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.