Frequently Asked Questions
Smart Home, Wi-Fi, Security & A/V FAQs
Clear answers about professional smart home installation, UniFi networking, security cameras, TV mounting, audio/video systems, automation, and small business technology services across Metro Atlanta.
Metro Atlanta
Clean, reliable technology for homes and small businesses.
What We Help With
Planning, installing, configuring, and explaining your technology.
Smart home, Wi-Fi, cameras, access control, TV mounting, audio/video, and automation.
Find Answers Fast
Choose the topic that matches your project.
Whether you are planning a small TV install or a full UniFi network, this page explains how we approach common technology projects for homes and small businesses.
01
Getting Started
Service area, consultations, scheduling, and how projects begin.
02Smart Home
Automation, device compatibility, existing equipment, and reliability.
03Wi-Fi & UniFi
Internet speed, dead zones, wired access points, and network security.
04Security & Access
Cameras, Ring, UniFi Protect, access control, and privacy basics.
05TV Mounting & A/V
TV installs, wire hiding, SONOS, home audio, and business A/V.
06Payment & Support
Walkthroughs, warranties, support options, renters, and payments.
Getting Started
Before we recommend equipment, we learn how you actually use the space.
These answers cover service areas, consultations, scheduling, and the first steps for working with The SmartHome Co.
What areas does The SmartHome Co. serve?
We serve Metro Atlanta and surrounding communities, including Marietta, Atlanta, Dallas, Sandy Springs, Decatur, Woodstock, Roswell, Smyrna, Fayetteville, Kennesaw, Dunwoody, Alpharetta, Peachtree City, Stone Mountain, Tucker, Johns Creek, Milton, and nearby areas.
Do you charge for the initial consultation?
Many projects can start with a phone, text, email, or virtual conversation so we can understand your goals before recommending equipment. More involved smart home, networking, security, or A/V projects may require an on-site assessment before we provide a final proposal.
How soon can you schedule my installation?
Scheduling depends on project size, equipment availability, site conditions, and our current workload. Smaller projects can often be scheduled sooner, while larger UniFi, security, cabling, smart home, or A/V projects usually require additional planning and procurement.
What services does The SmartHome Co. provide?
We provide smart home integration, networking and Wi-Fi, security cameras, access control, TV mounting, audio/video installation, environment control, automation, structured cabling, UniFi systems, Ring installations, SONOS installations, and small business technology services.
How do I get started?
Call or text 470-696-4942, email [email protected], or reach out through the website. We will review your goals, ask about the property, recommend the right next step, and explain what is needed before installation.
Smart Home & Automation
Smart home technology should make life easier, not more complicated.
We help clients choose practical systems that work together, feel simple to use, and are installed cleanly.
What brands and platforms do you work with?
We work with trusted smart home, networking, security, and A/V brands including UniFi, Ring, SONOS, Lutron, Google Home, Amazon Alexa, Apple Home, and other compatible platforms. Recommendations are based on your home, budget, goals, and long-term reliability needs.
Can you integrate equipment I already own?
In many cases, yes. We can evaluate existing equipment to see what can be reused, reconfigured, upgraded, or connected into a better system. If older devices are unreliable, unsupported, or not compatible with the desired setup, we will explain the options clearly before recommending replacement.
Will smart devices still work if the internet goes down?
Some smart home functions can keep working locally, while cloud-based features may pause until internet service is restored. Proper network design, local control options, battery backup, and cellular backup can improve reliability for homes and businesses that need stronger uptime.
Are smart homes secure from hackers?
Smart home security depends on proper setup. We improve system security through strong passwords, secure network design, device updates, firewall settings, and network separation when appropriate. No connected system is risk-free, but professional configuration reduces common vulnerabilities.
Will a smart home system add resale value?
A professionally installed system can improve buyer appeal, especially when the installation is clean, documented, reliable, and easy to use. The best value usually comes from practical upgrades like strong Wi-Fi, security cameras, smart lighting, clean TV installs, and structured cabling.
Wi-Fi, Networking & UniFi
Fast internet only helps when your network is designed correctly.
We design Wi-Fi and network systems around coverage, reliability, security, and how your devices actually connect.
What internet speed do I need for a smart home?
Many homes work well with 300 to 500 Mbps download speeds, but the right plan depends on the number of users, cameras, smart devices, streaming habits, remote work needs, gaming, and upload requirements. The quality of the Wi-Fi network is often just as important as the internet plan itself.
Why is my “fast” internet still slow on Wi-Fi?
Slow Wi-Fi is often caused by poor router placement, weak signal, interference, old equipment, overloaded mesh nodes, or too many devices competing for bandwidth. We look at the full network, not just the speed printed on your internet bill.
Do you install UniFi networks?
Yes. We design, install, and configure UniFi Network systems for homes and small businesses. This can include gateways, switches, access points, network racks, structured cabling, VLANs, guest Wi-Fi, remote management, and client walkthroughs.
Is UniFi better than a regular mesh Wi-Fi system?
For many larger homes, busy families, smart homes, and small businesses, UniFi is a stronger long-term solution because it supports wired access points, better network management, stronger scalability, and cleaner equipment organization. Consumer mesh systems can work in simple spaces, but they often struggle in larger or more demanding environments.
Do you install Cat6 Ethernet drops?
Yes. We install and terminate Cat6 cabling for access points, TVs, desktop computers, gaming systems, cameras, network equipment, and other hardwired devices. Hardwiring key devices improves reliability and frees up Wi-Fi for mobile devices.
Can you clean up a messy network closet or rack?
Yes. We can organize network racks, replace poor cabling, label connections, improve airflow, mount equipment properly, install patch panels, and make the system easier to service in the future.
Security Cameras & Access Control
Security works best when coverage, placement, and network reliability are planned together.
We install camera and access systems that are designed for clear coverage, cleaner installs, and easier day-to-day use.
Do you install security cameras for homes and businesses?
Yes. We install security camera systems for homes and small businesses, including camera placement, mounting, cabling, network setup, recording configuration, mobile app access, and client walkthroughs.
Do you install UniFi Protect camera systems?
Yes. We install UniFi Protect systems including cameras, network video recorders, PoE switches, gateways, storage drives, rack hardware, cabling, configuration, and mobile app access.
Can you install Ring cameras and doorbells?
Yes. We install Ring doorbells, cameras, floodlight cameras, alarm devices, and related smart security products. We help with placement, mounting, setup, app configuration, Wi-Fi considerations, and basic training.
Do you install access control systems?
Yes. We install access control solutions for small businesses and select residential applications. This may include door controllers, readers, electric strikes, request-to-exit devices, access credentials, and integration with compatible network and security systems.
Do you install security cameras that comply with privacy best practices?
We help clients place cameras in practical, appropriate locations and explain common privacy considerations around camera views, audio recording, signage, and shared spaces. Final legal compliance is the client’s responsibility, but we install with professional best practices in mind.
TV Mounting, Audio & Video
Clean installation matters just as much as the equipment.
We help homeowners and small businesses get cleaner TV installs, better sound, and easier-to-use A/V systems.
How long does a typical TV mounting visit take?
A straightforward TV mounting visit often takes one to two hours. Larger TVs, fireplace installations, masonry surfaces, wire concealment, soundbars, custom brackets, or additional A/V setup can take longer.
Can you hide TV wires and low-voltage cabling?
Yes, when the wall structure and site conditions allow it. We can route low-voltage cabling behind walls, through structured pathways, or through surface-mounted conduit when needed. Drywall repair, painting, electrical work, or structural modifications are handled separately unless included in the approved scope.
Do you install SONOS speakers and audio systems?
Yes. We install and configure SONOS soundbars, subwoofers, speakers, amps, and multi-room audio systems. We help clients choose the right setup for music, TV audio, outdoor audio, home theater, or small business spaces.
Can you help with conference rooms, displays, or business A/V?
Yes. We help small businesses with displays, conference room technology, sound systems, background music, cabling, network-connected A/V, and clean equipment organization.
Can you mount a TV over a fireplace?
Often, yes. Fireplace installations depend on wall material, stud or masonry structure, heat exposure, power location, wire path, viewing height, and the correct mount. We review these details before confirming the installation plan.
Small Business Technology
Business technology should be reliable, secure, and easy for staff to use.
We support practical technology needs for offices, retail spaces, restaurants, studios, and local organizations.
Do you work with small businesses?
Yes. We provide small business technology services for offices, retail spaces, restaurants, studios, and other local organizations. Services can include business Wi-Fi, UniFi networking, security cameras, access control, conference room A/V, displays, audio systems, and technology organization.
Can you separate guest Wi-Fi from business devices?
Yes. For many businesses, we recommend separating guest Wi-Fi from point-of-sale systems, office computers, cameras, access control, and staff devices. This improves security and helps keep business-critical equipment from being affected by guest traffic.
Can you install cameras for a retail store or office?
Yes. We can help plan camera views around entrances, registers, inventory areas, parking areas, service counters, and other key locations. The goal is useful coverage, clean cabling, reliable recording, and easy access from a phone or computer.
Can you help with office moves or technology upgrades?
Yes. We can help with network planning, Wi-Fi, camera placement, access control, TV/display mounting, conference room setup, cabling, and equipment organization during a move, refresh, or expansion.
Scheduling, Payment & Support
We want the process to feel organized before, during, and after installation.
These answers cover walkthroughs, warranty basics, renters, support options, and payment expectations.
Will you show me how to use the system?
Yes. We provide a basic walkthrough after installation so you understand how to use the system, access apps, manage common features, and know what to do if you need help later.
What kind of warranty do you offer?
Workmanship and warranty terms are outlined in the approved proposal or invoice. Most hardware is covered by the manufacturer’s warranty, and labor coverage depends on the project scope and service agreement.
Do you offer maintenance or support plans?
We offer support options for select installed systems and continue to expand maintenance plan availability. Support may include system health checks, UniFi support, troubleshooting, updates, camera checks, and network performance reviews depending on the installed equipment and service agreement.
Can renters use your services?
Yes. Renters may be able to use non-invasive smart home devices, plug-in equipment, freestanding networking hardware, removable mounts, or devices that can move with them. Installations that modify walls, wiring, doors, or fixtures may require property owner approval.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept major credit cards, Zelle, cash, and other approved payment methods. Payment schedules, deposits, equipment procurement, and remaining balances are outlined in the approved proposal or invoice.
Still Have Questions?
Let’s make your home or business technology easier to use.
The SmartHome Co. helps Metro Atlanta homeowners and small businesses simplify, improve, and protect their spaces with clean, reliable, professionally installed technology.