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 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).
bauenmk202030 Mar 2021 11:59Have you already started your electrical planning or do you know your requirements for additional outlets, lighting points, etc.?
The general contractor’s electrician will charge you separately for any extra work, provided the general contractor agrees. It’s also a question of whether the electrician is willing to carry out these additional services ("custom planning compared to other general contractor clients").
Example: Our electrician was given only a small time slot for our construction site by the general contractor. I was left in a difficult position: my requests could not or would not be fulfilled!
Perhaps you can include something like the following in the contract:
“The client requests an electrical installation with star topology wiring of appliances, switches, etc., to the home technology room, beyond the standard electrical installation.” (or similar)
The general contractor’s electrician will charge you separately for any extra work, provided the general contractor agrees. It’s also a question of whether the electrician is willing to carry out these additional services ("custom planning compared to other general contractor clients").
Example: Our electrician was given only a small time slot for our construction site by the general contractor. I was left in a difficult position: my requests could not or would not be fulfilled!
Perhaps you can include something like the following in the contract:
“The client requests an electrical installation with star topology wiring of appliances, switches, etc., to the home technology room, beyond the standard electrical installation.” (or similar)
P
Pwnage61930 Mar 2021 12:35Unfortunately, no.
We have roughly started planning the electrical layout ourselves.
Unfortunately, we cannot include anything in the contract :/
We have to hope that our wishes can be fulfilled at an acceptable price.
We already have prices for the following special requests:
Instead of 2 double doors, a lift-and-slide door: 5300€ (KfW 55)
Shower niche 30 x 30 cm (12 x 12 inches): 550€
Underfloor heating in the entire basement instead of 3 low-temperature radiators: 2500€
Per single socket outlet: 50€; double socket: 80€
This gives us a sense of the builder’s pricing policy.
What exactly should I ask the electrician to do?
Just star-shaped wiring? Or should we get the entire smart home system installed right away?
We have roughly started planning the electrical layout ourselves.
Unfortunately, we cannot include anything in the contract :/
We have to hope that our wishes can be fulfilled at an acceptable price.
We already have prices for the following special requests:
Instead of 2 double doors, a lift-and-slide door: 5300€ (KfW 55)
Shower niche 30 x 30 cm (12 x 12 inches): 550€
Underfloor heating in the entire basement instead of 3 low-temperature radiators: 2500€
Per single socket outlet: 50€; double socket: 80€
This gives us a sense of the builder’s pricing policy.
What exactly should I ask the electrician to do?
Just star-shaped wiring? Or should we get the entire smart home system installed right away?
A
AllThumbs30 Mar 2021 13:07Pwnage619 schrieb:
What do you think about Homematic IP?
Sorry, but as I just realized, I don’t know anything about smart homes.I believe Homematic IP would actually be a pretty good choice for you – although not the cheapest option. If you use their Access Point as the central hub, you can control all components through it, set up automation rules, and you also get an app to manage everything.Shelly devices are great as well, but you definitely need an additional central system to integrate everything. You might want to look up iobroker, openHAB, and Home Assistant to see if you feel confident enough to “build” something with them.
Price difference for a roller shutter, for example:
HM IP Broll: 60 Euro
Shelly 2.5: 20 Euro
Of course, there are other factors to consider, but your goals, budget, and IT skills are still not very clear.
Pwnage619 schrieb:
or should we just go for the complete smart home system right away?First, you need to discuss with the house electrician what is actually possible.If the electrician is not cooperative and/or demands exorbitant prices for outdated technology, then there’s no choice but to bite the bullet and look into retrofit options. However, you should try to incorporate as much as possible during the initial construction.
P.S. Basic electrical installations ultimately cost the same 10,000–15,000 euros (approximately 11,000–16,500 USD), but the homebuyer is rarely told that because it’s included in a lump sum price.
Choosing a smart home is like buying a car.
Diesel, petrol (gasoline), electric, or hybrid? Sedan, estate (wagon), or coupe?
And above all… which brand?
There are far too many options and many different paths to take.
T
T_im_Norden30 Mar 2021 13:14As a developer, you only have the options they offer you anyway; you are not the client or homeowner.
bauenmk202030 Mar 2021 13:36The electrician should install at least deep flush-mounted boxes, and neutral wires should be present everywhere. This way, you can bypass the switches/buttons with wireless actuators and make them smart (prepare).
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