ᐅ Which smart home system is best for retrofitting?

Hello

I want to upgrade my home with a smart home system.
Which smart home system would be best suited for this?

The following points should be covered:
- If possible, everything should be controllable via one app
- It should be possible to create rules
- All solutions should allow either replacing or continuing to use the existing switches (surface-mounted or flush-mounted)
- Everything should also be manually operable without a phone and without internet

- Control electric roller shutters: for example, I want to set the shutters to close automatically at sunset (so the time adjusts automatically each day).
We have a sliding door that lifts and slides. If it is open or ajar but not fully closed, the shutters at the door should not close and lock me out 🙂

- Control underfloor heating: all rooms have underfloor heating with individual thermostats. I want to set the temperature once, for example living room 21°C (70°F) and bedroom 18°C (64°F), and the system should then regulate everything else to maintain the temperature.

Later, I want to add the following:

Light switches: I want to control all light switches via the app (on/off), but they should also remain manually operable.

Window sensors: to check if any window is still open or to notify me if it is raining and a window is open.

I will also install a Hörmann sectional garage door later, which I would like to integrate (but it wouldn’t be a big issue if it needs to run separately).

I can only repeat myself…and add that it’s far too late to start thinking about this now.

Since you won’t have a real “system” anyway, for various reasons, you need a central platform that covers the widest range of functions and integrates the isolated subsystems as much as possible.

So, for example, you’ll need Home Assistant, IP-Symcon, Savant, Node-RED, or something similar.

Once you have chosen a favorite platform, you can look for the “systems” that can be integrated as easily and reliably as possible.

This might mean using EnOcean window handles, Nest smoke detectors, Hue lamps, Hunter irrigation, and Tado thermostats.

You have to put the cart before the horse here. Don’t buy a bunch of electronics first and then try to make everything work together. Instead, choose and set up the platform first, and then buy components that are compatible.

Pwnage619 schrieb:

Light switches: I want to control all light switches via the app (turn on and off) but they should also still be manually operable.

This depends on how everything was wired for you, and since it was very likely done with conventional wiring, your electrical system is basically already like an older building in that respect. So you’ll need someone knowledgeable in electrical work and wiring to help you here. Of course, you can always use “smart bulbs” anywhere (whatever those might be).

Pwnage619 schrieb:

Control electric roller shutters: for example, I want them to always go down at sunset (so they automatically adjust to the changing times).

This can be achieved with simple astronomical functions. But who knows what was installed for you (wiring, motors, sensors???). So this function might either be very simple and affordable or very difficult and expensive to implement.

Pwnage619 schrieb:

We have a sliding lift-and-slide door; when it is open or ajar but not fully closed, the shutters at that door should not go down and lock me out.

For that, you need a way to detect the position of the door and the door handle.

Say goodbye to controlling the underfloor heating yourself. It can manage that much better on its own, and you won’t need any unnecessary electronic gadgets.

@Mycraft I had suspected as much. We can only retrofit since our developer doesn't offer smart home solutions.

Do you happen to know Homee? Could it be a suitable, good central system?

@Musketier Why? Can't you just set the temperature and the underfloor heating adjusts the flow automatically?

Pwnage619 schrieb:

@Musketier Why? Can’t you just set the temperature and the underfloor heating will regulate the flow automatically?

You already have your ERR for that. Otherwise, an underfloor heating system isn’t really “regulated.” You set it, and that’s it.

Otherwise, start with Shellys. Later, you can install an iO Broker and integrate even more devices.

I wouldn’t be as fatalistic as [USER=19382]@Mycraft about this. You can easily cover most of your requirements with Shellys (smart switches, switchable sockets, app-controlled blinds).

I also find the statement implying that new builds without a wired BUS system have to be considered old-fashioned to be too narrow.

There are other options to set up a modern smart home besides a wired system, such as wireless or Wi-Fi. The only question is how much time and money you are willing to invest.