Whole House Automation

16 years ago

I want to install whole house automation to control security, a/v equipment, lights (both inside and outside) and cameras. I really need some counsel on the following:

1. What are the best systems for the money? I've heard a lot about Control4.

2. I don't know anything about wiring homes. So what is the best way for me save money with my builder? Are there some things that I should try to do myself or have a separate sub-contractor handle for me?

3. What are the best elements (e.g., good security system with cameras and intercomes; and room speaker systems).

Thanks in advance for your counsel.

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Comments (3)

montalvo
16 years ago
omeyers, I think there are some basic questions you need to ask yourself regarding your objectives and expectations for home automation. And these questions need to be answered well in advance of your selecting hardware or investigating wiring alternatives.

Last year, I posted a message on GardenWeb describing my experiences with a "smart house" and many folks posted some helpful info on their experiences with smart house technology (see link below). I think reading that might be a good place to start. After better understanding what kinds of solutions you're looking for and defining your tolerance for dealing with high-tech products, you should be better positioned to pose some specific questions about products, wiring, etc.

Bob

For some reason, I can't get GardenWeb to post the link so copy this URL and past in your browser's address line:

http://ths.gardenweb.com/forums/load/build/msg1022173123248.html
terry_t
16 years ago
My experience is limited to government security and A/V systems where the two could not "touch" each other. I recommend you meet with 2-3 people who specialize in whole house automation. This is an area that can easily cost as much as a house. There are numerous variables involved which will be largely determined by your budget and personal taste.

Questions include: are you videotaping your camera coverage (and what is your time coverage) and how many cameras do you plan to use? A/V can cover even more areas as well -- large screen TV and/or projector, home theater lighting control, multi-zone & multi-control (i.e., separate audio sources) speakers, etc. And then you get into remote control of your house via the internet. HVAC, webcam viewing, and home lighting control are some of the more popular ways of monitoring a home from afar.

The best way to save money with your builder is to have the system specified with a detailed layout design before the first stud goes up. The builder needs to know what you plan to do. You should also meet with your builder's electrical sub as early as possible to determine if he/she has any experience with wiring these kinds of systems. You may need another sub if the electrician is inexperienced or uncomfortable with performing the work. Your costs will soar if you have to go back into ceilings, floors, and/or walls after they are finished.

You can certainly save by doing some work yourself but you want to stick to what you know to avoid holding up the builder and incurring costs greater than your labor savings.

Good luck...
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anthem
16 years ago
I think your question is overly broad and there is no real way to answer it. If you don't know anything about wiring, security, a/v, and automation then yes - you better have another sub handle most of those things for you. Anything in this area can be reasonably priced when done and handled before the fact. Once the drywall/trim/paint go on - anything you miss can be extremely costly to do after the fact.

In terms of each of those elements - they are fairly straightforward. In terms of them all coming together - it gets ridiculously complex.

I wouldn't worry about what types of systems more than worrying about what you want to achieve. Systems can be as complex or as simple as you want them to be. Everything is up to the integrator (especially if you don't know what you are doing). You can have really bad amx/crestron integrators as well as really good UPB/X10 integrators. It's really who is putting it together that determines how good things are.

I'm a big proponent of "finished" systems rather than systems that are perpetually being worked on. For whatever reason, some people who like A/V have a perpetual need to "tweak" and that causes more trouble than its worth. These systems aren't really meant to be tweaked - but to be used once set up.

Whole House Automation

Comments (3)

montalvo

terry_t

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