Hi, I am building a 4K sqft home and have done all the automation in my last house (by myself). During that time I worked for a company that owned a division that sold home and industrial automation and I could get anything for 50% below cost. Having said that we just broke ground on our second home and I am doing all the design install and automation for this home and here is what I am putting in from what I have learned in the past. #1 - Lighting System. It was my favorite thing in the last house (a Leviton system). This time I am using Insteon for many reasons but it can be programed by a small box you instruct - plug into an outlet and let it do it's thing. Custom printed buttons, complex scenes - timers whatever. It is the most flexible system out there and goes from standard configuration to super complex and everything in between. It is also cost effective. #2. You can get Insteon Thermostats that do a lot of goofy stuff - but I am going with 2 Nest units for each zone. Easy Simple. #3. A Cat6 Camera system from Samsung (16 cameras - only putting in 8 to start). I really like the fact that I can see the house and the sump pump etc. when I am out of state. #4. An ELK alarm system. This is the "brain" of the house and it talks to the lighting system and Insteon thermostats. You can hit the "Vacation" button and it will set the HVAC and even turn on and off random lights at night if you want. #5. I am wiring for Somfy drapes and shades. Simply putting in the 16/2 DC wires in locations for now. The bedroom will be all blackout shades. Roll over and hit a switch and you are in a 1000 a night hotel. I am not putting in any music systems. Never used them. I had a fancy Russsound AV distribution system as well and won't be doing that either. Simply doing Cat 6 everywhere, DirecTv, and will use wireless Apple products for music at patries. You will NEVER use a computer to control these devices. You will never get up and use a wall touch screen. That being said this is a hobby and should be treated as such. You won't get your money out of it. Your friends won't understand it. Friends at parties won't understand it. But if it is something you like then go for it. It takes 10,000 times more effort, time, frustration, and money to do these things with an automation system than it is to get up and hit the light switch or pull the drape cord. But to me it is something I can't seem to live without. Wife hates it - can't seem to understand how it all works - or the need for any of it. Even with custom labeled buttons that say "party" or "clean up" on the lights she still uses the switch instead of the scene button. It is nice to turn off every light in the house from your bedside - and then to have the alarm to arm automatically at 11:00 at night with no need to do anything. To have the lights come on and light the house when it detects motion etc. That being said it is a very slippery slope. Don't listen to the salesmen - they want to sell you what they want to sell. Best advice is to do as much as you can and bring in a pro for the things you don't understand (alarm for me)... Good luck!

Crescent, Yes the house I did for GF is IPE. Like most natural products you will still have some work to keep the deeper brown look if you choose that. Ipe has been on Atl. City Boardwalk for 20 plus years if I am not mistaken. It has basically about a 50 year life if left untreated upwards of 100 if treated ( from what I have read) It is one of the hardest woods available. If left untreated you will see it "grey out to a grey patina " if you can imagine. Many prefer the treated look. I prefer the hidden fasteners if possible but some have concerns because they only get one screw per board / joist: vs 2 screws if face screwing it. Hidden just looks awesome. On smaller deck with samller spans you might be just fine. Many claim you should have good ventilation under to allow it to breath so to speak. If doing white trim and spindles. I would highly suggest using cellular pvc. You should be able to get it in 2x2 that you can cut to length. The rest of the posts and trim can be done with it also. Its very low if not no maintainence. We used it for whole house trim as well as columns and post trim on deck. Can be shaped, cut routhed just like wood. Just research gluing and connection methods. No paint required at all if you dont like. If treating Ipe you might investigate http://www.woodrich-brand.com/ http://www.abswood.com/ was great for pricing and service on the IPE Sandy...I do love the lyptus... Have investigated in the past but never had anyone use it yet. Good Luck

Our company has stopped using IPE and other tropical hardwoods. Although long lasting, if the moisture content is not correct, they warp horribly and have gotten expensive, not to mention the ecological damage harvesting this wood has on ecologically rich forests. We've been using Thermory for a couple of years now and have had great success. It doesn't warp, is quite lightweight, and meets fire code when used on roofs.

You're a forum admin, aren't you? No, sadly, but if they approached me with a job offer, I'd have a hard time turning it down. This forum is too much fun. I gotta say, Summer, you aren't the first one to ask me if I'm an admin on a forum. Maybe it's better that I'm not, if people are likely to suspect me of it!