Planning for your next smart home automation project or technology upgrade can seem like an overwelming task. It's important to consider all your options and look through a thourogh checklist of systems you might want to include in the project.

Here is a list of sub systems that should be considered.

Audio

Audio can be distributed throughought an entire space, even every room, from a single media location. Or it can be kept simple and local. Maybe you just need a sound bar at a TV and a streaming speaker in the bedroom.

Video

The same concept can be applied here as well. Would you prefer multiple video sources hidden away in a single location and sent out to each TV in the home or would you like to keep the equipment located at or under each TV? Will you have adequate cabinet space to store your equipment if it’s kept local?

Home Network

A quality, reliable, network is a must in today's more tech centric way of life. It's important to build a robust hardwired network as well as a quality wireless network. Having your network engineered for your specific space will ensure you are getting the speed you're paying for wherever you are on your property. Even outdoor living areas can be covered reliably with the use of stronger outdoor wireless access points. planning ahead on your network will prep your home or building for the data heavy years ahead.

Lighting

Lighting control, not long ago, was something reserved only for those willing to pay a premium. Today, lighting control manufacturers have cut those costs significantly for basic contol that can still impress. A great example here would be Lutron with Radio RA and RA2 Select. At a reasonable cost, these systems can provide scene control and remote smart phone control. Press one button to light the entire home for a big party or even hit the away button as you leave rather then checking each room to make sure you didnt leave anything on. Maybe just leave the house and hit that away button on your phone app before you leave the driveway.

Security

What level of security do you expect on your property? Maybe cosider a robust hardwired intrusion system that can be monitored and controlled right from your mobile device. Many consumer alternatives are available, especially more recently that might seem enticing for one reason or another but often these systems rely on spoty wireless connections, can't be integrated with control systems, and may not meet certain qualifications for home insurance companies. A pro grade, hardwired security system is well worth the investment and is actually not very costly. If the walls are open, wire is easy to put in place.

CCTV

The same can be said for a camera system. Today's IP camera systems often require just one ethernet wire per camera. Rather than a wireless or consumer level product, consider a quality wired camera system designed specificlly for your space. Recent advances in camera system technology uses video anylitics or facial recognition to reach further in their capabilities. These systems can detect and even follow an intruder the instant they cross a specified perimeter. Picture quality is also an important topic to consider. An HD image is great but maybe a 4K image interests you. 4K quality provides incredible detail and a very high level of security. These top of the line features can require a lot of storage space for recordings and can be costly but ultimately it comes down to your budget and your security expectations.

Window Treatments

Have you given thought to powered shades or blinds in your space? These can be combined with manual treatment options from the same manufacturer for a perfectly unified look throughout. Blind and shade control works hand in hand with your lighting scenes. Touch the movie button in your media room and watch the lights dim and shades close. Maybe set the shades in your master to open at a specific time as your morning wake up call.

Climate Control

Something else to give thought to is climate control. Integratable smart thermostats provide access wherever you are and can allow for automated climate adjustments. For example, as you arrive at or leave your property the climate settings can change accordingly.

Access Control

This can be especially of intrest to business owners but homeowners are increasingly adding access control features to their projects. Gate control can be important. Maybe your after fob entry or just smart code deadbolts. In any case the most important feature would be the ability to integrate. Using a control system to manage your access control can allow you the ability to set access schedules or lock/unlock the home with the touch of a button.

Your building project, its schedule, and budget are probably not ready for the technology you want.

Not to cause too much alarm but this is crucial and is something we can work through together.

Smart home and automation technology have been around for a while but have only recently become something that's on some level, expected by most as they plan for a new building project. But is the technology understood well enough yet to plan well for that project? It's my experience that home automation tech is something many care about but may need some extra help planning for. This is a common thread I will be tugging on often as I write this. Many times opportunities are missed or project schedules are put off track because of simply being unaware of the complexities of custom electronics. I hope to help nail down some basic tech planning considerations for the builder, homeowner, or business owner.

-Keep your project schedule on track

My first point for thought rides right along with that common thread I mentioned earlier. I have received quite a few calls from people that are building a new house and need their low voltage roughed in immediately because their builder needs to insulate or hang drywall ASAP. It's difficult to plan well and to design technology tailored to that particular client if the schedule is already under stress due to oversight. There are sometimes five to seven or even more subsystems that need to be decided on and then designed for when planning a project. Give the project plenty of time for these decisions to be made.

-Have you looked through a list of available tech systems for consideration on your project?

This topic is a big one. There are a lot of systems to consider for your project. I'll be wading through this in my next post which is dedicated entirely to the topic.

-Consider a full technology design and consultation

As the number of technology devices included on a project increases, design becomes very important. Having a pro involved early in the building process will ensure everything has the wiring it needs to function and that systems can work well together when the job is done. Consider a wireless network, for example. A site survey and detailed design by an experienced network engineer will make certain Wi-Fi coverage is reliable and ready for future speeds. As more and more technology relies on a wireless connection, a reliable, fast network has become essential. Think of a wireless network like you would an appliance. Your refrigerator has a crucial function in your home. For many, a fast and reliable internet connection would be nearly on the same level of importance.

-Do you want your technology to be visible or to disappear in your space? Do you want to locate equipment in a single hidden space?

The technology in a home or space can be designed specifically to meet your expectations. Maybe Hi-Fi audio is an important part of your life, and you need a listening room built to spec for that hobby, and you prefer amps, speakers, and equipment to be the visual centerpiece of the room. Maybe there is a similar approach with a custom home theater. Some people love the way their technology looks and want to see it.

On the other side of the coin are those who want great technology but want it to disappear in its environment. The design of the room is what's important and they want that design to shine without the distraction of equipment or cables. There are incredible solutions available for this approach. From painted in-wall/ceiling speakers that are entirely invisible to automated lifts that drop from the ceiling to expose a TV or projector. There are very clever solutions out there. CE Pro editor Julie Jacobson highlights a great example in this post on how an integrator can make a TV disappear for an old-look pool house. One of the biggest factors in hiding equipment is again opting for a single equipment location or distribution model rather than a local equipment model. This way all systems and equipment have a hidden closet or mechanical room that they can then distribute or function from. By designing a "rack room" type space and choosing a distribution model the equipment can be neatly installed and managed in an equipment rack. Operating temperatures can be well controlled and wiring can be kept organized. This model also makes servicing and maintenance less costly.

The point is to make these decisions early on and find the right integrator to help achieve your goals

-Consider setting aside a budget for the technology you want.

This tags along with planning the project well in advance. Give yourself time to understand the costs of your technology expectations. When you know what you want and what it will cost ahead of the project, you will have an easier time staying on budget and prevent the stress of unplanned but necessary expenses.

-Do you want each of your systems to work together through a single source user interface or are you ok with multi-platform system control?

This topic is important as it relates to the overall simplicity of use and interactive experience. The way systems work together is what sets apart a true smart home from a home with a lot of technology in it. True home automation (a smart home) relies on a central system that connects and controls all the subsystems through its single user interface. With a central control system, you can avoid scrolling through multiple phone apps or pressing button after button to get what you want. Investing in home control gives you the flexibility to automate your entire home with the press of a single button or single voice command. Home automation also means some tasks get done on their own. Outdoor lighting can be set to an astronomical time clock and automate in sync with sunrise and sunset. This is done by a lighting control system like Lutron has to offer. If you arrive home at a similar time each evening, the home can be set to a schedule to welcome you nicely. As you pull in the drive, temperatures, audio, lighting, and security can be ready for you before you walk through the door. A home automation system from Control4, Savant, or RTI can beautifully simplify your living experience.

Conclusion

There is a lot to think about when planning for the smart home or automation technology you are after. If you give yourself some extra time, resources, and reach out to a knowledgeable consultant, you will not only enjoy the process but will love the end product as well.

What do you think? Are you feeling better equipped for your upcoming tech project?

Your Comprehensive Smart Home Technology Checklist