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sapstx

Home automation opinions

sapstx
10 years ago
last modified: 10 years ago
Remodeling a home we just purchased and looking to install some home automation while we have bare walls. The more I read about it, the more confused I become as to which direction to go in. I'm not averse to doing some do it yourself things but think I want a professionally installed system that I can add on to later. I would love to hear other's experiences with different home automation systems/products. Don't tell me you have it and it's awesome - I already know that. I want to know WHAT system you have, how easy is it to use, can you program some things yourself, add components yourself, etc. What would you do differently? So far I've spoken with installers for Control4 and RTI. They seem to be very different from each other. I've found information on Control4 but very little on RTI. I am open to any and all systems and ideas. Recent websites or articles you can direct me to (non-biased information) is also helpful. Lot's of information out there online is out dated.

As far as my "needs"... my eventual wish list is the whole shebang. Security, audio/video, lighting, HVAC, cameras and anything I may want to add down the road. If they come out with it, I might want to add it. I want to change my last name to Jetson. But like Jetson, I'm not wealthy. Willing to pay for a good system and installation, but I'm not looking for a Rolls Royce. Maybe a Corvette or a Porsche? I want to get what I can afford now (pre-wiring & security?) and add the rest as I find the money and need. Thanks!
Featured Answer
  • PRO
    Digital Home LLC
    10 years ago
    To begin there is nothing as fun as having a smart house, automated home or whatever we choose to call it. The industry itself is going through a major transformation in the last several years. Home Automation lets use that for now is broken down into several categories. Here the are: Lighting Control, HVAC Control, Shade Control, Pool Control, Whole house Audio and Video, Media Room Surround System, Home Theater, and Cameras.
    As stated there are several companies who manufacture the Equipment, quite a few have been mentioned we utilzed Savant for our larger projects, and RTI for our smaller projects. Savant as stated is currently based upon an apple OS enviornment. However, that is only the beginning of what Savant truly offers. Savant has the best audio/video switching platform in the industry. The end users such as yourself has the ability to share all of your video components throughout the home, possibly saving money on that dreaded cable bill ;-0, but it dosent stop there, you can share your music, and even view your cameras on your IOS devices.
    Savant now offers smart scheduling for HVAC as well. I have found it to be very an extremely reliabe system with in house technical support and not riduculous programming costs associated with it.

    All that being said, the most important part of any new system you install within your new home is a strong and reliable wireless internet signal. I am stressing wireless not a hard wire land connection. So no matter who you choose to do your job please make sure they install a commercial grade internet system.
    I also have a strong affinity for lighting control and shade control, it adds atmosphere to your home the way nothing esle can. There is nothing better than walking out of the house and turning off the entire house with a click of a button. My company has used Vantage as well for many years, and clients love it.

    Comments (19)

    • PRO
      Marazul Building Company
      10 years ago
      http://www.vantagecontrols.com

      We've had great success with Vantage. Our electrical subcontractor offers this system as part of their low voltage division. Check the Vantage website for a local dealer / installer.
      sapstx thanked Marazul Building Company
    • PRO
      Clear Lighting and Electrical Design
      10 years ago
      We were Vantage dealers many years ago and their products are good as is Control4. Our firm designs and produces specifications for systems such as you described. We no longer sell or install equipment therefore our consulting is vender neutral. Let us know if you wish to receive your first hour of consulting at no cost - ClearLED.biz
      sapstx thanked Clear Lighting and Electrical Design

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    • PRO
      Tekkease
      10 years ago
      First off…. prewiring your home properly is key to future growth and expansion. Secondly there are many manufactures for control and automation products out there. Crestron, Control 4, Savant and RTI are the major brands today. Crestron is the most robust and scalable when it comes to their product offerings and flexibility, but they may break your bank since they are a premier brand.
      Control 4 and Savant would be some good options to look at as far a systems that can be scalable for your needs. Savant runs on a apple platform and is becoming increasingly more popular. Control 4 has been a growing brand, yet has had issues and growing pains along their travels. Their products are fairly stable today.
      Tekkease is technology design and consulting firm offering consulting services such as Clear lighting and electrical. Check out our houzz page, find us on FB or on the web. Let me know if we can give further insight.
      sapstx thanked Tekkease
    • PRO
      Defined Entertainment Design
      10 years ago
      Control 4 is a great home automation solution for most home owners. It's easy to use, plays well with most other electronics and has some great mobile apps. Our clients agree, Control 4 is pretty amazing. However, at the end of the day, it's all about the client. We work tirelessly to find the right solution to fit their specific needs. There are many great home automation solutions on the market today, so its best to work with professionals to set up the right system for you.
      sapstx thanked Defined Entertainment Design
    • sapstx
      Original Author
      10 years ago
      Thank you for the responses. None of you are in my neck of the woods but perhaps you can recommend a professional in the Houston area? I do like the Control 4 interface but I did not care for the Control 4 rep I met with. He was a salesman for a large, high end home theatre/automation company here and I would prefer to work with someone with hands on installation knowledge and experience. I called another rep via the Control 4 locator but that guy does not install security systems which to me is a big component of home automation. Thanks again for your time and response.
    • PRO
      Clear Lighting and Electrical Design
      10 years ago
      @ rivershredder - We are located in Austin and would be pleased to discuss your project anytime. We do not provide or install equipment therefore making us true design consultants not after a sale. gary@ClearLED.biz
    • PRO
      Tekkease
      10 years ago
      Tekkease is a similar model to @Clear lighting & Electrical and speaking with design consultants is your best approach to true client advocacy and working with some one with your best interest in mind.

      We as a company ofter do projects out of state for our clients, so sometimes bringing in the right design upfront will save you time, money and headaches in the long run.

      best of luck
    • PRO
      Clear Lighting and Electrical Design
      10 years ago
      Tekkease is correct is stating that the location of a automation design consultant is not important. A consultant will save you time AND money while getting you exactly the system you desire. This is even more important when utilizing several equipment venders.

      Enjoy Life Daily with a Smart Home~
    • User
      10 years ago
      This topic has relevancy for ageing in place- opening blinds etc.
    • sapstx
      Original Author
      10 years ago
      Thank you everyone for your comments. Here is an update for anyone who is interested: I have met with 4 different local consultants/installers dealing with multiple systems. As was said, the system best for you depends on what you want to do and your budget. The hard part was understanding the differences between all the systems in order to choose the right fit. I agree in that hiring a design consultant would be a great place to start. However, I found a Home Automation company that I liked who installs RTI, Crestron and Control 4. I just liked the guy who came out and could understand what he was telling me. He could answer every question I had (as opposed to one company who sent a salesman to speak to me who obviously had never actually installed or programmed anything...). After narrowing it down to Crestron and Control 4, we are leaning towards Crestron based on the ultimate size of our project. Our Crestron quote is about 10-15% more than Control 4 but we decided the increased flexibility with programming was worth it in the long run. I also like that Crestron is manufactured in the US. I did not look at Savant or Vantage. Crestron can do everything we want in our budget so we just didn't look any further. My only worry down the road is keeping programming and maintenances costs down but I think that is an issue with any of these systems. I also completely ruled out a diy system after realizing I did not have the time or desire to learn how to program all this stuff and make it seamlessly work together. I did take the above advise on an upgraded internet system with professional router programming.

      We completed our pre-wire last week (whole house audio, media room, multiple system tvs, exterior cameras, lighting and HVAC. I am not interested in shade control at this time but can see adding it in the future. We won't be able to install the actual system for about 6 months to a year as it is too much for us all at one time but we got all the wiring in and have plenty of sheetrock patching to keep our drywall guys busy for a few days ;) ! Note to remodelers, make sure you add the cost of wall patching into your pricing considerations! I am very glad that we did the pre-wire now while most of the house is gutted for remodeling.
      I have a feeling I will move up our timeframe as I am very excited and anxious to get the system installed. I just need a toilet and running water first :)

      Again, thank you for your help!
    • PRO
      Tekkease
      10 years ago
      Crestron is an excellent choice. We design many Crestron systems every year and recently became a certified Crestron consulting partner. As long as your integrator executes well on finish installation and programming you won't be disappointed. Best of luck!
    • PRO
      Launch Systems
      10 years ago
      Be careful of Crestron. If your dealer leaves town, or if you want to start using another company down the line, you will have to 100% pay someone to reprogram your entire system again, maybe to do something as simple as install a new TV. Unless you MUST use Crestron because of something only Crestron can do, it could cost you a lot in the long run. Just one guy's opinion :)
    • PRO
      Tekkease
      10 years ago
      Today's best firms will deliver Crestron programming source code upon completion and final payment of project. It's all about working with the right company!
    • PRO
      Digital Logic Systems
      9 years ago
      Elanhomesystems.com

      Www.prodls.com

    • remuera14
      9 years ago
      last modified: 9 years ago

      I am looking at a home automation system - either Vantage, Savant or Wiser (From schneider). I have commenced with my new build in New Zealand and want to ensure my prewire will support what ever system I go with. Given with my current budget and build cost overruns, I will have to add additional components in stages, but want to ensure appropriate prewire is installed in advance

      . Will Cat6 wiring support all of the above systems or is there specialised wiring for each system? Also do you need specialised lightbulbs for each of the systems or can you use standard LED bulbs? Any advise would be welcome.

    • PRO
      Tekkease
      9 years ago

      Category cables will work for most applications, but depending on what you are driving you may require alternate types of cabling. Vantage for instance takes 2 wire bus for lighting, Crestron and others take a 4 wire bus for keypads and , and CAT cable is not recommended due to power of distance loss. Video typically is derived via CAT, shielded CAT, or fiber.

      Regarding LED bulbs there is no "standard", as they all have difference properties and dimming rates. Work with your vendor, or a consultant in determining a fixture schedule so you can design a lighting system that will perform the way you intended and expect.

      The wiring requirements all are dependent on the application, the scope, and the overall systems in place. Typically as a design consultant we advise our clients to prewire for all options, or your complete "wish list" so that you have flexibility upon completion of the home and future wants from your home technology systems.

    • PRO
      SAV Design
      9 years ago

      Remuera14, we are a company that offer Savant and Vantage, would you like to catch up to discuss your project? Cade from www.savdesign.co.nz

    • Sezelle Gereau Haddon
      2 years ago

      I'd like to ask the same original question, but now in real-time 2021. Any takers out there on answering the same? I am in the Hudson Valley NY

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