FUTURE HOME TECHNOLOGIES

I wish that Angie's List allowed for A minus or B plus ratings. I finally settled on an A rating, but it is actually an A minus as qualified below. I would say that my experiences with FHT were good, but I think that their communication is better on larger jobs. They are obviously a small company and that involves both positive aspects (personal attention from their officers) and opportunities for improvement (see below). On my most recent smaller job, installation scheduling and on-site communication could have been better. But, the company president (Tom Callahan) was actively involved to correct the communication issues of his staff. Overall, I'm pleased and I would recommend this company to others, due to the followthrough of their leaders and as they continued to work with me to provide a positive outcome. (1) In June, 2009 FHT installed all of my existing home theater equipment after a move to our new home and retrofitted our 100 year old home with ethernet and phone cabling. My experience with them was phenomenal. Up front estimation and job site work was on time and stellar. They developed an installation plan and during the 3-day install I received regular updates on progress. When the installers ran into problems with dropping ethernet and phone cabling from my attic through a second floor wall, they were able to find a creative solution to complete the job that didn't involve running cabling outside my house. I was also gratified that they worked with my existing equipment. Other home theater installers really were only interested in selling me new equipment to install. FHT, though, spent the time to be sure that all my legacy equipment worked even though a couple of components that I love are more than a few years old. After the installation and when I had trouble with the MX-880 remote, a single call for help resulted in 3 call backs. This experience was definitely an A++ experience. (2) In August, 2010, I decided to replace a Harmony remote with another more robust MX-880 remote and to seek help on a problem that had developed with a balen that was associated with our June, 2009 install. Tom Callahan from FHT came out within days of my request, estimated the work, and noted that I'd have an install date within a week. Then, I waited. And, waited. After interacting with Jesse from their sales staff, I was advised that they were having scheduling difficulties. So, I waited some more. Finally, in late September, I made final contact with Tom to see if FHT was still interested in completing my job, as I was getting the sense that I could be small potatoes to them. Tom was surprised at the lack of follow-up and an installation date was scheduled within 4 days. During the install, the installer indicated that my balen problem didn't require a new balen but only an adjustment. And, he seemed to be in a hurry to leave before the work was done. I discovered after the installer left that the remote wasn't completely programmed. Tom was happy to provide a follow-up visit that ensured that the remote was programmed to my liking. And, during final billing, I received a courtesy call to explain that the installer DID actually have to install a new balen, rather than simply adjust my setup. Tom, again, provided final explanations on this install and miscommunication. After these moderate difficulties, I was issued a credit for part of my costs due to the issues that I encountered. My remote and system have been working flawlessly and according to expectations. Due to Tom's support, I am convinced that FHT does make active attempts to resolve any customer issues. As a result and despite any bumps I've shared here: (1) I would use FHT again, but I might request some insight into their existing installation schedule and regardless of the size of my job, I'd gain a more concrete and upfront commitment by a fixed date for the delivery of an installation date. And, I'll be quicker to reach out to Tom if I become dissatisfied. (2) I think that FHT's services are a good value for the North NJ area. They were more cost competitive to other providers in my area. (3) And, when issues result with a FHT installation (no matter how small), they do respond to customer customer concerns and will work any concerns to resolution, even if the job is small.