5 Things to Consider Before Installing a Home Automation System

Home automation has the potential to bring so many amazing benefits into your Fort Worth, TX, home. Entertainment that responds to the touch of a button, lighting and climate that adjust at the sound of your voice, instant notifications when a security event occurs, smart systems that monitor and optimize your energy use for greater savings….the list goes on and on.

But to get to that point, there’s a lot you need to consider before jumping into a smart home installation. As an experienced smart home company, we at Custom Media are here to help guide you through the process of planning your first smart home. So keep reading to learn five things to consider when you’re getting started!

SEE ALSO: 4 Ways to Use Home Lighting Control to Make Your Life Easier

 

Home Network

A reliable, secure, and high-speed network is the backbone of any smart home. Between multiple IoT devices, 4K streaming, and your household’s usual assortment of laptops and phones, your house needs serious juice to keep everything operating smoothly and without interruption.

If it’s been a while since you upgraded your home network, that may be the first step to take before installing smart technology. An enterprise-grade router, wireless access points, and a high-speed internet plan will ensure that your home can handle new technology systems now and in the future.

New Home or Existing Home?

While home automation can be installed in most types of homes, your solutions may differ if your house is new construction versus existing. We recommend pre-wiring the house for automation and smart technology if you’re building a new home. Hardwired networking, security, lighting, shading, and AV connected by an automation platform like Savant are faster, more reliable, and more secure for long-lasting use.

Hardwiring is still possible if you have an existing home or retrofit, but it’s more expensive and laborious to break open your walls and ceiling to add new cabling. However, there are many reliable and high-quality wireless solutions for lighting and shade control, whole-home audio, security, and more that are easier and more cost-effective to install.  

Lifestyle Goals

Home automation and smart technology can drastically improve your lifestyle in the best ways! Before starting your project, it’s a good idea to have a few goals in mind for what you’re hoping to achieve. Is energy efficiency your number one priority? Then smart lighting, shading, and climate control are excellent solutions to get started. Is home security top of mind? Then a burglar alarm, smart door locks, and surveillance cameras that you can access from your smartphone may be the way to go. Or perhaps you want the best of the best in home entertainment? Then your first step might be a home theater, multipurpose media room, or multi-room music.

Having goals in mind can help you choose the right automation system and technology solutions to gain all the benefits you like most about smart tech.  

Electronics

Here’s a question that pops up frequently during the planning process: Will I have to buy all-new electronics and appliances to use with an automation system? Our best answer: it depends. Not all devices and systems are compatible, but many modern electronics like TVs, speakers, HVAC systems, and security systems can be integrated into whole-home automation systems like Savant.

We can’t guarantee anything without looking at your electronics, but it’s a great question to ask your smart home installer while you’re designing your new smart home!

Professional Vs. DIY

If your overall goal is to create a truly connected and automated home, we recommend partnering with a professional to make sure you get there. A smart home installer will help you navigate through all the considerations listed above and help you design the systems and solutions that suit your needs. Additionally, an integrator can help you integrate existing electronics with an automation system and program custom functions that allow you to use your smart technology the way you want.

At Custom Media, we’re prepared to meet all your smart home needs from design through installation and long-term support. We’re a premier smart home company proudly serving Fort Worth and North Texas homeowners. When you’re ready to get started, call us or fill out an online form to schedule a no-obligation consultation.