top ten tips

Welcome to our top 10 tips for specifying a smart home:

1. Decide WHAT you want to happen…

 Telephone, broadband, satellite, terrestrial TV, multi-room music, multi-room video, mood lighting, CCTV, gate entry – the list goes on.
 Make a list of which services are important for you.
 Prioritise your basic requirements, and which services would be “nice to have.”

2. Decide WHERE you want it to happen…

 From your plans, list out the names of the rooms and decide which of the services you want to be available in that room. Consider how the rooms are used.
 For example, a lounge or kitchen would merit more services than a utility or spare bedroom. An office space may require more telephone / broadband connections than TV points.

3. Set a BUDGET…

 Smart homes can be achieved on a variety of budgets, but don’t expect highly sophisticated systems to be inexpensive.
 Make sure you will have your basic services included as the absolute minimum. If budget allows, then you can extend the capabilities in the future.
 Set budgets for the infrastructure cabling, the hardware involved and the labour to install and programme the above.

4. Pick a HUB location…

 Choose a sensible location for the cabling to be run from and to, and any equipment to be located.
 Consider ventilation and power to the hub room – there may be a great number of components stored here.

5. DESIGN, design, design…

 You have architect plans to ensure your property is built correctly, so why treat smart technology any differently?
 Flooding a property with cabling is not the best approach. A smart home designer can establish a full room by room design for your property, quickly and easily.
 If you want to go it alone, always ensure you refer back to the services you want, the rooms & their usage level and the cables needed for the different systems.

6. Don’t compromise on INFRASTRUCTURE…

 The most expensive cable you ever run will be the one you forget. It is better to slightly over-cable the property, than try to get away with the minimum.
 Building works can damage cabling and it is best to run spares to ensure a connection. If you choose any element to “invest” in building your smart home, the smart money would be spent here!

7. Pick a SYSTEM…

 Cabling for a variety of systems is possible, but can result in waste. Look through a variety of the systems available.
 Seek advice on what the systems will do and decide which one fits your needs
 Some companies have their own demonstration facilities, or can arrange a visit to a specific location to experience the systems for yourself.

8. Think AESTHETICS…

 Think about how you want your system to ultimately look. You will use it every day, and it should blend into the décor. For example, the finish of keypads / lighting controls can be matched to your power sockets or door handles.
 Would your open plan design benefit from in-ceiling or in-wall speakers, which can free up floor space? How can the plasma or LCD TV be mounted discretely?
 Choose a system or components you can appreciate visually, as well as meeting your needs.

9. Think AHEAD…

 Nothing can ever be totally future proof. With clever design, and expert knowledge – your system can be installed with a variety of opportunities in place for future improvements, as and when you require them.

10. Ask QUESTIONS…

 The smart home industry can be complex, with a wide variety of options and approaches to the different systems that can be controlled. Ultimately, it is your money and you need to be sure you are getting what you want and that you understand everything about your system.
 Don’t be patronised by technical jargon. If you don’t understand, then ask for a plain English explanation.