Smart home during renovation: what to plan in advance
A smart home sounds complicated and expensive. In reality, useful automation usually comes down to a few simple things: lighting, curtains, climate and a couple of sensors. The key is to decide before the walls are closed up.
Start with scenes, not devices
Do not start by choosing a brand or an app. First describe what you want to make easier. For example:
- Switch off every light with one button as you leave.
- Close the bedroom curtains on a schedule in the evening.
- Keep the children's room at the same temperature.
- Get a notification on your phone if there is a leak under the sink.
The equipment is then chosen to fit these scenes. It often turns out that half of the "smart" features are not needed, while one simple one saves time every day.
What to build into the wiring early
- A neutral wire in switch boxes. Many smart switches need it to work.
- Separate circuits for groups of lights. So each group can be controlled on its own.
- Power at the curtain tracks. Motorised curtains need a socket or an outlet right by the track.
- Space for the panel and equipment. Controllers and power supplies need a home, ideally accessible and ventilated.
- Cables to leak sensors if you choose a wired system, and motorised valves on the water inlet.
Wired or wireless
Wired systems are more reliable and do not depend on batteries, but they have to go in during the rough works. Wireless systems are easier to add to a finished apartment, but they have limits on range and the number of devices. A mix often makes sense: a wired backbone with wireless additions.
What to ask a contractor before buying
- How will the lights work if the internet goes down?
- Will there still be ordinary switches on the walls?
- Who sets the system up and who looks after it later?
- Will the owner get full access to the system, not just the app?
A good answer to the first question is: the light comes on with a wall switch, whatever happens. A home should not depend on the router.
If the renovation is already done
That is not the end of it. Many functions can be added with wireless devices. What is possible depends on the existing wiring and on how compatible your appliances are, so start by looking at the plan and at what is already installed.
We design smart homes in Almaty together with the interior, so switches, sensors and lights end up in the right places. For lighting, read our article on planning apartment lighting.