These days electronic and communications technology influences almost every aspect of the home environment. Smart home technology is increasingly common in new homes and major home renovations – especially at the top end of the market. Over the past 20 plus years, AHT Residential has worked with many interior designers, architects and homeowners to design, supply and install technology systems in luxury homes. Below are the most common home automation mistakes we have seen homeowners make over the years.
Selecting the Wrong Home Automation System
This step is often taken long before a clear understanding of the system is developed. Those who make this mistake usually end up wasting a lot of time and money. Remember: it’s much easier to choose technologies that fit your needs than it is to adjust your needs to fit your technology choices! As you review the options below, think about the technologies that best fit your needs. If you have questions, feel free to contact us, we can help. Here are some common automation control technologies to consider:
- Hard-wired
- Powerline
- Wireless
- Serial (RS232, RS485)
- Ethernet (Wired/Wireless Network)
- Infrared (IR)
Overcomplicating Home Automation Controls
Let’s say you come home from work or from a night out and you want to turn on a smart light. When you arrive, you face your first problem. Instead of simply turning on a light switch, you need to get your phone out, find the necessary app on your home screen, configure it, find the right setting—and let’s not forget none of this is even possible if your battery is dead. Fumbling around with one piece of technology to control another piece of technology can create obstacles that were not there before—negating the need for the technology in the first place. Accessing menus, screens and codes can be difficult when applied to true-to-life scenarios. The experience of controlling a smart home should be smooth and easy. A well integrated system requires a minimum of control devices. Controls should be consolidated and intuitive to use.
Asking the Electrician
Many architects and homeowners will turn to an electrical contractor for guidance on scoping and installing home automation systems. However most electricians don’t know how to design, integrate or program intelligent home automation systems. According to Smarthouse magazine: “most electricians don’t have a clue what to do … when it comes to configuring intelligent home automation technology. Most have little understanding of distributed audio or getting a great performance out of a TV screen or configuring sophisticated software that drives a whole house system.”
Waiting Too Long
Because so many contractors need to be coordinated, poor project management can cause significant delays and hassles during construction. A home automation professional needs to be in the loop during the pre-design phase of a home to customize all electronic components. Working with a home automation designer is not much different to working with an interior designer, landscape architect or other design professional. They identify the client’s requirements and aspirations, analyze the building plans, design a detailed smart home solution and recommend equipment.
Choosing the Wrong Home Automation Company
Because home automation can combine security, audio/video, lighting, shading, HVAC and so many other home features, you’ll find many different types of contractors offering these devices. However, it’s important to be careful who you choose for your project. Similar to selecting the right system, selecting the right contractor is based on your home’s requirements. Many home automation companies are specialized in certain systems, and are equipped to handle specific types of projects. All home automation companies are not created equal. We suggest doing your homework and look for a contractor that has a proven track record.
To Sum Up the Post
To achieve optimal results, a home automation system should be designed, installed and programmed by an experienced home automation firm. They can not only program the control software and ensure all the electronic devices are integrated seamlessly, but ensure the finished system meets the client’s personal needs, aesthetic considerations and environmental requirements. Take a look at AHT Global’s portfolio below, and contact us if you have any questions. Contact an AHT Specialist Today