Habitech Systems — Local services in Ormond Beach

07/29/2019...In follow-up to my original review below, Justin has been extremely helpful in explaining the process. Though I am still not thrilled with the original service (during construction; note Justin was not my rep during that time), I am grateful for his response and trying to find a solution to my issues. I am upgrading to a 3* because I feel Habitech is not fully responsible for my frustrations. However, I still wished there were an easier and more economical solution for something that I feel should have been handled better during the construction of my home.

Original review... I built a home with ICI just over 6 years ago. The Habitech Specialist I was working with convinced me to go with their incredible stereo systems and Klipsch Speakers, so I thought, why not. Well, when the home was being built, the tech forgot that new homes have Hurricane Tie-Downs and the speakers would not fit in the walls. I was stuck with no solution, so I went with Bose (pretty happy with that decision). One of the original installation techs was such a jerk that I refused to let them do anything else until he was replaced; he was replaced!!!

Well, here is the bad part (as if that wasn't a pain already)... I had them run 2 surround systems, one for a Bose system and another for other systems (different wire configurations), so if I ever wanted to change out the stereos, all I would need to do is change the components. Great; done. The ISSUE is that they also ran Ethernet cable behind the walls so I could put my sound system in a hidden closet and have all wires go to my TV. WELL, nobody advised me to run CONDUIT through the walls. Now, I have this awesome (well, if you consider ICI awesome which they are not) home with older Cat5 Cable and a brand new HD 4K TV that only pulls 1080p becuase I can't run new cable (Cat 5e/6). I tried multiple wireless Systems and they are horrific.

I also want to mention that I did go with an internal vacuum system which was a FANTASTIC decision. It works great, but one of the outlets was very poorly installed. I am totally unhappy with Habitech and I would advise researching other companies if possible. The problem there is that they are contracted with ICI (part of the issue) and ICI would not allow me to use anyone else; it is totally bogus. Just know if you use Habitech, be sure to research EVERYTHING before you do ANYTHING. Once its done, there is no going back; at least not in my case. I now have to try to cut drywall to run conduit and that is a near impossible (and extremely expensive) task. Very Frustrated. I have called Habitech several times and nobody has called me back. People like to take your money, but don't have the resources or desire to back their services. I guess that is typical these days;...

Sadly, I'm obligated to work with Habitech since they're contracted through my home builder, Drees Homes. So, I'm stuck with them for the installation of my security system and media lines. They haven't even started the work, yet it's already been a pain.

My issues , so far...

Their standard structured enclosure is 14". I request an upgrade to 28" or 42". They quote me $175 for a 28". For that price I could purchase a well-known brand at 42" with hinged door.

Cat5e is their standard data wiring. I requested Cat6, and was quoted $350 to upgrade. One may purchase 1,000 feet (double the amount needed for my home) of Cat6 for

This was the 2nd time hiring Habitech to do work in my home. Thursday April 15 - I had Ryan and a partner here to install a brand new 75” TV, audio receiver and two outdoor speakers.

The receiver ‘should’ be operating 4 existing indoor ceiling speakers, a subwoofer and the new outdoor speakers. The techs left so quickly they NEVER explained how to use the receiver so I can not get the indoor speakers to play. The outdoor speakers are not working because they didn’t have the piece of equipment on their truck that they needed and the subwoofer also was left not hooked up.

I called Liz at Habitech’s main office within minutes of the techs leaving - no answer so I left a voicemail asking for Ryan or anyone to call me back and explain how to use the speakers and advise they left without hooking up the subwoofer and when the job could be completed.

There has been ABSOLUTELY no response from anyone in 5 days. I left at least 10 messages for Liz at the main office, Joe MacClaren, 1 for Ryan and used the CHAT feature on their website. No one has ever called back so after paying for 3 hours of work - I’m stuck with a Audio system that doesn’t work and aggravation from a Company I thought was respectable and it turns out they are not.

FYI do not request Ryan as I did for any AV work because (per him) that is not his department - I am unsure why Liz Tiger the scheduler would have not explained that and sent an AV...