Introduction to Smart Home Technology
The 21st Century is firmly here, and so is the fully automated smart home. A smart home encompasses a wide use of technologies, concepts and ideas of intelligent living. Welcome to our complete guide to the smart home. We hope to set out to explore what makes a home ‘smart, automated and intelligent’, what to look for in a smart home installer and how to plan and budget for such a project.
What is a fully automated smart home?
We often hear phrases such as Smart Home, Home Automation, Intelligent House, Domotics, Residential Automation and Internet of Things. Actually, Smart Home, Home Automation, Domotics, Intelligent House and Residential Automation have the same meaning, while this technology is one of the several applications of the broad phrase IoT (internet of things), and is often called Home IoT. In reality, Smart home technology is building automation for a house that involves three interrelated distinct levels, Monitoring, Control and Automation.
Monitoring
The action where the user can view the status of the smart home system or its components locally or remotely. For instance, are the lights on? Is the door locked? What is the room temperature? Is there any failure or error to the home automation system or in any of its components?
Control
The action where the user can control locally or remotely different components of the system or the system's state. e.g. Turn the heating or cooling on or off. Dim the lights to a desired level. Turn window blinds up or down. Arm the security system.
Automation
The mechanism that allows the system to change the system's state automatically in response to an internal or external event without any user intervention. For instance, the heating system turns on automatically when the outdoor temperature falls below a certain value. The lights switch off when the motion sensor does not detect any human activity in the house.
A smart home is a property which can include several integrated systems such as lighting, heating, shades, audio, visual, air conditioning and security. These systems are supported by a robust network capability, with ease of control (local or remote) allowing its user to secure and manage their home.
At IntelliCasa we specialise in bespoke advanced automation solutions, making it easier for occupants to activate lights when they enter or leave a room, or turning down the thermostat when nobody is home. Energy-saving and simplicity being a key driver for most home owners.
Many smart homes also feature dedicated homes cinemas with many forward-thinking occupants now including brand new spaces such as virtual reality rooms for their entertainment pleasure. Some of these examples are shown on our portfolio pages.
What smart home features can I add to my home?
Smart Security
Smart home security systems can provide live feeds, instant notifications and the ability to grant access to visitors when you are not at home.
An automated and intelligent security system can also warn you about environmental threats such as indoor air quality, fire, or flooding.
Intelligent smart home automation
At Intellicasa, we are able to offer bespoke multi-room functionality that allows you to remotely activate lights across the house, so you no longer need to worry about leaving upstairs or hallways lights on and wasting energy consumption. All of this can be achieved by using our dedicated control panels, or a dedicated app, or simply by the touch of a button or the sound of your voice.
Dedicated Home Cinema & Entertainment rooms
We offer state of the art solutions ranging from 4K screens with premium surround sound and hi-fi systems, integrating the latest AV technology into your home.
Home cinemas or even virtual reality rooms are becoming the “room of choice” for the discerning technological enthusiast. Dedicated cinema rooms are known to add considerable uplift to any property value.
By being able to add multi-room capabilities for TV and music, you are now able to use a single source to distribute content to several rooms.
Controlling your smart home
Smart home control can be achieved in several ways, each offering their own unique benefits and abilities to manage the intelligent system more intuitively.
Touch panels
Our premium systems allow you to access and control all of your smart home technology from a single intuitive point, enabling control over the whole house. This can be either based as a table top unit, or more commonly affixed to a wall in a communal space such as a hallway or kitchen.
Keypad
Our keypads can be completely customised with engraved buttons informing you of its function. They can be easily configured to control lights, shades, sound and custom scenes, such as “TV mode”.
Handheld Touch Screen Remote
The Handheld Touch Screen Remote is an elegant, customizable wireless controller designed for use in home theaters, bedrooms, hotel rooms, boardrooms, and many other applications. Features built-in intercom, video display, and voice control capabilities.
Mobile App
A smart home app can travel on your phone, allowing you to control your house whilst on the go, enabling you to stay up-to-date with what’s going on inside of your property.
Voice Control
Using a voice control platform such as Amazon Alexa, or Hey Google, can help you control your devices seamlessly using voice command. This allows you to control your lights, shades, heating, audio visual, all through seamless integration with your smart home system.
Why do you need a smart home installer for your property?
As an award-winning company, and home of intelligent smart home automation systems, we use the very best in state-of-the-art technology for our installations. For our bespoke systems we offer a full 5-year warranty on the hardware and offer on-going corrective and reactive maintenance packages for total peace of mind.
Our specialist trained engineers ensure our equipment is maintained regularly, with remote monitoring allowing us to diagnose issues before attending on site, minimising any disruption to the occupant’s life and privacy.
A good quality smart home installer will be able to advise you on which products have a proven track record of stability, support and most importantly performance. These systems may not be as simple to install as the off-the-shelf Amazon or Google solutions, but they do bring a number of assurances that contribute to improving your experience, lifestyle and usability, with the ability to up-scale and expand the system to your requirements. This includes regular software updates, new devices, improved functionality and occasional hardware upgrades, which all contribute to the longevity and long-term performance of your system and its installation.
Our strength in installation and qualified engineers is demonstrated by our long-standing track record. We are proud to be recipients of the Hounslow Chamber of Commerce, and West London Chamber Award for Best Tech Business 2019/20. Also please be sure to check out our 40+ 5-star reviews on Google for the numerous installations that we’ve carried out over the years!
What Does it Cost?
DIY / Off-The-Shelf
With advances in technology, the market is adorned with several off-the-shelf solutions that can be installed by homeowners. These include Amazon Alexa, Phillips Hue through to Google Assistant and Nest, etc. These systems are typically stand-alone and can only operate one component at a time, and fully dependant on wi-fi connectivity to provide communication. They are prone to failure and do not necessarily have auto-software updates. Correcting issues associated with such technology requires the occupants time, and some basic technological understanding in order to fully diagnose and correct any issues.
Moreover, DIY refers to basic control and monitoring and sometimes to basic automation since advanced automation means that all systems interact with each other to achieve maximum comfort and luxury, whilst the user interacts with all systems from a single interface. This is not the case with DIY products that are pre-configured applications and not customized fully to your needs. Usually, DIY / Off-The-Shelf systems cost less than £5k.
Read more about the cost of home automation.
Professional & Bespoke Installation
For high-end properties with unique requirements and challenges, choosing a smart home automation installer with extensive experience in providing credible solutions remains key. At Intellicasa we provide decades of know-how, from fully trained and qualified engineers to craft unique and bespoke solutions to meet the needs of the user. We ensure that any installation remains sensitive to both the architecture, construction and interior design, in line with the user’s needs. Fully customized systems to the client’s needs that ensure the maximum comfort and level of sophistication. A truly smart automated home.
Although the cost of a professional/bespoke installation varies significantly due to customer’s requirements it can start from £15k for basic automation and scale up to more than £100k for professional installation and even reach more than £200k for highly bespoke sophisticated installations. Read more about the costs of home automation
Stages of a Smart Home Project
Free Consultation
Our smart home automation experts work with you to discuss the exact requirements of you and what you want from your home.
Design
On agreeing the scope of your requirements, and establishing the basic framework for the smart automated home, our design team work with our technical specialists to turn your ideas into reality, ensuring a fully integrated system with built-in intelligence is ready for the next stage.
Estimate
Following the initial discussion and design stage, Intellicasa provides a comprehensive breakdown of costs. This includes hardware, software, integration and installation. Based on this discussion we are able to tweak the initial design at this stage to accommodate any changes.
Agreement in principle
At this stage, we provide you with a kit list of hardware, along with proposed timelines for installation based on the scope agreed. Once this is in place and you are satisfied with the scope of works, we are ready to sign off on the final design and produce visuals.
Visualisation and Final Design
Once you are happy with the design and the quote, we are ready to proceed to the final design and can provide visuals of the actual hardware so that you can visualise how these would look in your own home.
Project Management
In most cases the property will be wired, cables prepared and network points/locations agreed so that they can be tested and ready for installation. The equipment is prepared and partially set up off-site at our electrical stations in our Kensington office and Chiswick Business Park offices.
Installation & Integration
We work with you and your building team (if applicable) to arrange suitable times for the site to be ‘installation ready’ so that equipment can be installed ‘dust-free’ and securely in its new home.
Commissioning & Sign Off
The installed systems are programmed by our specialist programmers/engineers to ensure they are working as required. Our dedicated relationship manager and installations specialists take you through a tutorial on how to operate your new intelligent smart home.
Aftercare & On-going Maintenance
IntelliCasa offers on-going support and maintenance contracts to ensure your systems remain up to date and are able to quickly fix any critical issues.
The Evolution of Home Automation Technology
Home automation has come a long way from its humble beginnings. In the past, it was limited to basic tasks like programming a VCR or setting a digital alarm clock.
The advent of the internet and wireless technology changed everything. It paved the way for advanced home automation systems. These systems could control lighting, heating, security, and more.
Today, with the rise of IoT and AI, home automation has reached new heights. It's not just about controlling home functions anymore. It's about creating a smart home that learns, adapts, and responds to your needs.
The Role of an Automation Specialist
An automation specialist plays a crucial role in setting up a smart home. They are experts in integrating various smart devices and systems. Their knowledge ensures that all components work seamlessly together.
They also provide valuable advice on the best devices to suit your needs. They can guide you on the most efficient ways to automate your home. This can range from choosing the right smart lighting to setting up a comprehensive security system.
Moreover, they handle the installation process. This ensures that your smart home system is set up correctly and functions as intended.
Key Benefits of Smart Home Automation
Smart home automation offers numerous benefits. It transforms the way we live and interact with our homes. The advantages are not just about convenience, but also about energy efficiency and security.
Here are the key benefits of smart home automation:
Convenience and control
Energy efficiency
Enhanced security
Convenience and Control
One of the main benefits of smart home automation is convenience. It allows you to control various home functions from a single device. This could be your smartphone, tablet, or a dedicated control panel.
You can control lighting, temperature, and even your home entertainment system. This level of control brings a new level of convenience to your daily life.
Energy Efficiency
Smart home automation can also lead to significant energy savings. Smart thermostats, for example, can learn your schedule and temperature preferences. They can then adjust the heating and cooling of your home accordingly.
Similarly, smart lights can be programmed to switch off when no one is in the room. This helps to reduce unnecessary energy consumption.
Enhanced Security
Smart home automation can significantly enhance your home's security. Smart security systems can include a variety of features. These can range from motion sensors to surveillance cameras, and even smart locks.
These systems can provide real-time alerts to your smartphone. This allows you to monitor your home's security, no matter where you are.
Planning Your Smart Home Automation System
Planning is a crucial step in setting up a smart home automation system. It involves deciding which devices to include and how they will interact.
You need to consider the layout of your home, your lifestyle, and your specific needs. This will help you choose the right devices and systems.
Compatibility and Interoperability
When choosing devices for your smart home, compatibility is key. You want devices that can work together seamlessly. This is known as interoperability.
Interoperability allows you to control multiple devices from a single interface. It makes your smart home more efficient and easier to manage.
User-Friendly Interfaces
The interface of your smart home system should be user-friendly. It should be easy to understand and navigate. This is important for all users, regardless of their tech-savviness.
A user-friendly interface makes it easier to control your smart home. It also helps to maximize the benefits of your smart home automation system.
Smart Home Automation for Every Lifestyle
Smart home automation is not a one-size-fits-all solution. It can be tailored to fit any lifestyle, from the busy professional to the stay-at-home parent.
Whether you're looking for convenience, security, or energy efficiency, there's a smart home solution for you. The key is to choose the right devices and systems that align with your needs.
Tailoring to Individual Needs
Smart home automation can be customized to meet individual needs. For instance, you can program your lights to turn on at a certain time, or your thermostat to adjust the temperature based on your schedule.
This level of customization makes smart home automation a practical solution for many households. It allows you to create a home environment that suits your lifestyle.
The Future of Smart Homes
The future of smart homes is promising. With advancements in technology, we can expect more sophisticated and intuitive smart home systems.
These future systems will likely be more integrated, offering seamless control over all aspects of home automation. This will further enhance the convenience and efficiency of smart homes.
Hiring a Smart Home Installer in London
If you're based in London and considering smart home automation, hiring a professional installer can be a wise decision. They can help ensure your system is set up correctly and efficiently.
A professional installer can also provide valuable advice on the best devices and systems to use. This can save you time and money in the long run.
Why Professional Installation Matters
Professional installation is crucial for complex smart home systems. It ensures that all devices are installed correctly and work together seamlessly.
Moreover, a professional installer can troubleshoot any issues that arise during installation. This can prevent potential problems down the line.
Finding the Right Specialist
When looking for a smart home installer in London, it's important to do your research. Look for a specialist with a good reputation and positive customer reviews.
Also, consider their expertise and experience in smart home automation. This can give you confidence in their ability to deliver a high-quality installation.
Conclusion: Embracing the Smart Home Revolution
Smart home automation represents a significant leap in home technology. It offers convenience, security, and energy efficiency, enhancing our daily lives.
Embracing this revolution requires careful planning and professional installation. But with the right approach, you can transform your home into a smart, connected space that meets your unique needs.