Q: How can your home systems installer help you stay within a particular budget?

By presenting "price balloons." We might tell a client that the particular systems he is interested in will cost between $x and $y. We'll continue by telling him what x will get him and what y will get him. Often, we'll present two proposals: one that meets the client's budget and, if it's not too outrageous, one that meets the client's performance desires.

Cost cutting. There are usually ways to reduce the cost of a system without seriously sacrificing performance. For example, most people would be just as happy with a $4,000 video projector as they would with an $8,000 video projector.

Delay the purchase of equipment. The wiring for many types of systems can be installed and paid for first. Later, when your budget allows, you can pay to have the components of that system (such as processors, speakers, keypads and amplifiers).

Delay the purchase of equipment. The wiring for many types of systems can be installed and paid for first. Later, when your budget allows, you can pay to have the components of that system (such as processors, speakers, keypads and amplifiers).

—Robert Ridenour, president, Connected Technologies, Colorado Springs, CO