Installing home automation systems – whether they be home security automation systems, home entertainments automation solutions and home theater systems, or voice controlled home automations for energy, HVAC and window/lighting control – create a big investment into your home. When investing this much money into your home, it is essential to make sure that the installation and integration of home automation systems in done by a professional integrator.
Finding a trusted home automation integrator can be difficult, and vetting a home integration company can be equally challenging. How do you know if your home automation integration company is trusted, licensed, insured, and will provide service and product quality that leave you satisfied? The Home Technology Association Certification system (HTA) is one way that can help you in choosing a company to provide home automation services.
What is HTA Certification?
Based off 60+ point evaluation criteria, the HTA certification is the new industry standard for awarding excellence in service for home technology and home automation integration companies. Not only does the Home Technology Association (HTA) grant certification status to companies who have met and exceeded the HTA standards for service and customer care, but companies also must commit to continuing their high standards for service.
The ultimate goal of HTA certification is for home automation companies to show their customers that they are committed to the highest standards in the industry, but also for homeowners to quickly and easily find local home automation companies that can be trusted to do the job right.
Home Technology Association | Source: htacertified.org
HTA Certified Home Automation Integrators in Arizona
Creative Sound & Integration is proud to be one of the few home automation integration companies in Arizona to be HTA certified. Our commitment to our customers is reflected in the standards of HTA certification, and we continually strive to provide our customers with the highest standard of customer care.
The Standards of HTA Certification
Creative Sound & Integration has always kept the highest standards of customer care for our clients, and our standards easily fit into the HTA standards of certification. Created by the Home Technology Association’s Board of Advisors, the HTA certification criteria was put together with input from industry manufacturers with experience and working knowledge of today’s home technology products, and where technologies are heading in the near future.
The HTA Board of Directors is made up of real industry professionals, including:
- John Clancy – Residential Vice President, Crestron Electronics
- David Weinstein – Vice President of Residential Sales, Lutron Electronics
- JC Murphy – Executive Vice President, Savant Systems
- Bryce Judd – Senior Vice President of Global Sales, Control 4
- Jason Knott – Vice President of CE/Security Group, EH Media
- Frank Sterns – Vice President of AV Specialty/CI, Sony Electronics
- Noah Kaplan – Founder and President, Leon Speakers
- Richard Glikes – President and Founder, Azione Unlimited
- Jason Sloan – Chief Sales Officer, Dana Innovations
The Criteria for HTA Certified Companies includes the following standards:
- Ownership and management team must have 3+ years of successful business performance
- A stellar reputation in the marketplace
- A demonstrated history of technical competence
- A demonstrated history of providing high-quality aftercare service
- No significant litigation history
- Do not have tax liens
- At least $1M of liability insurance
- Have not filed bankruptcy in at least the past 5 years
- Must perform background checks on all new employees
- Agree to provide a copy of control system programming code to client
- The ability to deliver high-performance enterprise-grade computer networks
- Endorsements from at least three manufacturers
- Endorsements from at least three local industry professionals
- Endorsements from at least three design/build professionals *
- Have Worker’s Compensation insurance if required by state
- The ability to deliver engineering documentation and as-built drawings (Estate & Luxury tiers only)
- The ability to deliver high-performance theater acoustical design (Estate & Luxury tiers only)
- A demonstrated history of delivering a high-quality home automation experience (Estate & Luxury tiers only)
Categories of HTA Certified Home Automation Companies
Categorization of HTA certified companies is important because home the scale and needs of home automation and home technology integration projects can vary from as small as a living room home theater installation for a <2,000 sq. ft. home (like we have provided for many Mesa, Chandler and Gilbert area residents), to a very large project like full home automation system installations for luxury homes over 10,000 sq. ft. (like we have provided for many customers in Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, and in the Biltmore area of Downtown Phoenix).
All of the categories of HTA certification are based off the same company criteria, but the levels signify which integrator would best suit your project based of the size and scope of the project.
Foundation HTA Certified Companies
- Fit for homes under 5,000 square feet
- A great fit for families with simpler home technology needs
- Project that can be completed in a few days of several weeks
Luxury HTA Certified Companies
- Fit for luxury homes
- Homes around 5,000 to 10,000 square feet
- Smart home automation integrations
- High performance home theater systems
- Projects that can be completed in several weeks to several months
- Projects that require the collaboration between integrators and architects, including new construction projects
- Projects budgeted at about $50,000 to $250,000
Estate HTA Certified Companies
- Luxury homes over 10,000 square feet
- Homes with complex technology needs
- Homes with domestic staff (gardeners, maids, and other staff that will need to be able to utilize home automation systems and technology)
- Ultra-high performance home theater systems that rival commercial theaters
- Projects that require engineering and project planning needs
- Projects that could take over a year, or several years, to complete
- Projects with budgets over $250,000
Creative Sound & Integration, Your Arizona HTA Certified Integrator
Creative Sound & Integration is one of only 2 Arizona residential and commercial automation integrators to hold HTA certification, and we are certified to help you with your foundation, luxury, or estate level home automation projects.
HTA Certified Estate Home Automation Integration Companies | Source: htacertified.org
Creative Sound brings you more than just ease of use and top of the line audio/video products and systems, we elevate your lifestyle and help you to achieve the level of luxury and comfort in your home that you are looking for. Call us today to find out what a luxury home automation plan can do for your home.
