Home automation was regarded as an unnecessary luxury some years ago. Nowadays, it is a necessity. Home automation leverages several technologies to make our daily lives more comfortable. So, why not use it? Besides more comfort, an automated home improves safety and energy efficiency. Also, in some cases, it can bring health benefits. For example, many people have chosen to work from home. By automating your desk, you can reduce the health hazards of sitting for too long every day.
You can automate your home as a DIY project. For example, you can build your own automated desk for your home office. It is easy. You need a mechanism that lifts the desktop so you can stand while you work. The said mechanism consists of linear actuators, which you can buy from specialized vendors.
But how can you begin automating your home? Like any project, making an automated home looks intimidating at first. Don’t worry. Below, we summarize the
Five secrets to automate your home more easily
1. Map Out the Layout of Your Home
The first thing to do is to take a look at the blueprints of your house. If you don’t have the blueprints, map out your home and sketch it on a large piece of paper. By doing it, you will get a better understanding of the needs of your home. Where should you begin automating? Will you be able to do it all by yourself or need help?
Where do you need automated lights? Where is it convenient to automate a door? Also, identify the points that may be problematic (or helpful) for your project and plan accordingly.
2. Visualize Your Entire Automation Project
Next, you have to visualize what your automated home should do. Figure out what you want to happen when you come home. Will the garage door open automatically? Will the porch light turn on? Ask yourself similar questions for the different hours of the day. What should happen when you go to bed and wake up?
Also, think about any safety features that you want your house to have to have. What should happen when sensors detect smoke, for example?
Don’t forget the needs for your home office (if you work from home) and entertainment center. Home offices require an automated desk, sensor-controlled window shades, and more. Likewise, for your entertainment place, you can consider installing a TV lift, temperature control, etc.
3. Research Different Automation Solutions
After outlining your project, it is time to research the market and the automation products available. Read books, articles, and online reviews about the automation solutions you want to implement. Also, compare prices and warranties of different products for your project. While researching the market, you probably will get new ideas to expand your original vision for an automated home.
4. Test the Integration of Products and Systems
Now, you have to purchase some samples of the products needed for your project: sensors, actuators, and more. If possible, make a testbed and verify whether all the products are interoperable and integrate well. If a device doesn’t integrate properly, you should replace it.
When you are sure that all works as you expect, then you can estimate the number of devices you need for the automation of your entire house.
5. Finalize Your Automation Plan
Finally, double-check the location of all the devices, availability of electric outlets, and other details. After that, you can translate your vision into a final plan for implementation. Your final plan should include:
- Final placement of sensors, cameras, actuators, and control panels;
- Wi-Fi coverage level in all the rooms of the house;
- Electric wiring diagram;
- A working budget.
You are now ready to purchase the devices and start working on implementing your automated home vision. If you have the technical abilities to install everything, you can do it alone. Otherwise, you may need the help of a technician and you should include that cost in your working budget.
What Parts of Your Home Should You Automate First?
If you want to realize your project in several stages for practical reasons or budget constraints, you should choose what parts of your home you should automate first. So, the following list compiles the essential elements of an automated home:
1. A Smart Doorbell
This device is a must in an automated home. Video doorbells are becoming popular because of their functionality. They are also easy to install. When someone rings the bell, a notification is sent to your smartphone. In this way, you can interact with whoever is at the door even if you are not at home;
2. Smart Lighting
You can create amazing looks at your home by installing smart lights. Depending on the occasion, sensors can activate/deactivate lamps as needed.
3. An Automated Desk
Also known as a standing desk, this piece of furniture is a great addition to your home office. It allows you to shift between sitting and standing positions during your working hours.
4. Home Security
While a smart doorbell and automated lighting contribute to home security, you should invest in more security solutions. For instance, you can install smart CCTV cameras. They allow you to continuously monitor your home from anywhere by using a simple app on your smartphone.
All you need to do now is to start working on your automation project. Good luck with it!
You may also read: How To Renovate A House? A Step-by-Step Guide
