Creating your perfect Smart-Home space.
Self-build v. Custom design & installation
There is a substantial ‘scene’ of DIYers and enthusiasts who have the passion, time, and energy to explore creating their own bespoke home automation and home entertainment systems. To build a Smart-Home system yourself is an entirely feasible option as long as there is the dedication and patience to do so, especially as there is such a wealth of readily available information on the internet these days. Undertaking a Smart-Home project will not be ‘cheap’ even if one decides to do-it-yourself but undeniably delegating this responsibility to custom designers / installers will add a sizeable chunk to the overall budget.
Self-build
To weigh up the pros and cons of a self-build are quite easy, providing enough time is spent and no mistakes are made a self-build will be cheaper, the sense of achievement at the end of the project is a sensation validating the DIY route in itself. The knowledge gained from completeing a self-build will also enable changes to be made at the leisure of the user. On the other hand with a self-build project what you save on money you pay for in time and effort. The timescale of a self-build will obviously be much longer than getting a specialist to do it for you, do not underestimate the time it will take to learn the technologies involved just to even start designing the system, then there is the task of finding specialist suppliers, and then doing the install and programming yourself or with the help of anyone you can persuade to help you. Finally there is always the ultimate fear of forking out for all the equipment and installing the entire system only to find that something does not work or that something was forgotten.
Custom design & installation
On the side of a custom design and installation project the cons really are focussed on a greater cost. That cost is justified by their expertise and knowledge in the technology available, knowing construction methods and other industries such as interior design, architecture, and construction so that they can competently work alongside these other professionals to bring the project together seamlessly. You are also paying for their knowledge of future developments in technology so that systems are future-proof. Furthermore, one other basic service that should not be overlooked is the fact that they source all the necessary equipment and test it so that you do not have to run around to a multitude of different suppliers. There is also the comfort of having someone to blame if it does not work and someone who can always make it right, it’s just like being a child again!
Whether self-build or custom design and installation is right for you really boils down to whether you have the desire and confidence to build your own system. If cost is a major limiting factor perhaps start by doing some research and seeing if self-build is a viable option and get the specialists in only when you are really stuck. This way you will be better equipped at providing a brief to the designer anyway and perhaps you could watch the installer in action so that you can handle any future modifications yourself.
