Xtend Technologies — Local services in Broadview Heights

Avoid Xtend Technologies for High-End Projects

If you’re considering a smart home system, do yourself a favor and choose a company that knows what they’re doing, provides quality equipment, and doesn’t nickel-and-dime you like a lawyer every time there’s an issue with their subpar components or shoddy workmanship. Here’s my experience with Xtend:

I hired Xtend to install a Savant smart home automation system, speaker system, lighting controls, HVAC controls, and a wired internet network with multiple access points (quotes attached with prices redacted). From the start, there were problems.

Initial Installation Issues • The first tech who came to run the cabling (I believe his name was Cal) lied about the system’s capabilities to avoid extra work. I requested a different tech for the remainder of the installation, and while the rest of the work went smoothly, the underlying quality of the installation was another story. • When I tried troubleshooting my $15,000 system, I discovered what looked like an amateur job in my network closet (photo attached). • They ran only one HDMI cable to my TV, which is built into a wall, instead of one for each output. This limited me to a single component in the network closet and forced them to install a Chromecast behind my inaccessible, wall-mounted TV—exactly what I had issues with later.

When I brought these problems to Xtend’s attention, they blamed me for not supplying a cabinet (a vague bullet point in the quote mentioned this, but no one explained it). The techs never asked for one on-site. Their only solution for fixing the HDMI problem? Pay $150/hr for them to take a look. Xtend also offers remote tech support only if you pay a monthly fee. What a business model!

Component Failures and Poor Quality

Here’s a timeline of the issues I’ve experienced since installation (January 2019): • 5/2020: Speakers kept shorting out. Xtend’s solution? “Don’t play the speakers loud.” • 12/2020: $695 thermostat failed. Xtend replaced it with a $550 unit after a $100 discount. • 10/2021: Internet router switch failed. Paid to replace it. • 1/2022: $600 Savant remote stopped working.

After repeated failures costing me $500–$1,000 per issue, I gave up on servicing the system with Xtend.

Discovery by a Competent Savant Dealer

Fast forward to today, January 2025. I hired another Savant dealer to service my system. Here’s what they uncovered: Network Closet: The dealer immediately asked, “Was this done by Xtend? I’ve cleaned up 9 of their jobs in the past year.” Speaker System: The amp was overloaded with four speakers wired to a unit meant for two, causing the shorting issues. To make matters worse, the Savant controller was placed on top of the amp, causing it to overheat. Equipment Mismatch: I paid for premium equipment but received lower-end Savant and networking components. Lighting Controls: I was overcharged for switches. Worse, instead of distributing the smart switches throughout my house, Xtend installed redundant switches controlling the same lights. My suspicion is they did this to avoid wiring additional rooms, consistent with the initial tech’s dishonesty.

Conclusion

I am not typically a “review guy,” but I felt compelled to share my experience to save someone else from a similar disaster. If you’re considering a high-end project, CALL SAVANT DIRECTLY AND FIND A DIFFERENT CONTRACTOR. Xtend’s shortcuts, low-quality work, and lack of accountability cost me tens of thousands and years of...

I recently built a new house and wanted to get set up with an outdoor tv as well as speakers and upgraded wifi to the back patio. I met with Roger and they gave me a few options to buy and mount a tv/sound bar, add 2 speakers to the pre-wired outside wall, as well as add an outdoor access point wired to the exterior of the house to extend the wifi. After he sent me pricing for equipment as well as installation, I told him I could mount and install the tv myself (but still buy from them), I was more interested in having them install the access point. I was then told they were only interested in it if its the whole project. What?! I then asked what if I came to you and already had the tv installed and just needed the upgraded wifi? You wouldn't do that? He then told me I guess that's a good point, I'll send you an upgraded quote with all the equipment and only installing the access point. Unfortunately the next quote he sent over didn't say anything about installation, just gave the price for the equipment as well as a note saying its probably better to see if you can get someone else to install the access point. Needless to say I purchased the products elsewhere and probably will not be going back to them when I need to finish by 1800 sq ft basement in a few years. As much as they advertise they will take on any size project, unfortunately that doesn't...

We just installed a home theater in our 1966-built home. Older homes were not designed to facilitate in-wall speakers or a ceiling mounted UST projector and 120” roll-down screen. We selected XTend Technologies in Broadview Heights to handle the installation. Jon Kross, their salesman, came to our house after we toured their awesome showroom. Jon thoroughly explained everything that would happen during the installation. Once they had all of the equipment they quickly set up an installation date. The installers were on time and quickly went to work. They encountered several problems due to the age of the house, but solved every problem quickly. The total installation, including mounting a Samsung 50” The Screen over our fireplace, cost over $20K, but it is worth every penny. Kudos to Cal, the senior on-site technician, for solving every problem in a way that made it seem as though there were no problems. The five man team was exceptionally courteous and were constantly vacuuming and cleaning up debris so that we were not inconvenienced in any way. We were so pleased with the results that we will have them install a system in our rec room. Xtend Technologies is an outstanding AV installer and we can’t recommend them...