DIY vs Professional, What is better?
Now when I say DIY, I mean the low cost Z-wave, Enocean, Insteon and Zigbee type of systems. Professional, I mean like the big names, Crestron, Savant, Control4 etc.Now where do I start. Getting a professionally installed system is like going to a car dealer. They will tell you their system is the best, and tell you what other systems can't do that theirs can. Most of the time this isn't always correct, as they are just salespeople. But you do get a package that is custom built to work with their individual parts and does this well. It also has a warranty or after sales service. And you don't have to get your hands dirty.
This is a great option for most people, as, lets be totally honest, the DIY home automation systems coming out now are not totally DIY friendly. Easier than installing and professional system, yes. A lot cheaper than a professional system, yes. Well unless you screw it up and then need a ton of help to fix it, or break something. But even still should be cheaper.
So is it worth it?
Honestly, if you have the money, yes. I won't bore you with details, actually yes i will, but a full setup that utilizes hard wiring and custom built AV systems and wall tablets, etc etc, will always work better together than an adhoc DIY system. And if it breaks, scream and shout until they come back to fix it. After all, you paid a damn lot for it.
So where do I stand. On the other side. Why? Because I like flexibility, I like to be able to control what devices I have from a range of available products, I want to do more than the restrictive usage of simple control, and I want to be able to customize myself. Because its MY system. Who else knows how I want my house to act better than me.
My WIFE.
OK didn't think that one through.
But it does bring up a good point. Say, for example, you(wife) is tired of the blinds opening at sunset every morning, or you want to change the timing on the sprinkler system. Or the sensor keeps turning the lights off too quickly. Well, electricity is expensive.
Do you A. listen for days of complaining and eventually call the company and wait for them to send a technician out and change it for you. Or B. jump on the computer and quickly change it yourself within a few minutes. Maybe an hour at worst.
Option A could see you with a bill from your provider, days of waiting, and wishing if only the sensor could turn something else of sooner. Just kidding honey. And that's if they can do it at all.
Option B could see you standing proud telling the wife you've fixed it already. "It like having you're own little IT guy" Now lets get to the one room I didn't adjust the sensor light.
The problem with DIY systems is people. Some people should not tinker with technology.
But can you get a DIY system professionally installed?
Yes you can, and with the introduction of these new and readily available products, you will start to see a whole new trade develop of DIY Installers.
But this also brings about its own problems. Now people who have a limited knowledge are trying to offer their services to install these systems. For a premium.
So be careful, and if you are able, plan to do it yourself. Even if you intend to get someone else to install it, know your products and get as much information as possible beforehand.
I try to use products that are everyday and can be replaced easily. I use a combination of apps depending on what i need, because individual apps and designed for a specific purpose. And do a better job at it than a product that tries to do everything.
So what do I use and how? That will be the next post I think.
I believe and always will, that a DIY system will always give you more flexibility. Be easier to expand, and easier to modify. And save you a lot of money. So you can buy some flowers for the wife and put them in that dark room. Wait, I've adjusted that already.
