A great Smart Homes System starts with a clear and concise design definition and shared expectations between our company and yourself. We spend the time required to help you understand Smart Homes technology and to explain what value our company brings to making your house become your dream home. This process follows these steps:
Step 1: Introduction
We introduce you to Smart Homes technology and what services and products our company can supply. A Smart Homes consultant will develop a checklist of needs and options with you that identifies your key system needs as well as the “would be nice” items that you can choose from for your home. No commitment to use our services or products is required in this process. This process is one where we share what is possible and you define your needs and expectations.
Step 2: Product and Service Selection
We use the checklist that was made in Step #1 to define the core functionality that will drive the design. Each component is explained in context to the overall system’s functionality and features with the associated price.
The output of this meeting will be an agreed upon product list, functions controlled and an overall system plan. There will be a consulting fee for this process that is based on the time spent and the output of Step #1. You may take this product list and system plan and get a second party to quote on installing a competitive product.
Step 3: Review and Proposal Presentation
Wiring DiagramIn this step, Smart Homes will present a comprehensive proposal for your smart home. A detailed product list with pricing will be included as well as programming, integration elements, installation, set up and timing. Acceptance of this proposal will be the kick off point for starting the project. We typically will be contacting and working with your builder, electrician, lighting designer, security provider, landscaper, etc. (if ours are not selected) at this point in the process. This up- front planning and communication is critical to ensure that everything comes together correctly and on time to meet final installation dates.
Step 4: Programming interface design and development
After the job is kicked off, our programmers will work with you to define the specific interfaces and control inputs and outputs that will be used in your system. Even though this is a pretty technical task, we make it easy by showing you different options and functions developed for other customers. Our systems are custom-designed so they fit your lifestyle and specific system needs, so it is easier to start with examples.
The programming design is timed to coincide with hardware purchases and installation. We also go through a ‘beta’ review process with you up front in this process. This means that each panel or control point can be tested early into the development process with your input so you can give the system a test drive before programming time is spent making everything bullet proof and fully functional! This improves deployment, your satisfaction and eliminates any reason to reprogram the system later.
Step 5: Final installation
The last step in the Smart Homes implementation process is the final installation and contract sign off. This is an exciting step where we tie up loose ends and you test your new home controls! This process includes a walk through in your home with each control and function being demonstrated and tested. It is never too late to change or modify the system in this process, but we find that by going through a ‘beta’ review it is not usually required.
