What home automation can do
Home automation covers a wide range of things, from a single smart switch you control from your phone to a fully wired system running lighting, climate, blinds and security from one app. Most people land somewhere in the middle. Popular jobs we do include:
- Smart light switches and dimmers you can control by app, voice or schedule
- Lighting scenes, such as “movie”, “dinner” or “goodnight”
- Motion and daylight sensors for hallways, garages, pantries and outdoor areas
- Smart ceiling fan control
- Power and control wiring for motorised blinds and curtains
- Timers and smart control for pool pumps, hot water and outdoor lighting
- Integration with smart doorbells, cameras and alarms
Wi-Fi, wireless or hardwired?
There are two broad ways to automate a home. Wireless systems use smart switches, plugs and modules that talk over Wi-Fi or a low-power wireless network. They’re great for existing homes because they usually fit into the same wall plates and cabling you already have.
Hardwired systems run dedicated control cabling back to a central point, usually near the switchboard. They’re more reliable and easier to expand, but they’re really a job for a new build or major renovation, when the walls and ceilings are open.
There’s no single right answer. We’ll talk through what you want to control, how much you want to spend, how comfortable you are with apps and how long you plan to stay in the house. Then we’ll recommend a setup that fits, rather than the most complicated one.
Planning a smart home in a new build
If you’re building or renovating, now is the time to think about automation, even if you don’t plan to install everything straight away. A few extra cables and deeper wall boxes at rough-in are cheap. Adding them after the plasterboard is up is not.
At the planning stage we look at where you’ll want switches and scene controls, where the network gear will live, where cameras and sensors will go, and whether you’ll want motorised blinds or smart fans. Our post on smart home wiring for new builds covers the main things to think about. It pairs well with our new homes and renovations service.
Adding smart features to an existing home
You don’t need to rebuild to get the benefits. In most existing homes we can replace standard switches with smart switches or dimmers, add sensors and fit smart modules behind existing fittings. Some smart switches need a neutral wire at the switch, which many older homes don’t have. We check this before recommending a product, so you don’t end up with switches that won’t work properly.
We also check that your lighting is compatible. Not every LED downlight dims well with every smart dimmer, and a mismatch causes flicker, buzzing or lights that won’t turn fully off. If your fittings are the problem, we can suggest replacements through our lighting installation service.
Reliability and your home network
A smart home is only as good as the network behind it. Weak Wi-Fi in parts of the house, too many devices on a cheap router or a network that drops out will make automation frustrating. Where it makes sense, we run data cabling to access points so coverage is strong in every room. See our TV and data points page for more on home cabling.
We also think about what happens when the internet goes down. Good systems keep working locally, so the lights still switch on and off when the internet is out. We make sure every smart switch still works as a normal switch, so guests and family members aren’t stuck in the dark.
Safety and compliance
Anything that connects to 230 volt wiring has to be installed by a licensed electrician. That includes smart switches, dimmers, in-wall modules and hardwired controllers. Cheap unapproved smart devices bought online can be a fire risk, so we only install products that carry Australian electrical safety approval.
All our work is done to AS/NZS 3000 and tested before we leave. You get a compliance certificate for the electrical work, and we’ll show you how to use the system before we pack up.
What affects the cost
The cost of home automation depends on the number of switches and devices, the type of system, whether it’s a new build or a retrofit, and how much programming and setup is involved. Wireless retrofits are generally the easiest entry point. Hardwired systems cost more upfront but suit larger homes and people who want everything in one place. We give you a written quote that sets out exactly what’s included, and we’re happy to price it in stages if you’d like to start small and add more later.