I cannot agree more with you, that is exactly what I would want for all my installs in terms of lighting.
That said, there is no reason not to use wifi for lightswitches. For a whole switch replacement, kasa is tough to beat. They look like normal decora switches, so you don’t have to teach anyone how to work them, they offer local control, and they are cheap. If the wifi is down, your customer will be understanding since many of their other things won’t work either. But at least they’ll still be able to use the lightswitches to operate the lights the “old fashioned way”.
Thank you @exx, that is the kind of advice I need at this point. If we are designing and installing the LAN and WiFi infrastructure then that will give us confidence. I may make that a mandatory pre-requisite in order to minimise LAN/WiFi related issues. I will certainly look into Kasa switches. Similarly, any recommendations for Curtain draw mechanisms and cameras?
As for your original questions - I don’t think HA is stable enough that I’d let someone pay me to install it in their house, even though I have entertained the thought from time to time. Still way too many breaking changes, unintentional “oopsies” and other assorted nonsense.
In all honesty, that has been my concern from day one and the reason for my procrastination. However, I feel there is a first step to everything as long as it is a well informed step. I really need to start somewhere if you know what I mean.
I guess if you ONLY installed a standardized set of products and NEVER deviated from that list, and never updated a customer until you had it all sorted out in your test lab… Maybe? But that sounds like a lot of time and effort. How much is this going to pay you?
You’ve hit the nail on the head, that is exactly what I am after. Margins will certainly not be big as most of my clients want an affordable and reliable solutions. However, carefully done, this could mean more projects for me. The idea being a careful and well planned approach to avoid call-backs as much as possible.
If you have “upper class” customers that want lots of fancy stuff, Sonos is not the answer. Get real speakers, with real speaker wire, and real multi-zone receivers to drive them. Then you can control it the same way as a home theater setup.
Most of my clients are middle-class families and Sonos has worked well. It’s great that you mention home theatre. I’ve been looking for a cost effective single remote based automation solution for home theater spaces. I’ve been looking at rti and URC but am not fully convinced, they are not cheap. Any suggestions? Is there a HA based solution?
Motorized shades are EXPENSIVE for good ones, but they do work well. Hunter Douglas are quite nice.
Thanks for that reference, I will certainly have a look at Hunter Douglas.
Shelly makes very nice relays that can handle a good amount of power draw.
Love the way you are highlighting devices, it will save me weeks of research. I really appreciate your useful input. I will definitely have a look at Shelly relays.
The UI will be as nice or as shitty as you make it - it’s fully customizable. I’ve been messing with mine for 2 years, and while it has definitely improved, it’s still not quite where I’d like it to be.
I’m glad to learn that the interface is fully customisable, I’d attempt to design one simple and clean interface that can then be used by all clients. Has someone out there already done something like that and selling the interface. I really like the interface of Crestron Home, it’s simple, elegant and intuitive.
There are many, many more pieces to a truly automated home that you aren’t even considering - like motion detectors, contact sensors, water leak sensors, and more. Don’t take this the wrong way, but after how much time has elapsed and you still have the same 101-level questions… I don’t think you’re even remotely prepared to install this solution for anyone else as a paying customer. If you really want to go down this road, you need to get HA set up at your house. Go through the pain, buy the equipment, configure it all, and use it on a daily basis. Only then will you be able to answer your own questions. No amount of asking on here - or anywhere else - is going to give you the comfort level you appear to be searching for.
I have not taken this the wrong way. On the contrary, I really appreciate your direct and down-to-earth advice., it is what I need and have been looking for. Yes, I have been paranoid about providing a home automation solution and service but have always loved the idea and concept of home automation. It is this fear and paranoia that has led me to start this thread and gather enough knowledge to make sensible decisions. It has sort of given me a bird’s eye view of the home automation industry. I know HA is probably diverse and can support many more aspects of automation but I want to start with the simple stuff. My opinion is that automation should be invisible and sort of seamless such that it complements life and adds efficiency as opposed to being cool and a show-off element to impress guests or visitors (although I know it happens and I’m not against those who like that perspective). I have no doubt that automation will become a norm and a common standard in future homes.
In a nutshell, you are absolutely correct. I need to incorporate HA in my own living space and gain real-world experience. That is something that I need to do and will do. I really appreciate your reality-check based advice
Lastly, home size has nothing to do with anything. I have friends that live in 2 bedroom apartments that have more home automation equipment than you even thought to ask about, and I have friends that live in 6k sf houses that have only shades and 3 lightswitches and a garage door opener. It’s not about size, it’s about complexity.
Point noted and thank you for clarifying that. I was just wondering whether HA in the Green Box version can control a big house environment just in case one lands on such a project. I notice commercial control processors have a technical sheets that highlight their scope.
Again - set it up for yourself, and LEARN the product, EXPLORE the limitations.
That is a very good suggestion and I take it seriously. I can tell you are an automation expert or someone with a deep insight into HA. I have appreciated your input Sir.