Hello,
for our planned new build, I would like to automate as much as my budget allows. A central control system (touchscreen/app) for blinds, underfloor heating, and possibly indoor/outdoor lighting. Since I’m not familiar with this topic, I have two basic questions:
1). What approximate costs should I expect if about 170sqm (1,830 sqft) of living space including bathroom, toilet, hallway, 4 living rooms, and garage are to be automated? Of course, I understand you can’t give me an exact estimate.
2). How should I best approach my planning? Since I assume my budget won’t cover everything at once, I want to at least make all necessary preparations during construction. That way, I can add features later without having to open up walls. Sort of like preparing the roof for solar panels in advance…
Looking forward to your answers
for our planned new build, I would like to automate as much as my budget allows. A central control system (touchscreen/app) for blinds, underfloor heating, and possibly indoor/outdoor lighting. Since I’m not familiar with this topic, I have two basic questions:
1). What approximate costs should I expect if about 170sqm (1,830 sqft) of living space including bathroom, toilet, hallway, 4 living rooms, and garage are to be automated? Of course, I understand you can’t give me an exact estimate.
2). How should I best approach my planning? Since I assume my budget won’t cover everything at once, I want to at least make all necessary preparations during construction. That way, I can add features later without having to open up walls. Sort of like preparing the roof for solar panels in advance…
Looking forward to your answers
S
Sebastian7924 Aug 2016 09:09Ok, so I also installed home automation.
Since wireless systems are not considered automation, I don’t count them here. I have also automated my home (formerly an apartment, now an existing property) using Homematic. Currently, only electricity and heating are automated because no electric blinds have been installed yet, but that will come later. The app control was actually added last. It’s very practical to see which lights are still on, who called, if mail has arrived, what the weather is like (automatic irrigation will be added later). Especially when the house is often empty, it provides peace of mind, and absence modes are also quite useful. With over 80 components, my wireless system has been running very stably so far. Occasionally, a window sensor is unreachable, but that happens maybe twice a year. The central unit has crashed three times so far, always during programming. In normal operation, it has been running completely error-free for four years, and most devices are connected via direct links. That means the automation programs wouldn’t work without the central unit running, but all functions are still operable via the switches, and heating control is integrated within the thermostats anyway. The only downside is the use of batteries (thermostats, wireless switches, window sensors). Even though they last at least two years each, it’s somewhat inconvenient. Unfortunately, KNX (a wired building automation system) is not really suitable for retrofitting; otherwise, I would have chosen that solution. The advantage of wireless: If I want a switch anywhere today, I just stick it there. Additionally, with plug adapters, I can make any outlet switchable or dimmable.
Regarding automation: Of course, no one absolutely needs it. Just like you don’t strictly need an induction cooktop, electric blinds, a walk-in shower, expensive sinks, or a TV in the bedroom. However, many people have these today because they are simply practical. I can wash just as well in an 80x80cm (31x31 inch) shower tray with a shower curtain without any loss of quality. But many would say that is not possible in new constructions. It’s similar with automation solutions. Sure, 90% of it is just for convenience, and it costs money. My thermostats will take years to pay off. Even if they never did, the comfort gain would still be worth it. On weekends, rooms are heated differently than during the week (okay, less important in a low-energy house). The staircase lighting is controlled by motion sensors. At night, the brightness is different than during the day. When guests are coming, the guest bathroom and guest room are heated, night lighting is on, and a temporary Wi-Fi password is generated. When I come home, I can see how much it rained during the day, who called, when someone rang the doorbell, the weather forecast for the next few hours, and what is still on the calendar for the day.
If desired, various things can also start upon arriving home depending on the time of day, season, or who is present (radio on, lights on, blinds up, etc.). So far, I haven’t needed that. However, my wife has come to love a little feature where a red light blinks on every floor as soon as the washing machine is finished. That’s just a small thing that you can do without, of course, but it brings a noticeable increase in comfort. Especially if you are as forgetful as I am. I sometimes forget to retract the awning, leave the basement light on, or the garage door open. That now manages itself, or in a pinch, I can switch it via VPN from anywhere. At home, the smartphone is hardly used for controlling anything; instead, classic light switches and buttons are used, as well as the TV remote. With just one button, all devices can be started, blinds and lights controlled, and the remote is very simple, so any child can use it intuitively. Previously, my wife was not able to play a DVD because she had to press the right buttons on TV, AV receiver, HDMI switch, and Blu-ray player.
Regarding automation: Of course, no one absolutely needs it. Just like you don’t strictly need an induction cooktop, electric blinds, a walk-in shower, expensive sinks, or a TV in the bedroom. However, many people have these today because they are simply practical. I can wash just as well in an 80x80cm (31x31 inch) shower tray with a shower curtain without any loss of quality. But many would say that is not possible in new constructions. It’s similar with automation solutions. Sure, 90% of it is just for convenience, and it costs money. My thermostats will take years to pay off. Even if they never did, the comfort gain would still be worth it. On weekends, rooms are heated differently than during the week (okay, less important in a low-energy house). The staircase lighting is controlled by motion sensors. At night, the brightness is different than during the day. When guests are coming, the guest bathroom and guest room are heated, night lighting is on, and a temporary Wi-Fi password is generated. When I come home, I can see how much it rained during the day, who called, when someone rang the doorbell, the weather forecast for the next few hours, and what is still on the calendar for the day.
If desired, various things can also start upon arriving home depending on the time of day, season, or who is present (radio on, lights on, blinds up, etc.). So far, I haven’t needed that. However, my wife has come to love a little feature where a red light blinks on every floor as soon as the washing machine is finished. That’s just a small thing that you can do without, of course, but it brings a noticeable increase in comfort. Especially if you are as forgetful as I am. I sometimes forget to retract the awning, leave the basement light on, or the garage door open. That now manages itself, or in a pinch, I can switch it via VPN from anywhere. At home, the smartphone is hardly used for controlling anything; instead, classic light switches and buttons are used, as well as the TV remote. With just one button, all devices can be started, blinds and lights controlled, and the remote is very simple, so any child can use it intuitively. Previously, my wife was not able to play a DVD because she had to press the right buttons on TV, AV receiver, HDMI switch, and Blu-ray player.
P
Painkiller24 Aug 2016 14:58Why shouldn't Homematic be considered home automation? Just because it uses wireless communication?
S
Sebastian7924 Aug 2016 15:04Nobody said that wireless ≠ automation. But anyone who thinks that app control of shutters and heating plus some timer programs counts as home automation is mistaken.
In my view, automation means networking and interaction of actuators and sensors with each other, without significant human intervention in everyday life.
And that is not the case with many systems...
In my view, automation means networking and interaction of actuators and sensors with each other, without significant human intervention in everyday life.
And that is not the case with many systems...
P
Painkiller24 Aug 2016 15:26Well, the definition
is already fulfilled by an electronic thermostat.
Preset temperature, temperature sensor, and valve are adjusted automatically without human intervention...
I understand what you mean, but I am not aware of any system that operates solely via an app. However, I haven’t explored the topic in detail yet. I find Homematic quite interesting in terms of functionality and value for money.
Sebastian79 schrieb:
Networking and interaction of actuators/sensors.
is already fulfilled by an electronic thermostat.
Preset temperature, temperature sensor, and valve are adjusted automatically without human intervention...
I understand what you mean, but I am not aware of any system that operates solely via an app. However, I haven’t explored the topic in detail yet. I find Homematic quite interesting in terms of functionality and value for money.
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