FAQ
Questions we already answer on the phone.
Short answers. License, area, appointments, builders, and how to start.
What does High-Tech Living Experience do?
Our mission statement: High-Tech Living Experience delivers home electronic systems that stay easy to use and make daily life better. We design and install home theater, smart home, audio, lighting, shades, security, cameras, network, access control, and other electronic systems. We also service existing systems. We work in homes, offices, commercial spaces, places of worship, restaurants, and yachts.
Do you sell equipment?
Yes. We supply the equipment for the systems we design and install, so everything is chosen to work together and is covered by our warranty.
Do you install equipment the homeowner purchased?
Yes, we can install equipment you've already bought. Because we didn't supply it, we can't offer any warranty on that equipment.
Will my system be easy to use every day?
A well-designed system should simplify everyday living, not add a layer of complexity. The goal is intuitive control through familiar interfaces: elegant keypads, touchscreens, and a mobile app. Managing the home should feel natural from the first day.
Can I control lights, shades, audio, and security from one place?
Yes. That works when the equipment can be integrated. Part of our job is choosing products that work together on one platform when the project calls for it.
How much does a system cost?
We can’t give a price before we understand the project. Most of what we install is custom, and the cost depends on the design and on how the system will be used. After the consultation, we provide a proposal and an estimate.
Do you charge for a consultation or a site visit?
The initial consultation and site visit are free. A larger system, or a design that takes more time, may have a design fee. Lighting design is one example, and it is paid up front. That fee is typically credited back if the project goes forward and the equipment is purchased through us.
Can the work be done in phases?
Yes. On new construction, the work is often done in phases, and the billing follows each phase.
Do you work on existing homes, or only new construction?
Yes. We work on existing homes and on new construction.
Do you take small jobs?
Yes. We take small jobs of all kinds — service calls, repairs, and updates. No job is too small. We work on projects of every size.
Do you do service calls?
Yes. We update and repair systems, including older ones already in the house. A scene that stopped, a TV, Wi-Fi, a shade, or a camera. Send a message, or call (425) 892-3332.
Can we reach you after the project is finished?
Yes. Call us with a question, or to schedule a service call.
Who programs changes if we want to add something later?
We do. We are glad to make changes as the house changes. On many systems we can do that remotely. When a visit is needed, we can come out and take care of it.
Do you offer a warranty?
Installations carry a 1-year workmanship warranty on our labor, starting when the project is completed. Equipment is covered by the manufacturer's warranty.
Is there a charge if something needs attention right after my install?
If anything we installed needs a follow-up visit within the first 30 days, there's no service-call fee.
What brands do you use?
There is a list of brands we often use on this website. We can also use other brands when the project calls for it.
Are you licensed?
Yes. We are a licensed Washington low-voltage (06) electrical contractor, license HIGHTLE911LR, and a properly licensed business operating in Washington.
Are you bonded and insured?
Yes. We carry $1,000,000 in commercial insurance, and we are bonded.
Where do you work?
Seattle and the Puget Sound area, and across Washington state.
Do you travel outside your service area?
Yes. We will travel outside our usual area when the project calls for it. The client covers the additional travel cost.
How long have you been in business?
High-Tech Living Experience was established in 2009 by our owner, Nick Nelson. Nick has been in this business since 2001.
Do you work with builders, architects, and designers?
Yes. We help builders, architects, and designers coordinate the electronic systems so they fit the look, the feel, and the way the client will use the home. We can also bring samples, and we can get information to your client quickly.
Do you work on commercial properties?
Yes. We work on offices, restaurants, bars, team rooms, schools, gyms, warehouses, and other small businesses.
Do you work on multifamily or multi-tenant properties?
Yes. We work in condo buildings and apartments. We often install access control, surveillance, networking, and other electronic systems the property needs.
Do you work on houses of worship?
Yes. We can help with audio, video, surveillance, security, access control, lighting, control systems, projectors, and speakers.
Do you work on the homes of high-profile individuals?
Yes. We treat privacy as part of the job. We understand that some clients need their home and their life kept private, and we take that seriously.
Do you install outdoor equipment?
Yes. Outdoor audio and video, landscape lighting, outdoor Wi-Fi, outdoor shades, and cameras. If it belongs outside and we can power and connect it, we can usually install it.
Can you update our older in-ceiling can lights?
Yes. We can replace older can lights with a luxury LED fixture from DMF. The light is much better, and it is an easy way to update the room without a major remodel.
Can I upgrade my existing lights into a smart lighting system with dimming?
Yes. We can upgrade the switches you have now and turn the lighting into a smart system with real dimming. There is more than one system we can use. We choose what fits the house and how you want the lights to work.
Can you install motorized shades without a wire or power?
Yes. We install battery-operated motorized shades, with many fabric styles to choose from. They work well on their own, without a new power wire.
Do you do home security with professional monitoring?
Yes. We install the security system and can connect it to professional monitoring.
After the security system is installed, can I get a certificate for my insurance company?
Yes, as long as we set up professional monitoring with the system.
Do you install Deep Sentinel Live Guard?
Yes. We install Deep Sentinel Live Guard — live-guarded security cameras — in Western Washington. Power, cable, and the network it sits on. Send a message, or call (425) 892-3332.
How do we start?
Send a message and tell us about your project, or call (425) 892-3332.