If you’re handy and passionate about technology, you’ve undoubtedly pondered incorporating smart gadgets into your home ecosystem to make life easier, safer, or more convenient. There is, however, a significant difference between purchasing a collection of retail smart gadgets and installing a professionally fitted, fully integrated smart home system such as. Continue reading to learn about key factors to consider before attempting to DIY a smart-ish house with widely accessible commercial gadgets.
1. Installation size and complexity
How large or intricate is your home? If your home is huge or contains a high proportion of sophisticated building elements such as inside stone, mirror walls, or radiant floor heating, you will almost certainly have difficulty installing wireless and will require the assistance of a specialist.
Additionally, you’ll want to determine the number of smart devices you wish to add and the number of items you wish to control—from entrances, garage doors, windows, sensors, lights, pool, hot tub/spa, TVs, cinema rooms, thermostats, audio, outdoor, gates, and security—and more. A haphazard collection of smart devices will not scale in the same way that a well-designed system will. A Smart House Pro will review your wish list and create a personalized solution for your home and lifestyle, integrating all devices and solutions into a single, simple-to-use system.
2. Excessive number of distinct devices and applications
As you add smart gadgets to your house, you’ll accumulate apps for controlling them on your phone. With a smart app, you can control all of your smart devices from an one location. Indeed, a Smart Home can be accessed in a variety of easy ways:
Apps for Android and iOS
Custom engraved keypads mounted on the wall
Remote controls universally powerful
Touchscreens with a high resolution dedicated to them
Assistants audible (Google and Alexa)
Best of all, Smart Home Pros can customize all of these features in ways you may only conceive.
3. Confidentiality and security
Other do-it-yourself smart home devices are sold cheaply with the intent of profiting on your usage, search, or other personal data. When you work with a smart home professional, they can secure your network and ensure that all of your smart home components are up to date and configured in such a way that security gaps are minimized, allowing you to experience the great benefits of a really smart home.
4. Excessive number of remote controls
There is no need to use one remote to switch on the TV and another to change the input. Wouldn’t it be amazing to have a single remote that controlled all inputs? You can have a stunning universal remote control that does everything. And it’s not restricted to your television or audio; use the same remote to manage your lights, blinds, thermostat, and door locks, among other things!
5. Scenes and automations
With a fully integrated Smart Home, you can group together operations such as turning on the lights, locking the door behind you, and beginning your favorite song as you walk through the door with a button press or voice command. Rather than painstakingly programming and installing all of that yourself, leave it to the professionals.
6. Demands for Wi-Fi and network faults
The majority of individuals are unaware of the importance of comprehensive network planning. Do you understand the difference between Zigbee and Z-Wave, or Wi-Fi and Bluetooth? Your system is just as good as its network, and having a pro on board can assist ensure that every device has consistent communication. After example, without a strong network infrastructure, adding devices will merely result in lag and buffering. Ascertain that you hire someone capable of ensuring that everything operates well.
7. Remote accessibility
With a smarthome app, it’s simple to manage and monitor your home remotely. After installation, you’ll be able to generate unique notifications that keep you informed about your house while you’re away—from doorbell push notifications to remotely closing your garage door if you forgot on your way to work that morning.
Additionally, your certified Smart Home Pro will be able to diagnose and reboot linked devices remotely using OvrC, an industry-leading cloud-based management solution, avoiding the need for a service visit for a simple request.
8. Maintenance, upgrades, remote assistance, and troubleshooting
Home technology and devices, like your mobile phone or laptop, will eventually require upgrades, new software, or will just wear out. Consider if you want to handle upgrades, maintenance, and troubleshooting when you might instead contact a seasoned industry professional who is equipped with the knowledge and skills to handle your system’s continuous upkeep and management.
9. Employment
Consider the time required for product research, installation, and setup. How confident are you with wiring and do-it-yourself? Perhaps you’re not interested in pulling wire through crawlspaces or attics, climbing onto the roof to place cameras, set up sensors, or troubleshoot systems, or worrying about connecting everything and getting everything to operate properly. If this is the case, you should consider a DIFM (do-it-for-me) model for your installation.
10. Convenience of usage
Who will have access to or use of your smart home devices? Is everyone in the household equipped with all the necessary apps to regulate everything? Are you prepared to resolve difficulties with your children or spouse if you work late or go on a trip? With an integrated smart home system, anyone – including visitors, nannies, and your technophobic parents – can access and manage your system from centralized areas such as tabletop or wall-mounted touchscreens, keypads, or a universal remote.
11. Compatibility
Are you aware of the products that this-or-that product interfaces with? Will you be able to troubleshoot any installation, update, wiring, or connectivity difficulties that arise? Some producers make their own products and integrate them with hundreds of thousands of third-party items, allowing you to continue using the gadgets you’re already familiar with and like without worrying about compatibility.
12. Storage of equipment
Rather than having disparate devices and wires dispersed around the house, a professional may wire speakers, lighting, internet, and other components straight into dedicated panels or AV racks. The brains of your home will be nestled discreetly out of sight to maintain clear lines of sight in each room and will be simple to use, access, and manage in the future. It makes sense to hire a professional to design a neat, well-marked centralized equipment rack for upkeep, maintenance, and updates.
13. Tailored/customizable options
If you want something truly unique, difficult, or personalized, you should contact a professional to execute your vision. From TV screens concealed in ceiling lifts or custom-built furniture to outdoor audio, themed cinema rooms, golf simulators, wine cellars, or man caves outfitted with custom LED lighting and top-of-the-line audio, hiring a pro is the way to go.
You want a rock solid, dependable system that is simple to use and accessible from anywhere in your home, regardless of its size. Hiring a pro ensures that you receive the optimal combination of products and services, including installation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and remote assistance. Professional installation enables you to unwind and enjoy your house without constantly being on call to address any concerns that may arise.