Home automation - smart home features
lomboshouse
6 years ago
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lomboshouse
6 years agolast modified: 6 years agoRelated Discussions
What could Australian homes learn from the rest of the world?
Comments (135)I'm amazed that this discussion has carried forward for nearly two years! In that time I have moved to another coastal area (cooler climate and better proximity to children) and this time found most of the discussion still rings true. Finding another home here was an incredibly frustrating journey made all the worse by a mad investor rush in the area just when we arrived to start our home search. That search took the best part of six months and in the end there would only be three or four houses to choose from in any week. Result? A rushed purchase, a desperately inadequate building inspection and failure on my part to notice poor bathroom tiling, shortage of closet and storage pace, just how small the lounge room really was, and etc. I disappointed myself because I had let the pressures beat me and now we are trying to resolve all of these issues in a home designed and built by one of this states most respected project home builders 25 years ago. Having now studied the floor plan with more care I realise it was put together (designed) in modular fashion - most bedrooms have similar dimensions and the living areas are all approximately the same size as if the designer simply juggled three boxes of one size and four of another size and then worked out traffic flow. Then he must have thrown them all in the air to see how they would land and that was design number two! And etc and so on. This house aside, we looked at a great many during the six months because we had to broaden our search above and below budget trying to find something. There were massive termite problems, leaky roofs, asbestos galore, gazzumping at every turn, almost all but the most expensive properties suffered at least one substantial fail for the most basic of needs and to top it off the best home in our price range just happened to be built on flood prone land - approved by council who put the flood signs up less than five years earlier. We live and learn. Then there were the real estate agents, but that would take another two years and I doubt the internet has enough free page space available!!! OK, I hear you, they're not ALL bad......See MoreWould you consider building a home using Passive Solar Design?
Comments (50)After I had finished my Archi Masters I was working for an architecture firm who also did a small amount of work for a volume builder. They were actually a pretty good quality builder and at least got the orientation of their 'pre-designed' plans correct. We had the ability to make minor changes to every job and it pained me to see so many simple to implement passive options not being incorporated. Had most of their clients known that they would be saving MONEY over the longterm by making a few minor changes to suit their site, they all would have done it. The problem is unless someone can sell this idea to them as a financial/lifestyle choice, many just think it is about saving the world. It is a no-brainer if you have in interest in it, but for those who don't know, there is no-one there selling it to them, especially on the lower end of the market....See MoreCan anyone recommend a home automation system?
Comments (7)JE C - It obviously varies greatly depending on the scope of products you would like to control. Typically in a new build scenario, budgeting 5-10% of your build cost will give you a professionally designed and installed system including light control, security and access control, CCTV, Audio & Video solutions, networking and wi-fi solution. This would then be controlled by dedicated touchscreens and switches along with your existing smart phones and tablets, all from within one app....See MoreBrand new house — awkward living area space
Comments (9)Well, I guess you first need to think what you really want to use the space for. Will it be your main TV viewing area? (If so, I'd cosy it up with a big rug first). It's a shame to use it as a TV area though, since that means blocking off the sliding doors with furniture. I'm guessing at the moment you don't need as a little kids play area or teenagers homework area - but how about a home office, or even gym/workout area? (There's a great article on Houzz today about making smart home gym spaces: [https://www.houzz.com.au/magazine/step-up-your-workout-zone-with-10-simple-additions-stsetivw-vs~39722244[(https://www.houzz.com.au/magazine/step-up-your-workout-zone-with-10-simple-additions-stsetivw-vs~39722244).) Or, given, the sliding doors and tiles, how about a conservatory? An indoor herb garden, with some orchids, ferns and maybe even a small palm? Do you have a craft or hobby that could use a dedicated area? I'm thinking artistic types would love to turn the space into a mini studio - or I could let the person with whom I share my life play with his car parts there . . . (tiles! easy to clean up!) Of course, whichever option you choose for the space, I'd keep the cat climbing frame and snuggle-pod!...See More
Salencia Howerny
6 years ago
PROCrown Electrical Solutions
6 years agoHi Lomboshouse, home automation will add value and simplicity to your home.
At Crown we offer Control4 smart home solutions that let you control and automate your lights, entertainment, security, climate and much more.
Control4 offers the ultimate home automation solution by marking the devices you already use everyday work together. With one touch you can dim the lights, play music, turn up the heat, lock the doors and arm the security system. Or, have your house respond to your schedule and needs without touching anything at all.
Contact us on 02 4647 4111 or Facebook if you would like any further information. Good luck with your build! :)
Andrew Loader Design