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?