms, or rooms where you watch from multiple seating areas.
Do I need to provide my own bracket?
You can, but you don't have to. We offer packages that include a bracket — our $200 Standard Package comes with a flat/tilt bracket, and our $250 Full-Motion Package comes with an articulating bracket. If you already own a bracket, we'll use it and you'd start at the $150 labor-only price. Just make sure it's rated for your TV's size and weight.
How do I know which bracket is right for my TV?
Every bracket has a size range (e.g., 32–65”) and a weight rating. Your TV's VESA pattern (the bolt-hole spacing on the back) also needs to match the bracket. If you're not sure, just tell us your TV model and we'll recommend the right bracket — or we'll supply one as part of a package.
What about specialty mounts (ceiling, pull-down, motorized)?
We can install specialty mounts including ceiling mounts, pull-down fireplace mounts, and motorized lifts. These are priced on a case-by-case basis since the hardware and installation complexity vary. Send us a message describing what you're looking for and we'll put together a quote.

🧱 Wall Types

Can you mount a TV on drywall?
Yes — drywall is the most common wall type we work with. We always anchor into studs whenever possible for maximum strength. When studs don't align with where you want the TV, we use heavy-duty toggle bolts or snap toggles rated for the TV's weight. The mount will be rock solid either way.
Can you mount on concrete block (CBS) walls?
Absolutely. Most newer Southwest Florida homes use CBS block construction. We use masonry-rated Tapcon anchors and commercial-grade drill bits designed specifically for concrete block. We drill cleanly without cracking or damaging the block face. This is one of our most common installs.
What about brick, stone, or tile walls?
We mount on all of these. Brick and stone require masonry anchors and careful drilling to avoid cracking the mortar or stone face. Tile requires a specialized tile bit to get through the surface cleanly before anchoring into the structure behind it. We have the right tools and experience for all of these materials.
My wall is plaster over lath (older home). Can you still mount?
Yes. Plaster walls are common in older Florida homes. The approach depends on whether there are studs or masonry behind the plaster. We'll assess the wall structure before drilling to make sure the mount is anchored securely. Plaster can be more fragile than drywall, so we take extra care to keep the finish clean.
Can you mount on a wall with no studs where I want the TV?
Yes. When studs don't line up with your preferred TV position, we use heavy-duty toggle bolts, snap toggles, or a mounting plate that spans across studs. The weight rating is carefully matched to your TV so the mount is completely secure. We'll always let you know the best approach for your specific wall.

🏠 Smart Home & Automation

What is a smart home system?
A smart home system lets you control devices like lights, thermostats, door locks, cameras, and speakers using your phone or voice commands through Alexa, Google Home, or Apple HomeKit. Devices connect to your home Wi-Fi and can be automated — for example, lights that turn on at sunset or a thermostat that adjusts when you leave the house.
Do I need a whole system or can I start small?
You can absolutely start small. Even a single smart speaker, a few smart bulbs, or a smart plug can make a noticeable difference in your daily routine. We can set up as little or as much as you want — there's no minimum. Many customers start with one room and expand over time.
Which smart home platforms do you work with?
We work with all major platforms: Amazon Alexa, Google Home, and Apple HomeKit. We also configure devices that work with Samsung SmartThings, Hubitat, and other hubs. If you already have a preference or existing devices, we'll build around what you have.
Can you set up voice control for my TV?
Yes. Most modern smart TVs and streaming devices (Fire TV, Roku, Apple TV, Chromecast) support voice control through Alexa, Google, or Siri. We can configure your setup so you can turn on the TV, change inputs, adjust volume, and launch apps with voice commands. We'll also set up any smart speakers or displays you have to work together.
Can you help with Wi-Fi issues or dead spots?
We can assess your Wi-Fi situation and recommend improvements like mesh routers or access points if your smart devices are having connectivity issues. A strong, reliable Wi-Fi network is the foundation of any smart home setup. We charge our hourly rate ($100/hr) for network troubleshooting and optimization.
Is my smart home secure? Can it be hacked?
Like any internet-connected device, smart home gear should be set up securely. We make sure your devices are on a strong password-protected network, firmware is up to date, and default passwords are changed. We can also set up a separate guest network for your smart devices to keep them isolated from your main devices. Basic security hygiene goes a long way.

🔊 Soundbars & Audio

Can you wall-mount my soundbar?
Yes. We mount soundbars below or near the TV using the manufacturer's bracket or a universal soundbar mount. Cables are routed behind the wall or in conduit so everything looks clean. We'll align the soundbar perfectly with the TV for a seamless look.
Do I need a soundbar if I'm mounting my TV?
You don't need one, but most people find that wall-mounted TVs sound better with external audio. When a TV is flat against a wall, the built-in speakers can sound muffled since they typically fire downward or backward. A soundbar dramatically improves clarity, volume, and bass. It's one of the most popular add-ons to a TV mount.
Can you set up surround sound?
Yes. We configure surround sound systems including 5.1, 7.1, and Dolby Atmos setups. This includes speaker placement, wiring, receiver configuration, and calibration. Surround sound installs are priced at our hourly rate depending on complexity. Send us your equipment list and room layout and we'll give you a quote.
Can you set up multi-room audio (music in every room)?
Yes. We work with Sonos, Amazon Echo, Google Nest, Apple HomePod, and other multi-room audio systems. We'll configure speakers throughout your home so you can play music in one room or everywhere at once. We can also set up grouping and routines so everything works with voice commands.

📅 Scheduling & Service

What areas do you serve?
We serve all of Lee County and Collier County in Southwest Florida, including Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Naples, Bonita Springs, Estero, Lehigh Acres, North Fort Myers, Marco Island, Sanibel, Captiva, Fort Myers Beach, Golden Gate, and surrounding areas. If you're in SWFL, we can get to you.
How quickly can you schedule an install?
Most installs are scheduled within a few days of your first message. For simple TV mounts, we can often book the same week. Send us a message or call and we'll find a time that works for you.
How long does a TV mount take?
A standard TV mount with one wire fish typically takes 45 minutes to 1.5 hours depending on wall type and setup complexity. Larger jobs with multiple devices, soundbar mounting, or smart home config take longer. We'll give you a time estimate when we confirm your appointment.
Are you licensed and insured?
Yes. Elite AV SWFL is fully licensed and insured to operate in Lee County and Collier County. Your home and your investment are protected.
Do I need to be home during the install?
We recommend it, especially at the start so we can confirm placement with you before drilling. If you can't be there for the full install, we can work with you to get the placement approved beforehand. We'll need access to the room and any equipment that's being mounted.
Do you clean up after the install?
Always. We protect your floors during the install and clean up all dust, debris, and packaging before we leave. Your space will look better than when we arrived — that's the standard.
Does my condo HOA need to approve the install?
Many Naples, Bonita Springs, and Fort Myers condos and gated communities require HOA approval before wall modifications. We recommend checking with your HOA or property manager before scheduling. Our installs are clean and professional, and we're happy to provide photos or documentation if your HOA needs to review the work beforehand.

💰 Pricing

How much does TV mounting cost?
TV mounting starts at $150 for labor only (you provide the bracket). Our Standard Package is $200 and includes a flat/tilt bracket plus one wire fish. The Full-Motion Package is $250 with an articulating bracket and wire fish. Additional devices, cables, and custom work are priced separately. See our full pricing page for details.
What does "per fish" cost?
Each wire fish (cable run through the wall) is $25–$50 depending on wall type, distance, and complexity. A standard drywall fish on a short run is on the lower end; concrete block or longer runs cost more.
What's the hourly rate for custom work?
Our hourly rate is $100/hr for work that goes beyond a standard TV mount — things like smart home configuration, network troubleshooting, multi-room audio setup, or unusual mounting situations. We'll always let you know if hourly pricing applies before we start.
Are there any hidden fees or trip charges?
No. We give you a clear price before we schedule. What we quote is what you pay. No trip charges, no surprise add-ons, no fine print.
Do you offer free estimates?
Yes. Send us a message with your TV size, a photo of the wall, and what you want done and we'll give you a clear price. Most quotes can be done remotely based on photos — no need for an in-person estimate for standard installs.

Still Have Questions?

Send us a message or give us a call. We're happy to walk you through anything — no pressure, no sales pitch.