ᐅ Lighting and Electrical Planning in New Construction

20,000 should be enough for a good standard. However, the problem is that you will likely need to invest at least another 20,000 to be prepared for a (central) retrofit, as this requires significantly more wiring to all sockets/outlets (in addition to the basic bus wiring), which electricians generally charge well for. On top of that, all sensors and actuators can quickly add another 10,000 to 15,000. It is also important to remember that a KNX wiring system without the corresponding KNX components is not very useful and may require considerable effort for rewiring later on.

You misunderstood me. I don’t want to do a standard installation and prepare KNX at the same time. It’s more about a minimal KNX installation, but without any extras (visualization, scenes, door contacts, etc.) that could possibly be added later.

It is just as much a luxury as having a kitchen or bathroom tailored exactly to your own preferences, rather than simply functional ones provided by the landlord.

Hendrik1980 schrieb:

that you can gradually expand together with the electrical company over the coming years.

That’s unlikely to work unless you do some of the work yourself. Otherwise, you will end up spending at least twice as much instead of saving.

Hendrik1980 schrieb:

and later also control heating and ventilation through it.

You should have that integrated from the start if it’s even necessary. Because it will cost more to add it later than to install it during construction.

Hendrik1980 schrieb:

I don’t need visualization for now.

That’s correct. Visualization isn’t really necessary. Houses without modern electrical systems don’t have it either. Basically, it’s a nice-to-have feature. And that’s something you can easily build up yourself over the years, which can save you money since the professional company won’t have to spend several days on-site installing hardware and setting up your screens and buttons.

Besides, you can quickly put something together with free software on your phone in the beginning.

Hendrik1980 schrieb:

Scenes can be added later.

Scenes are always being created and modified anyway. Habits and needs change over time.

Hendrik1980 schrieb:

Is €20,000 even realistic?

Yes, that’s doable. At least you can get the usual standard package from a general contractor using KNX. This includes the well-known ceiling switch point with switching, etc. You could ask the company from Alt-Karow, they are capable. However, I can’t comment on the prices.

Hendrik1980 schrieb:

Door contacts, etc...

These are also difficult to retrofit, especially if you want them neat (invisible), functional, and affordable. I would make a plan of what is truly essential for a KNX installation and definitely have that done professionally. The rest you can then build up or retrofit yourself.

Door contacts are rather not feasible; visualization, on the other hand, is.

Ah, okay, but that doesn’t change anything, since for basic KNX and future upgrades you need to have all the cables installed from the start. Likewise, components like window contacts are not easy to retrofit, so it’s best to install (and use) them right away. I think budgeting around 50,000 (incl. network) for KNX in a house of this size is roughly accurate. From that, you might be able to subtract 5,000 to 10,000 at most for advanced features, but not much more.

K1300S schrieb:

Ah, okay, but that doesn’t change anything,

Hehe, I like that statement 🙂... Sounds good...

Like: It’s okay as is... but of course it doesn’t change anything!!! 🙂 🙂 🙂

P.S. Yes, I’m in on this too. Although I think you can achieve something with 20,000 (twenty thousand), you just need to find the right partner and possibly add another 5,000 or so. Better to start with a smaller garden in the first year and then expand gradually.

K1300S schrieb:

Ah, okay, but that doesn’t change anything, because for basic KNX and future upgrades you need to have all the wiring installed from the start. Also, things like window sensors are not so easy to retrofit nicely, so you should install (and use) them right away. I think budgeting around 50,000 (USD) for KNX in a house of that size, including networking, is a reasonable estimate. You might be able to save about 5,000 to 10,000 (USD) if you skip advanced features, but not more than that.

These are very different opinions regarding the price. I would be willing to add another 10,000 (USD) to the estimated amount, but 50,000 (USD) won’t be enough anymore. Due to rising raw material costs, the extra money is simply needed as a contingency for cost overruns.

From your perspective, what is necessary or sensible to do during construction? What can be omitted? What can be retrofitted later? Do I really need window and door sensors?