DIY HOME AUTOMATION

We like to think that an automation system makes life simpler for the people who work, live, or play in the building that is automated.  It should provide greater levels of comfort, security and convenience.  Provide that "wow" factor when entertaining, and be able to ensure energy savings when programmed appropriately.

Like everything however, the quality of the end solution is very dependent on the quality of the materials installed.

Intelligent Environments were recently called in to inspect the so-called 'automation system' of a substantial 3-level home on the waterfront in Auckland.

In this particular case the developer of the property has 'gone bust' and the bank are in the process of discovering what still has to be done for the property to be sold (and presumably the bank recoup their money).

It was a very interesting site visit as the 'control system' supposedly installed, turned out to be a DIY type, based around an alarm panel system.  Cheap plastic switch inputs (of a style not available in this country) certainly didn't match the design elements of a home that has stainless steel and glass throughout - even down to a glass staircase! 

As expected, this DIY system was also incapable of providing proper lighting control.  The switches did allow on/off control for the lighting, but the system then took about three seconds to execute the command.  There was no dimming control whatsoever.  It was such a shame that the house was de-valued by the installation of such a poor system.

Fortunately we were able to provide a solution for the bank, or for whoever buys this 'lemon'.  Solutions are what we do best and providing an upgrade path to a reputable brand and robust system is achievable.  It's just a pity that an appropriate control system was not supplied initially.  Our job is now to turn a 'dumb' system into something 'intelligent'!