TV mounting in Spokane: plan the wall, power and quote

Define the installation before requesting offers

Send a photo of the entire wall and a closer view of the proposed mounting area. Include the TV model, bracket model if you own one, outlet location and devices you want connected. Ask the installer to confirm compatibility and explain the attachment method before drilling. Describe the wall material if you know it; request an assessment if you do not.

Choose the screen position from your usual seat. Mark the proposed outline with removable tape and check the height. If you want the screen to turn toward another seat, show the installer where you expect it to move. Ask them to check cable routing and access to connections at those positions.

Specify cable routing and power separately

Tell the installer whether you want visible cables organized, a surface cover, concealed signal cables or a new power outlet. Ask them to describe the power arrangement in writing. Request a revised scope if the quote says only cable concealment and you expect an outlet behind the television.

Washington L&I says most electrical work requires a permit and lists specific exceptions. Ask the electrical contractor to confirm the requirements for your outlet work. The person performing the electrical work must obtain the permit before starting. L&I says a hired contractor cannot ask you to purchase a permit for their work. [3]

Ask for the electrical business name and the name of the person doing the installation. L&I advises checking the business’s license and bond and the electrical worker’s certification. Complete those checks before accepting an offer that combines mounting and electrical work. [2]

Arrange inspection before repairing the wall

For work under a City of Spokane permit, the applicant must request the appropriate inspections, including a final inspection, and keep the work accessible and exposed until approval. Ask the contractor which inspection must happen before patching openings or placing the television over the work area. Include that sequence in your agreement. [1]

Confirm who schedules inspection and who returns to finish the installation. Ask whether the total includes the return visit, wall patching and paint touch-up. If you hire separate electrical and mounting businesses, share their contact details and agree on the handoff before work starts.

Compare complete quotes, including tax

Request separate amounts for mounting labor, bracket and hardware, cable work, electrical work, permit charges, wall repair and sales tax. Ask bidders to identify exclusions and explain how you approve added work. Obtain written offers for your equipment and wall rather than budgeting from an unverified local price range.

Washington’s Department of Revenue includes installation of tangible personal property and repair or improvement of real property among taxable retail services. The state sales tax portion is 6.5%, with a local portion that varies. The seller must collect the applicable rate for the location where the customer receives the goods or services. [4]

For October through December 2026, the department lists combined rates of 9.1% for Spokane city, 9.0% for Spokane Valley and Liberty Lake, and 8.9% for unincorporated Spokane County within the public transportation benefit area. The department directs readers to its address-level lookup for the correct rate. Give each bidder the same installation address when comparing totals. [5]

Prepare the room and agree on completion

Clear the work area and show the installer the screen outline before drilling begins. Keep the TV instructions, bracket parts and device cables together. For a fireplace location, ask the installer to review the TV and fireplace manufacturers’ placement instructions and explain the proposed attachment before you approve the position.

Before the installer leaves, ask them to demonstrate the bracket’s intended movement, reconnect the agreed devices and show you how to reach the connections. Review the wall finish together. Keep the invoice and applicable permit and inspection records. Agree on who handles a loose bracket, cable problem or unfinished repair.

Published combined sales tax rates near Spokane

Match the installation scope to your plan

Your hiring checklist

1. Send TV and bracket model numbers, wall photos and the outlet location.
2. Mark the screen position and describe the movement you want.
3. Specify cable routing and the intended power arrangement.
4. Request the electrical business and electrician names for credential checks.
5. Agree on permit responsibility, inspection scheduling and the return visit.
6. Compare itemized totals that include hardware, wall repair, exclusions and tax.
7. Agree on device testing, wall finish and follow-up before booking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does TV mounting require an electrical permit?

Separate bracket attachment from electrical changes. Washington L&I says most electrical work requires a permit and lists exceptions. For a new outlet, ask the electrical contractor to confirm permit and inspection requirements. This electrical guidance does not establish a permit rule for bracket attachment alone. [3]

Can the installer ask me to buy their electrical permit?

Washington L&I says a hired worker cannot use a permit you purchased for their electrical work. The person performing the work must obtain the permit before starting. Include that responsibility in the agreement. [3]

Can the contractor patch the wall before inspection?

For City of Spokane permitted work, the applicant must keep the work accessible and exposed until approval. Ask the contractor which inspection applies before covering the work, then arrange patching and final mounting around approval. [1]

How should I compare mounting prices?

Give each bidder the same photos, equipment details and cable plan. Compare hardware, electrical work, wall repair and return visits alongside mounting labor. Request sales tax in the total; Washington includes installation services among taxable retail services. [4]