FAQ
1. What services does San Francisco Audioworks provide?
We offer a full range of residential low-voltage design and installation services, including whole-home audio, video distribution, dedicated home theaters, Lutron lighting and motorized shading systems, and residential security solutions. Unlike integrators who are tied to a single manufacturer, we are completely brand agnostic. With access to more than 300 leading brands, we design every system around the client’s home, aesthetic preferences, and performance goals — ensuring the perfect fit for each unique project.
2. Do you offer free consultations?
Yes — we are happy to begin with a complimentary phone consultation to discuss your goals, project scope, and any initial questions. From there, an on-site consultation may be recommended to evaluate the space, review wiring conditions, and outline system possibilities. On-site visits include a small fee. For clients ready to move into detailed planning, we offer a Design Services Agreement, which includes full systems design, drawings, specifications, and coordination with architects, builders, and interior designers.
3. What brands do you work with?
Our brand availability is extensive. With access to more than 300 manufacturers across audio, video, networking, lighting, and shading, we select products based solely on what best supports the engineering and design goals of your project. We do not push any single brand or ecosystem — every component is chosen intentionally to ensure performance, reliability, and long-term serviceability.
4. How long does a typical project take?
Project timelines vary widely depending on scope. Smaller service visits or single-room upgrades may take as little as half a day, while whole-home systems or new-construction projects can span many months — sometimes up to two years. Each project is evaluated on its own merits, allowing us to establish a clear and realistic timeline tailored to the design requirements, construction schedule, and client goals.
5. Do you handle both residential and commercial installations?
Our primary focus is residential projects — from condos and single-family homes to large estates and new-construction builds. However, we also take on select light-commercial work when it aligns with our expertise. This often includes projects such as wineries, breweries, tasting rooms, and boutique commercial spaces where high-quality audio, lighting, and control solutions are essential.
6. Do you provide system design before construction starts?
Absolutely — in fact, we strongly recommend beginning with a detailed system design before any construction or remodeling work begins. Our ethos is built on precise engineering, clear timelines, and predictable deliverables. Starting a project without fully developed plans often leads to complications, avoidable changes, and unnecessary costs. A comprehensive design ensures that every cable path, device location, network requirement, and control interface is accounted for upfront, allowing the construction process to run smoothly and efficiently.
7. What is your service area?
San Francisco Audioworks serves clients throughout the greater San Francisco Bay Area, including San Francisco, Marin County, the Peninsula, and the North Bay. We frequently work in communities such as Mill Valley, Sausalito, Tiburon, San Rafael, Novato, Petaluma, Sebastopol, Santa Rosa, Sonoma, and Napa. For larger design-driven or new-construction projects, we are also available to travel throughout Northern California and beyond on a case-by-case basis.
8. Do you offer ongoing support after installation?
Yes. We provide ongoing support through either service plans with remote system monitoring or hourly support billing, depending on your preference. Our service plans offer proactive oversight, faster response times, and the ability to diagnose many issues remotely. For clients who prefer an as-needed approach, we also offer straightforward hourly support for troubleshooting, maintenance, and system updates.
9. What does a project typically cost?
There is no “typical” cost for a project, as every system is uniquely engineered around the home, the client's goals, and the required level of performance and integration. That said, San Francisco Audioworks operates within standard industry pricing and bidding practices. We provide transparent proposals, detailed scopes of work, and design-driven recommendations to ensure each project delivers exceptional value relative to its goals and complexity.
10. Can you work with my architect, interior designer, or contractor?
Absolutely — we not only can, we insist on it. Early collaboration with the full design team is essential to project success. We prefer to sit down with architects, interior designers, and contractors as early in the process as possible. Clear communication at this stage ensures proper coordination, accurate infrastructure planning, and a seamless integration of technology into the home’s architecture and aesthetic.
11. Do you repair or troubleshoot existing systems?
Yes. We are happy to discuss repair, replacement, or upgrades for existing systems — whether they were originally installed by us or by another provider. We can assess the current infrastructure, identify failing or outdated components, and recommend the most reliable path forward, whether that’s a repair, partial modernization, or a complete system refresh.
12. Do you offer warranties on equipment or installation work?
Yes. All manufacturer warranties are fully honored — typically covering equipment for a minimum of 90 days, with many brands offering longer terms depending on the product category. In addition, our workmanship is backed by a one-year guarantee, ensuring that all installation labor meets our standards of precision, reliability, and long-term performance.
13. What payment methods do you accept?
We offer a variety of payment options to accommodate different client preferences. Please inquire at the time of engagement for the most current available methods and terms.
14. How do I schedule a consultation or request a quote?
The easiest way to get started is simply to give us a call at 415-559-1316. We’re always happy to chat, answer questions, and outline the next steps based on your project needs.
15. Can you integrate my existing equipment into a new system?
In most cases, we do not integrate older or out-of-warranty equipment into a new system we design and supply. Legacy components often introduce reliability issues, compatibility limitations, and performance bottlenecks that undermine the quality of the overall installation. To ensure a stable and properly engineered system, we typically recommend modern, supported hardware that aligns with the project’s design goals.
