Hey all,
Im constructing a new home in sort of a remote mountainous area. Its a small one bedroom cabin, nothing crazy. Im about to start plumbing but am planning on electrical.
If you were going to incorporate HA into a new build what would you do?
Im not super familiar with HA but would love to incorporate it in now. Should i be installing all smart switches? Smart outlets? Are there really worthwhile sensors I should be installing now before drywall etc?
Thanks
- Network cables everywhere. Way easier to do that before drywalling if that’s something you want.
- Neutrals in your switch boxes will make smart switches easier later. Though I heard that might be a code requirement for new construction anyway?
- Also heard oversize switch boxes are a thing, which will also make smart switches easier later (assuming price difference is negligible).
I would spend the money on smart switches before smart outlets. I personally find that I want smart control over almost all of my lights/ fans but only some of my outlets.
Another reason for my avoidance of smart outlets is they are much more expensive than smart plugs and it’s rare that you want to control both plugs in an outlet anyways.
As far as wiring if you want window/ door sensors or motion sensors you might consider running power to those locations. Much better than changing button batteries constantly.
Use conduit to future proof any network cables you run…
That’s all that comes to mind at the moment
It might be easier to have the electrician install normal switches at first. That will give you time to figure out which ones you want to be smart, which ones you want on dimmers, etc.
Sensors will all be outside the wall, although you should make sure the thermostat wire has enough for a C wire.
I don’t know about smart outlets – I don’t think they’re very common. Most smart outlets are designed to plug in to normal dumb outlets.
If there’s a good spot on the ceiling, I’d have them run some ethernet cable to a box. You can leave it covered, but it’ll be there in case you decide to mount a WiFi AP there.
I don’t get as much into automating for the sake of automating. Personally, I prefer technology that makes my life easier. Anything “smart” in our house has to be manually overrideable.
That said, one thing I’m working on automating is the HVAC. Eventually I’ll have the Central heat, central humidifier, and whole house fan controls all integrated with HA. My goal is to maximize both comfort and energy efficiency. Being able to maintain the comfort level by automatically switching between A/C or fresh air (via the whole house fan) would be pretty cool (figuratively and literally).
