Other New House - Essential gadgets - Discussion/Ideas/Advice

Hello All,

I am not sure if this is the right place to post this or if anyone has asked this before.

If you were given a chance to build a new house what essential gadgets would you like to have.

I hope to have a useful discussion about gadgets and essential technology. I have a few things in mind and everyone else is welcomed to discuss and add to the list.

Wired Network: CAT6 or above
Wireless Network: not sure which but a very good powerful system.
Motion Sensors in every room
Automated Lighting
Heat Sensors for heating
Cinema Room
A/V in every room
Security system
Energy usage monitor system

It will be also good to know how much the each element will cost.

Edit: House will have 5-6 bedroom, 2 sitting areas, Dinning area, Kitchen, Cinema Hall, Gym

Thanks,
Shah.

 

Under floor heating is amazing. Highly recommended.

 

Yes totally forgot about that!!

 

Someone win the lotto?

You want to go fullblown house automation tied with sensitive mics in every room.

Make. Jarvis. Happen.

 

What level of automation do you want for the lighting? A basic control system for a house of that size will probably cost around 6-8K.

 

haha. Haven't won the lotto yet!

This is just a concept build. Working on a project

What will be the basic control system for lighting? Automated on/off when motion detected?

 

Presence detection in a home would be awful.

There are a few residential control systems, the main ones are ilight, Lutron Graphik Eye or Lutron Homeworks.

 

Ah great thanks. Yes agree with the Presence detection being awful unless an intelligent lighting system.

 

No it would be a nightmare regardless of the system, there are so many variables when in use that it would be a nightmare to program and use!

 

Yes makes sense . Ok I will leave the motion detection for the security system only!

Is it worth having a whole house automation?

 

Don't do it!

When the robots take over they'll be able to capture and control you!

 

Essential gadgets.... hmmm.

I currently live in my dream house to be fair, but it could do with a few updates.

For me;

2 dedicated computer rooms with CAT6 networking between both.
3 Wireless routers to cover each floor.
Ceiling mounted projector unit in the living room.
Current stoves (except for kick-ass old Godin) replaced with Tulikivi Soapstone burners, kitchen one to be connected to back boiler.
South-facing roof to be covered in Solar Panels.
Spacious folding attic stairs.
Underfloor heating in all bathrooms.

Whilst having A/V in all rooms sounds nifty and all that, is it really needed? Even if you had it, would you use it in ever single room?

 

Haha. Skynet!

 

Cool. I can add Solar Panels to the shopping basket.

 

I think half of what you listed is expensive gimmicks that won't get used in the long run. My sensible list would be:

1) CAT6 wiring with a central switch and small sever location (NAS box, whatever)
2) 802.11ac across the house
3) Underfloor heating
4) Cinema room/properly spec'd up living room, but not bonkers
5) Philips Hue lighting
6) Judicious deployment of AV. Every room doesn't need it - I'd have a TV+BD+AppleTV in the master bedroom, same in the kitchen and then rely on iPads for everything else.

 

Cei, Thanks very useful.

What about a security system? any future proofing?

 

A security system? Depends on the area, value of stuff inside the house etc. Sure, an alarm is probably a must, but going crazy with CCTV won't be unless you're a footballer or other high profile individual.

Future proofing? The CAT6 network should be fast enough for a good while, which is really the backbone of the house. All the other items can be swapped out later - for example upgrading the TVs to 4K - without making a mess. By limiting the actual original purchases you make upgrades cheaper as well. Splitting functionality off to small, inexpensive boxes, like the AppleTV also helps for future upgrades.

Items like speakers shouldn't need upgrading, ever, unless something bizarre happens with cabling outputs. Simply buy some quality ones to start off with, and you're set. The AV receivers can be replaced, and the old speakers simply hooked up.

 

I like this, but I have to say I really like my Sonos, and I would add that to each room, with it hooked up to the AV systems in the big rooms, and just a unit in each room.

Although I wouldn't put TV in the bedroom, only sound. Bit of Marvin Gaye....

 

The Philips Hue lighting is great for a central pendant or some floor lights but it will be on a separate system to the one that controls any linear details or downlights.