Lutron's newer SeeTouch keypads are lighted and engraved and are available for both Radio RA and HomeWorks. Radio RA is only available as wireless. HomeWorks can be either wired or wireless. Anyone can install Radio RA but Lutron maintains a prefered system provider list. A Prefered System Provider has had special training and using one extends your warrantee to three years. Only Lutron certified dealers can install HomeWorks. The Lutron car visor receiver communicates with Radio RA or HomeWorks wirelessly. It also works with HomeLink which is standard in most higher end cars. Radio RA has a Chronos time clock and main system repeater option which looks like a central control but Radio RA actually stores programming in every switch and dimmer. There is no central controller. Every device hears every command and responds as it has been taught. One programs Radio RA by making a list of which device is to respond to which button press and then teaching by pushing the buttons while in program mode. HomeWorks has a central processor which provides virtually unlimited possibilities for programming. Some advantages include conditional logic, intelligent pathways, adjustable fades and delays, and larger systems for larger homes. For new contruction and for someone looking at Radio RA, I recommend you talk to a HomeWorks Illuminations dealer about a Series 4 system before deciding. Here is a link that might be useful: Series 4

How about BEER PARTY, WATERFALL2, CAVEFALL, LAMINARS, SLIDE, or anything else in your backyard that doesn't fit in Hayward's limited (not even listed in their user manual) predefined list of names? Last I checked, EasyTouch and IntelliTouch had about 100 pre-defined circuit names that could be assigned to any circuit. And if you don't find one that you like, you can create a custom name. Just curious, have you ever used an EasyTouch system? I'm surprised you have not been pressured by your hundreds of customers towards installing an EasyTouch or IntelliTouch along with an IntelliFlo pump. In the last year, more than 50% of my clients are asking for this combo. Probably the best thing for anyone to do would be to read Hayward's manual: http://www.haywardnet.com/products/manuals/pdfs/Manual237.pdf and then read Pentair's EasyTouch manual: http://mysite.verizon.net/res008k5/easytouch.pdf and then decide which system you would want based on the available features. I think it will be pretty obvious which system is more robust (and not just by a little). Remember that I am biased so read the manual and decide for yourself!!! PS - Yes, one of my clients has a circuit called BEER PARTY on his IntelliTouch system. It is a macro circuit so when he presses one button, it turns on the following: Cabana lights turn on Landscape lights go on All 6 laminars go on All 5 IntelliBrite pool lights come on One IntelliBrite pool light (in the spa) comes on Heater fires and heats spa to 99F Spa jets turn on Air bubbler turns on

@AndrewK I wish I could offer some significant help, Andrew. However you are way ahead of us on getting your head around what is needed. Thanks for uploading bigger images. I still find it hard to see your floor plan (not liking Houzz for image posting). Your quote does seem reasonable, based on a few low voltage quotes we received (our plans were less involved, but for many items we were quoted higher than you -- atlas that is typical in Canada). Have you looked over the thread called "Things that get forgotten". I believe it is back on page one of the building a new home forum. It has many important reminders to get in place before the walls are closed up (including some on wiring and a few on home automation). Let me know if you have found any other online sites helpful in your quest on seeking info on home automation. @amoopen1: Can you elaborate more on your advice. I am trying to learn what I can on pre-wiring for future needs. For example can you explain in more detail what you meant by: "I have learned from many different forums that you can't have enough Cat6 drops. My plan is to run 2-3 drops at each TV location in addition to the coax". AND "The easiest way to have full control with minimal switches is to panelize the high voltage for the lights". All: I am very interested in what others' have learned about lighting scene controls. We have planned some very nice, multi-layered lighting. I have read way too much on designing lighting, and know that those light scene controls would really allow us to maximize the use of all of our lighting to the best effect. Unfortunately, the world of lighting controls seems very complex and costly. Carol

In our latest build, I concentrated on: 1. Wiring, for now and the future. Upgraded as far as we could go-CAT6 (alas, residential fiber not yet affordable, 2 years ago) and made sure that we planned for things we wanted as well as what, perhaps, a future buyer might want. We are with Google Fiber, currently, but all fiber networks can work with this wiring. We'd lived through the "intercom" stage (early 80s) and wanted nothing like that. Control panels swerve all systems, are out of the way and except for an additional alarm system panel (panic room? :) ), none is in the master, nor is any of it visible. The whole house could be run by apps, for those who have the appetite for apps. I don't... Most importantly, we did the planning before the walls went in. 2. Concentrated on not putting in anything that might become obsolete, fast. At one point, our low voltage guy recommended a built-in iPad, to run the house. Lol- NO! 3. Put 240V in the car area. Electric cars are becoming more and more something people want, and are common in my city. HAH! We decided to test the technology, soon after move-in. Got an EV. Our public utility paid for half the costs of the station/install. We're having a blast with the car, and Federal credits made it stupidly affordable. Now- the Utility told us that if we sell too soon OR go solar, they "might" ask for their money back. Understandable because... 4. Made sure that solar is a reasonable option, without tearing our house apart. Go back to #1- it all matters, works. We're have a great rating for solar (because of design) and can easily do it. Didn't do it with the initial build, because that technology is rapidly changing. 5. Nest Thermostats- we have them. Took a minute for me to understand the programming, but it works great. 6. Made sure that our HVAC system had the best, cleanest and easiest to operate technology available. Without an app, it works with our windows, even, to prevent the "fogging" that happens when it's 100 degrees outside and 72 inside. Also works to control humidity in our really humid climate. 6. Not what you'd think of as "technology", but we have a very natural possibility of a third story rooftop deck. We don't want it (I HATE holes in roofs- problems abound, even in the best of cases), but somebody else might. So while the walls were open, we took the time to have a tiny bit of engineering, a bit of steel reinforcement installed, and presto! That space is ready to go, for anybody who wants to do it. All of this was done at really affordable prices, since it was planned for, installed in the beginning. All of it wrapped up in a really nice, long-term Builder's Warranty. Not nearly as affordable if you don't do it and then discover you want "more". That, then, becomes a type of a remodel remodel- hell on earth, for me! The only thing we installed that could become obsolete are ceiling speakers. We love music, and it plays through our home a lot. Can hook to the TV, so a football game (or movie) sounds like a home theater, without all the mess. Eh- the speakers could become out-of-date, but they're there, so a quick switch out and off you go.