So we are building. Still in blueprint phase. The house is a 1 story ranch about 2,900 sq ft on a slab.

If you could start over from scratch, and start at this early of a phase, what would you do? Money is not an issue (within reason, just mean we will have a few thousand leftover from the sale I can spend on this stuff). I can go really crazy with this but my creativity is what is limiting me.

From things as minor as outlets all the way to built in hidden hub/control niche I could do whatever I can dream of but my mind is drawing a blank so I would love some great and creative ideas!

A lot of the “grunt work” of spending is already in place from my current house. My skill level is average. I am definitely not a programmer or someone that can like build RaspberryPI control modules or whatever. But I am not a complete noob either.

Some things we already have …

  • SmartThings Hub V2 (considering that new one, should I get it?)
  • Philips Hue Hub
  • Asus RT-AX88U router
  • Google Nest doorbell (wired)
  • Google Hub Max
  • Numerous Google home (pucks and the big speaker, man these things have become real bad over the years, rarely gets anything right now)
  • Smart TVs
  • Google TV on some of the TVs that are not smart
  • About 34 Philips hue bulbs or LED strips (some are for outdoor)
  • Google Nest floodlight camera (wired)
  • Smart garage door openers
  • jeanlucbicardi@alien.topBEnglish
    1·
    10 months ago

    Genuinely if you want a one system for all and have a healthy budget, get a professional installer in and steer clear of the diy stuff

  • notoryous2@alien.topBEnglish
    1·
    10 months ago

    I’m going to piggy back off this post as i’m in the same process:

    When people say to wire windows/ inner doors, etc: Where do I iniatiate those runs from?

    I ask because I know some of those wires will be for power only I would assume (like blinds/shades/shutters). Do they have to go to a rack which will mostly have networking stuff or do they good to a breaker box?

    I’m not in the US so walls are not sheetrock etc, so its very important for me to consider them in the blueprint phase.

    Thanks!

    • Hoosier1023@alien.topBEnglish
      1·
      10 months ago

      All of my Cat5 goes to a switch that is mounted in a rack. You can choose a standard switch, or a PoE switch.

      I am not terribly familiar with powered blinds/shades, but having PoE might make the most sense to reduce the amount of cords.

  • Afraid_Asparagus_516@alien.topBEnglish
    1·
    10 months ago

    Upgrade your insulation and airsealing package and pair it with a proper ERV/HRV. The cost of upgrading will be somewhat dampened by energy savings, and your comfort, health, and control of the house will all be improved.