The short answer
With Sal's Handyman Services, a standard TV mount on a drywall wall usually takes about an hour, so it costs $150, which is the base rate that covers the first two hours on site. The mount itself is extra if Sal supplies it.
What's included in a standard install
- Choosing the height with you before drilling
- Finding the studs and fastening the mount into solid framing
- Levelling the mount and hanging the TV
- Tidying the cables with a paintable cord cover
- Cleaning up the dust
What adds time (and cost)
Pricing is by time, so anything that makes the job longer adds to the bill at $50 an hour after the first two hours. The usual culprits:
- Brick, stone or concrete walls: masonry anchors and a hammer drill take longer than drywall.
- Over a fireplace: often masonry, often higher, and the viewing angle needs more planning.
- Plaster and lath: common in older Ottawa homes. It's drilled slowly so it doesn't crack.
- Hiding wires inside the wall: low-voltage cables like HDMI can be run inside the wall. Moving or adding power is electrical work, done by the licensed electrician Sal works with.
- Very large or heavy TVs and full-motion arms, which need extra care with fastening.
Get more for the same $150
A single TV on drywall rarely uses the full two hours. Most customers add a few small jobs to the same visit: a floating shelf under the TV, a soundbar bracket, curtain rods, pictures, or a second TV in the bedroom. It's the same visit, so it's often the same price.
Should you supply the mount?
Either way works. If you buy your own, check two things on the box: the maximum weight (it should be well above your TV's weight) and the VESA pattern, which is the bolt spacing on the back of the TV. Fixed mounts are the cheapest and sit closest to the wall. Tilting mounts help when the TV is a little high. Full-motion arms cost more and need the most solid fastening.
How to get an exact price
Text a photo of the wall and tell Sal the TV size and what kind of mount you have. You'll get a number back, usually the same day. See the TV mounting service page for more on how Sal installs, or the pricing page for typical job times.
What customers say
★★★★★ “Great experience, showed up on time, the price was fair and the quality was great! Would definitely recommend!”
— Ebaa K., Google review
★★★★★ “Excellent service! Very professional, reliable, and friendly. He did an amazing job, paid great attention to detail, and made sure everything was done properly. Highly recommended!”
— Bilal A., Google review
Read all of Sal's Google reviews (5.0 stars).
Sal works across Ottawa: Kanata & Stittsville, Barrhaven & Nepean, Orleans & Gloucester, and central Ottawa. If you're just outside those areas, call and ask.