TV Mounting in George

Under 43 inches is a reasonable DIY job if you can find studs and use a level. From 55 inches up, a second pair of hands is essential and mistakes get expensive — a 65-inch panel weighs 20-25 kg and modern bezel-less screens crack easily if gripped wrong. Professionals also carry stud finders, cable detectors, and masonry drills most households lack.

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.

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.

Not for the mounting itself. You need one only if you want a new power outlet behind the TV, since fixed wiring is electrician-only work in most countries. Many TV mounting companies partner with an electrician or offer the outlet as an add-on — ask when booking so it happens in one visit.

Fixed mounts sit flattest against the wall and are cheapest. Tilting mounts angle down 5-15 degrees — useful when the TV sits above eye level. Full-motion (articulating) mounts extend and swivel, which suits corner installs or rooms with multiple viewing positions; they cost the most and need the most secure fixing because the load hangs away from the wall.

Many SA handymen charge a callout of roughly R300-R500 to cover travel, usually credited against the job if you proceed. Always ask whether the quoted mounting price includes the callout — it is the most common source of price disputes.

It can — installers using corded hammer drills may schedule around your area's load-shedding block, though most now carry cordless kit. Check your schedule and mention it when booking; a two-hour window either side avoids a wasted trip.