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
E
emceinstein1 Sep 2015 19:30Hello everyone,
This year, we built again and spent a long time deciding whether to implement automation. We simply didn’t want to have a "panel full of switches" on the walls and wanted to stay flexible. In the end, we opted for a star wiring system and implemented part of it with KNX pushbuttons, especially where many control points were needed. The logic and visualization were done with Loxone, as well as the standard pushbuttons. We programmed both KNX and Loxone ourselves, while the electrician took care of the wiring and the electrical control cabinet. The ETS software is also available as a light version, which is limited to 20 devices but only requires a test and a one-time fee (I believe about 50 euros). We moved in two months ago, and so far everything is working perfectly. The costs are naturally higher, partly due to the larger electrical control cabinet. It’s hard to say exactly how much more, since otherwise we would have motorized our shading systems, and on the other hand we gave up room thermostats thanks to the automation.
This year, we built again and spent a long time deciding whether to implement automation. We simply didn’t want to have a "panel full of switches" on the walls and wanted to stay flexible. In the end, we opted for a star wiring system and implemented part of it with KNX pushbuttons, especially where many control points were needed. The logic and visualization were done with Loxone, as well as the standard pushbuttons. We programmed both KNX and Loxone ourselves, while the electrician took care of the wiring and the electrical control cabinet. The ETS software is also available as a light version, which is limited to 20 devices but only requires a test and a one-time fee (I believe about 50 euros). We moved in two months ago, and so far everything is working perfectly. The costs are naturally higher, partly due to the larger electrical control cabinet. It’s hard to say exactly how much more, since otherwise we would have motorized our shading systems, and on the other hand we gave up room thermostats thanks to the automation.
S
Sebastian7910 Sep 2015 08:51You can also try to talk yourself into it.
S
Sebastian7912 Sep 2015 13:26No, me neither.
Hello,
Just over two years ago, I faced the same decision. I wasn’t sure whether to automate my house and, if so, who should do it. Initially, I considered KNX, as it is the most common method for home automation. However, since that was too expensive for me, I looked for a more affordable alternative. After much back and forth, I chose the building automation system from Dihva. This system offers many key advantages that other providers in this segment do not. The most important factor for me was the cost, since this smart home solution costs only slightly more than conventional wiring. Another major advantage, which was also very important to me, is the virtually unlimited connectivity of this system. Let me first explain how this system works:
The system operates via a Siemens PLC. This is an industrial control unit known for its reliability and long lifespan. All outputs, such as switches or roller shutters, are wired to the inputs of the PLC. The PLC is then programmed free of charge by a company technician (this takes about 8 hours). They use a custom-developed engineering software that includes ready-made modules and connections. The installation and programming went smoothly for me, and the entire work was completed in a short time.
In addition to the standard functions, I had master functions and special scenes created, so for example, from Monday to Friday, just before I get up, the roller shutters raise and the coffee machine turns on. Another scenario I often use is the absence simulation. When this is active, the lights automatically turn on for a certain period every few hours, the shutters go up and down, and music plays in the house to give the impression that someone is home.
For a small extra cost, I also added a door opener with camera. This way, every time someone rings the doorbell, a small window appears on my smartphone or PC, and I can open the door, for example, from the couch.
The system offers several other cool features that, once you have them in your home, you don’t want to live without. I think you can tell how enthusiastic I am about this system. I could list even more functions it offers, but if this is enough to interest you and you find this method of home automation worth exploring, you might want to check out their website.
For my part, as you have probably gathered from this text, I am very satisfied and would install this system again anytime. I hope I was able to help you and that you find the right smart home solution for yourself.
Best regards
Detlef79
Just over two years ago, I faced the same decision. I wasn’t sure whether to automate my house and, if so, who should do it. Initially, I considered KNX, as it is the most common method for home automation. However, since that was too expensive for me, I looked for a more affordable alternative. After much back and forth, I chose the building automation system from Dihva. This system offers many key advantages that other providers in this segment do not. The most important factor for me was the cost, since this smart home solution costs only slightly more than conventional wiring. Another major advantage, which was also very important to me, is the virtually unlimited connectivity of this system. Let me first explain how this system works:
The system operates via a Siemens PLC. This is an industrial control unit known for its reliability and long lifespan. All outputs, such as switches or roller shutters, are wired to the inputs of the PLC. The PLC is then programmed free of charge by a company technician (this takes about 8 hours). They use a custom-developed engineering software that includes ready-made modules and connections. The installation and programming went smoothly for me, and the entire work was completed in a short time.
In addition to the standard functions, I had master functions and special scenes created, so for example, from Monday to Friday, just before I get up, the roller shutters raise and the coffee machine turns on. Another scenario I often use is the absence simulation. When this is active, the lights automatically turn on for a certain period every few hours, the shutters go up and down, and music plays in the house to give the impression that someone is home.
For a small extra cost, I also added a door opener with camera. This way, every time someone rings the doorbell, a small window appears on my smartphone or PC, and I can open the door, for example, from the couch.
The system offers several other cool features that, once you have them in your home, you don’t want to live without. I think you can tell how enthusiastic I am about this system. I could list even more functions it offers, but if this is enough to interest you and you find this method of home automation worth exploring, you might want to check out their website.
For my part, as you have probably gathered from this text, I am very satisfied and would install this system again anytime. I hope I was able to help you and that you find the right smart home solution for yourself.
Best regards
Detlef79