We are building a new home on Gold Coast and our builder recommended that we make use of smart home technology in integrating the home systems - http://highlifehomes.com.au/smart-home-technology-to-transfo…
Has anyone used this before and knows about it?
They say that you can control the AC, heating system and even your TV channels with the touch of a button. Sounds posh and very expensive, but we are giving it a thought.
Anyone has any recommendations?
New home on the Gold Coast. Mmmmmmmmmmmm.
If the builder recommended it, then they plan on trying to milk money out of you.
Keep in mind most air conditioning have timers already built in, and do you really need to change the TV channel away from home?
There are several inexpensive DIY ways to automate a lot of things in the home if you do pursue it without lining the builders pockets in the meantime.
http://lifehacker.com/how-can-i-get-started-with-home-automa…
And cheap devices by Belkin like this are available
http://www.dicksmith.com.au/home-appliances/belkin-wemo-swit…
http://www.dicksmith.com.au/home-appliances/belkin-wemo-ligh…
Above
Same with lights, remote control lights to dim them.
I wouldn't go with anything that is not easily changed.
ie When you see 'fancy' houses where the TV is hidden in a wall or pops up… it's "wow"… then you think hmmm 5 years from now that TV will be out of date, the slot/compartment isn't adjustable.
Don't get anything that you will be stuck with essentially.
Talk to your electrician about this. Electricians go to trade shows all the time for this kind of stuff. A lot of the newer stuff is now smartphone/tablet integrated (i.e. get a notification and video feed on your phone when someone rings your front door), rather than on wall panels.
Note that it is much cheaper to have all the cabling put in when they are building it, rather than after the fact. It also improves the resale-ability of your house.
When I built my first house the high tech thing was speakers throughout the house run by a central system with different zones etc. now 13 years later with iPods etc it seems almost ancient. While wiring is cheaper before it is built don't do too much without really thinking - do I need this? I always worry things might breakdown.
The most important thing ,I believe , is enough well placed power points . I still want a power skirting board that you can have a PowerPoint anywhere along the wall.
Thank you for the recommendations.
@Stix - I did research on Siri home automation.
I think it is best to install these after we move in.
We still need to research on what we need and technology goes through constant updates.
@maximum Thanks for the suggestion of placing enough power points. I'm noting that down.
Thanks for all your suggestions.
Amanda
Xx
Hi Amanda just wondering what you went with after you moved in
If you're planning to stay in the house for a long time, you could install home automation but it is expensive. Also, take a look at using home automation with Siri - just google Siri home automation.
If you're planning to sell the house, I wouldn't bother.