Make it Easy for the Installer!

Only the first appointment of the day is likely to be on time. Even then, traffic or other problems might cause delays. Morning appointments can easily turn into afternoon arrivals. Always allow a generous "window" for his arrival. Don't go out without leaving someone to keep watch and answer the door. Make sure your doorbell works and that you can hear it wherever you are.

Make sure there's space close to your house for a large van to park. Put out bollards or block the space with your own vehicle till he arrives. Remember that he'll have ladders and heavy equipment to carry so he won't want to park fifty metres away!

If you live in a place not easily found or not listed in a two-year-old SatNav map, be sure to supply a postcode that the SatNav will recognise and directions from there.

If you are worried about your floor, put down suitable protective sheets. Clear the area near the TV and where the hole must be drilled in the wall. Remove all valuable and fragile items from the room before the installer arrives.

Make a note of where you expect the dish to be fixed (usually a south-facing wall). Make sure that there's a clear path to carry ladders there and make sure there's plenty of space and a firm footing for the ladder.

Do everything possible to save time for the installer. The less time he spends clearing space, the better chance he has of doing a good job in the time available. Offer to clear up after him (if you want to). This will free up a few more minutes for real work and might allow him to do a neater job.

Sky installers are not permitted to drill through internal walls or to enter a loft space or attic that doesn't have a complete floor. If your cable is likely to go from one side of the house to the other, it's better to do this yourself or employ an independent to do it. That way you avoid disappointment.

Cable thrown over a tiled roof is a last resort and, if it is routed in this way, it MUST be clipped to every second tile and protected where it goes over the ridge. Failure to do this will inevitably result in the cable sheath being damaged, with a strong possibility that water will enter it and maybe flow down into your satellite TV receiver!

When the Installer Arrives

Greet him warmly and thank him for coming, even if he looks grumpy. Ask him if he needs toilet, drink, food or assistance. Don't expect him to pee in a bucket in the garden (I've known this happen!) Some people have medical problems and need to sit down to use the toilet.

Determine where he proposes to fit the dish, the cable(s), the phone connection and drill the hole(s). If you disagree with him, discuss alternatives politely.

Once he starts the job, keep out of his way and don't interrupt him unless you have a real concern about something. Do try to compliment him on his work (if appropriate).

When he's finished, make sure he demonstrates everything working. Thank him again. Offer him the use of the toilet before he leaves. Offer him a "Mars Bar" or sandwich. If he's running late he may not have eaten for hours. Get his phone number in case of problems later.