Hidden Fees in Aerial Installation: What Companies Don't Tell You
We've seen too many customers shocked by bills far higher than they expected. Here's our guide to the hidden fees in the aerial installation industry, what to ask before you book, and how to avoid being overcharged.
Real Example: January 2026
A customer in Milton Keynes was recently charged £267.60 by a national aerial company for basic aerial work. This included a £79 + VAT "diagnostic survey" just to look at their aerial, plus £24 for "working at height" - where all aerials are located!
What we would have charged for the same work: £134 - a saving of over £130.
The 5 Most Common Hidden Fees
After 25 years in the industry, we've seen every trick in the book. Here are the fees that catch customers out most often:
What competitors charge:
- HomeVision: £79 + VAT (£94.80)
- Aerialforce: £65
- HDS Digital: £69.95
- Some charge up to £100
What we charge:
FREE
We never charge call out fees. Diagnosis is included in our repair price.
The trap: Many companies advertise low repair prices but add the call out fee on top. A "£49 repair" becomes £149 once you add the call out charge.
This is one of the most cynical charges. Aerials are on roofs - that's where they need to be for signal! Charging extra for "working at height" is like a plumber charging extra for working with water.
Typical extra charges:
- £20-£30 for single storey
- £30-£50 for two storey
- £50+ for three storey or difficult access
Our approach: The quoted price is the price you pay. We don't add surcharges for doing our job.
Some companies charge trade price for labour but add massive markups on parts. A £5 cable becomes £25. A £15 connector becomes £50.
Common markups we've seen:
- Coaxial cable: 300-500% markup
- Connectors: 200-400% markup
- Masthead amplifiers: 100-200% markup
- Wall plates: 300%+ markup
Our policy:
We charge fair trade prices on all parts with no excessive markup. We're happy to show you the cost breakdown.
Need your aerial fixed on a Saturday when you're actually home? Many companies charge 25-50% extra for "out of hours" work.
Our hours and pricing:
We work 7 days a week, 7am-8pm at the same price. Saturday is the same as Tuesday. We know people work during the week.
You pay £79 for a diagnostic survey. The engineer arrives, looks at your aerial, and tells you the repair will be much more expensive than expected. But you've already paid £79 - you might as well continue, right?
The pressure tactic:
Once you've paid the diagnostic fee, you're psychologically committed. This is why some companies charge high diagnostic fees - it makes you more likely to accept expensive repairs.
Our approach: We provide free, no-obligation quotes. If the job is bigger than expected, we tell you the full price before we start. You're never committed.
Questions to Ask Before You Book
Protect yourself by asking these questions before you book any aerial company:
Your Pre-Booking Checklist
- 1"Is there a call out or diagnostic fee?" - If yes, ask exactly how much and whether it's deducted from the repair cost.
- 2"Is VAT included in your prices?" - Many companies quote ex-VAT, adding 20% to the final bill.
- 3"Are there any extra charges for height, access, or parking?" - Get confirmation in writing.
- 4"What's included in the price?" - Labour, parts, guarantee, disposal of old equipment?
- 5"Can I get a written quote before you start work?" - Never authorise work without a written price.
Why We're Different
We started Smart TV Aerials because we were fed up with the practices we saw in the industry. Here's our promise:
No Call Out Charge
Ever. For any job. Anywhere in our service area.
Fixed Prices
The price we quote is the price you pay. No surprises.
30-Day Money Back Guarantee
Not happy? We'll refund you. No questions asked.
10-Year Warranty
On all installations. We stand behind our work.
Get an Honest Quote
Call us for a free, no-obligation quote with no hidden fees. We'll tell you exactly what the job will cost before we start.