Home automation simplifies your life and saves both time and money by having your technologies work by themselves. Yet what about the installation process? There are advantages to both the DIY approach and the professional install, but which is best?
Wireless control products, from smart thermostats to door lock monitors, are excellent when properly set up. But if you set them up incorrectly, you could end up losing more than just time and money…
Door Entry System
A door entry system is one of the most convenient smart devices on the market. A video entry system allows you to check who is at the door on your smartphone and unlock it if you recognise the person – all without leaving your desk. You can either hire a professional to set up your door entry system or attempt to save some money and DIY, but it’s worth being cautious when it comes to something as important as security. Many people install their own door entry system, only to find that the door opens to anyone and everyone who comes along. Should something go wrong, this kind of problem can end up being much more expensive than the cost of hiring a professional in the first place.
Control Systems and Electrical Wiring
Another thing to take into consideration is electrical wiring. If you want to have a simple stand alone device, such as a smart thermostat, then you probably won’t need to come into contact with electrical wiring. However, if you want a more complex smart home that is able to offer a much more developed range of programming, then a control system is your only option. Unlike simple devices, control systems usually require professional knowledge of electrical wiring to install and this kind of project should not be undertaken by amateurs lightly. Not only is there a serious risk of time and money being wasted, but working on electrics without proper training is dangerous.
DIY Projects Don’t Come Close in terms of Style
A determined and hardworking handyman might eventually be able to automate some aspects of his home without the assistance of a professional installer. Whilst he may achieve some of the functionality of a smart home, he won’t come close in terms of style. A professional home automation installer has an eye for aesthetics and asks the homeowner all the right questions. He has years of experience in design, is comfortable with all the systems on offer, and is able to produce a truly bespoke service. Not only that, but the professional will work in collaboration with other specialists, particularly interior designers and architects. It may end up costing more than DIY, but you will certainly get more for your money.
Out of the Box Smart Devices
Some smart devices companies are selling equipment directly to customers, rather than installers, and in general these products require little technical knowledge to install and work almost as well as expected. However, many of these products work by jumping onto a consumer’s existing networking system, such as their wi-fi, which ends up putting some strain on the home’s internet speed. Do the advantages of the new DIY smart device outweigh the disadvantages of a slower internet speed? A professional installer has the right knowledge of the different systems available and knows how much strain a network can take and even how to set up an alternative network if necessary.
DIY is an option if you want your home automated cheaply, don’t mind spending the hours on a project, and are prepared to make sacrifices in functionality and style. If you want sleek, seamless, bespoke home automation that works for you, then you are better off hiring a professional. If you need a professional home automation installer in the London area, we would love to hear from you.