TV Mounting in Wellington

Yes if done properly, but check two things: heat (run the fireplace for 30 minutes and confirm the wall above stays below about 40C / 100F, or fit a mantel to deflect heat) and viewing angle (a pull-down or tilting mount stops neck strain). Above-fireplace installs cost more because the wall is usually brick or stone and cable routing is harder.

A professional installer should carry public liability insurance that covers wall damage and a dropped or fallen TV. Ask for proof before booking, and ask whether they guarantee their fixings (many offer 12 months or lifetime on workmanship). Keep the receipt — home insurance claims for fallen TVs often hinge on showing it was professionally installed.

Small TVs (under about 40 inches) can go on hollow drywall with heavy-duty toggle anchors rated for the load, but most professionals prefer to hit at least one stud or install a plywood backing board. For TVs over 50 inches, mounting into studs or masonry is strongly recommended — anchor-only installs on hollow walls are the most common cause of fallen TVs.

Most will, as a small add-on — typically a quarter to half the price of a fresh install. Dismount-and-remount in a new home (or after moving the sofa) is a standard job; mention it when booking so the installer brings patching filler for the old holes.

Either works. Buying your own mount is usually cheaper — check it matches your TV's VESA pattern (the four bolt holes on the back, e.g. 400x400) and its rated weight. Many installers also sell mounts on the day at a markup of roughly 20-50% over retail. If you buy your own, tell the installer the model so they bring the right fixings.

For seated viewing, the centre of the screen should sit at seated eye level — roughly 100-110 cm (40-43 inches) from the floor for a sofa. For a 65-inch TV that means the bottom edge sits around 60-70 cm up. Mount higher only if you use a tilting mount, e.g. above a fireplace or in a bedroom viewed from the bed.

Yes — installers in NZ should always fix into timber studs (or masonry) rather than relying on hollow-wall anchors in GIB board, and full-motion arms should be rated well above the TV's weight. For rentals and quake-prone regions, safety straps on the TV base are a cheap extra safeguard.

Only an EWRB-registered electrician may add or shift a power point. Limited homeowner DIY exemptions exist in NZ but do not cover work most people should attempt, and non-compliant wiring can void house insurance. Most TV installers bundle a registered sparky visit as an add-on.