DOUGLAS E. SMITH
        Smith Custom Builders

The evolution of Home Automation systems over the last 6 to 7 years has been incredible. This technology has allowed us to step into the future when controlling all the functions of our homes.

Home automation is usually installed in new construction, but installing complete structured wiring systems when remodeling will enhance your life style and increase the value of your home.

The average cost of installing a cable system, throughout the home is
$380 to $500 per drop, with custom outlets. A cable system install in 7 rooms, costs an average of $2,450 plus the cost of the control box, usually around $600.

After the structured wiring is installed, you can add basic system components as your budget allows, cost could be anywhere from $3,000 to $30,000 or more.

Basic structured wiring systems include cables for computer networking, TV, internet, and phones. Security, cameras, and sound system wiring, adds to the base cost.

The automation system’s brain is the computer, which is controlled by a special operating system. There are many different operating systems, and the one you choose should be easy for you to use.

The system can be operated by a wireless, portable, touch screen. This touch screen can be anywhere in the home, and you can have more than one. You can also add a wireless keyboard to send and receive e-mails or any other type of work from anywhere in the home.

Adding video equipment you can view children at the poolside, see who’s at your door and who parks in the driveway. This video system can be set to record any of these events on your computer.

Lights, alarm, heating, air conditioning, and humidity controls can be adjusted. You can have pop up messages on the touch screen when the air filters and water purification filters are in need of change. You can run your bath water, control energy savings and much more.

While away on vacation, set the operating system to control lights, open and close curtains, turn on and off home entertainment systems allowing everyone to believe you are still at home.

Home entertainment has evolved to sound like a movie theater. The system can play music set to a light show overlooking your pool or waterfall. The sound system speakers can blend with the ceiling, or be completely hidden. The sound they produce is just as clear as most top of the line stereo speakers.

Your home can be set to morning, afternoon, evening and night modes. Special sensors in the ceilings, know “your” location in the home at all times, allowing the computer to bring up lights to the dim mode if you get up at night, automatically lighting the way to the bathroom or kitchen, and showing the way down stairs without touching a switch.

Everything that can be set on your touch screen at home, can also be set with your cell phone, palm pilot, or your office computer when you are away. You can look “on line” to see what’s going on at your home with the video equipment, at any time.

When considering remodeling, structured wiring can be one of the best ways to make your home more secure, enjoyable, and worth more.