I am building a new 1600sqft home and was wondering if it would be worth my money to get a Control4 system. I don't want any speaker wires or tv wires showing and would like the amp, dvd etc.. in a seperate room. I would like audio in the garage, deck, living room and ensuite along with tvs' in living room and masterbedroom. I would also like all the speakers located in the ceilings. In the future I may want to get into the lighting controls and when I finish my basement I would like to do something similar to the main floor. What do you think? Thanks in advance!
Control 4 for new home?
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If it sounds great to you, then it sounds great.
First step is to call an integrator for an estimate.
Since you are in new construction, you have good timing to get all of the anticipated wiring in place and hidden before drywall goes up.
You would need to know what your current and future needs are, including Control4 system to get the wiring designed and installed correctly. The integrator can provide that knowledge.
First step is to call an integrator for an estimate.
Since you are in new construction, you have good timing to get all of the anticipated wiring in place and hidden before drywall goes up.
You would need to know what your current and future needs are, including Control4 system to get the wiring designed and installed correctly. The integrator can provide that knowledge.
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971 Posts
Is it worth it? Yes. You can do simple distributed audio video with just about any control system on the market.These are the typically requested features.
Audio Video
Lighting
HVAC
Security
Distributed Audio Video allows you to have only a TV and speakers in the room. All of the source components, switching, amplification & control are located in the control room.
Decide whether or not you want in-wall touchscreens or keypads in specific areas. Entrances to the home from are good places to have them so you can have instant access to everything when you walk in the door. Bathrooms and kitchens and home gyms are other nice areas to have in-wall control because these are areas you are standing up or walking around.
Adding lighting later is easy these days because you can swap out your existing switches and dimmers with wireless switches and dimmers and repeaters. Depending on the control system and lighting product you choose you might want to wire for repeaters (signal boosting/repeating antennas) @ different points in your home.
I would wire every thermostat location with extra cable in-case you decide you want control of them.
If you are planning to install a security system you should research one that is control system friendly. The security system typically is an independent system that connects via serial or ethernet to the control system. So make sure to run the proper cables between the security system and the control system. Ideally the security panel and your Control4 system will be located in the same room to make this easy.
When you choose an integrator ask for photos of previous installations and examples of their system documentation. Ask to take a tour of a system they recently installed. Ask to see the backs of the racks to make sure things are neat and tidy and not a rats nest. Take a look at the remote and touch panel and make sure its easy to operate. Pay attention to the details when touring the home. Do the TV's have wires hanging where you can see them? Are the touchscreens fitting flush in the wall and level? Are the speaker grills installed properly or are they hanging out in one corner? These details are how you can determine who goes the extra mile and who cuts the most corners.
Audio Video
Lighting
HVAC
Security
Distributed Audio Video allows you to have only a TV and speakers in the room. All of the source components, switching, amplification & control are located in the control room.
Decide whether or not you want in-wall touchscreens or keypads in specific areas. Entrances to the home from are good places to have them so you can have instant access to everything when you walk in the door. Bathrooms and kitchens and home gyms are other nice areas to have in-wall control because these are areas you are standing up or walking around.
Adding lighting later is easy these days because you can swap out your existing switches and dimmers with wireless switches and dimmers and repeaters. Depending on the control system and lighting product you choose you might want to wire for repeaters (signal boosting/repeating antennas) @ different points in your home.
I would wire every thermostat location with extra cable in-case you decide you want control of them.
If you are planning to install a security system you should research one that is control system friendly. The security system typically is an independent system that connects via serial or ethernet to the control system. So make sure to run the proper cables between the security system and the control system. Ideally the security panel and your Control4 system will be located in the same room to make this easy.
When you choose an integrator ask for photos of previous installations and examples of their system documentation. Ask to take a tour of a system they recently installed. Ask to see the backs of the racks to make sure things are neat and tidy and not a rats nest. Take a look at the remote and touch panel and make sure its easy to operate. Pay attention to the details when touring the home. Do the TV's have wires hanging where you can see them? Are the touchscreens fitting flush in the wall and level? Are the speaker grills installed properly or are they hanging out in one corner? These details are how you can determine who goes the extra mile and who cuts the most corners.
I politely disagree.
When I car shop, I don't go into the dealership blindly, though some people prefer to do that.
I suggest you spend a few days reading as much as you can online, before contacting an installer. He's a pro, who knows the details, but he's also (usually) a salesman. I'm always leery of salesmen.
There is a lot of good information online, but also, admittedly, a lot of misinformation. Unfortunately, not many good published resources that would make it easier.
Control4 is a good, relatively affordable system. HAI is another, particularly if you want to integrate an alarm system with your setup. Try searching those terms (but don't limit yourself to systems from those manufacturers).
Keep us posted!
I politely disagree.
When I car shop, I don't go into the dealership blindly, though some people prefer to do that.
I suggest you spend a few days reading as much as you can online, before contacting an installer. He's a pro, who knows the details, but he's also (usually) a salesman. I'm always leery of salesmen.
There is a lot of good information online, but also, admittedly, a lot of misinformation. Unfortunately, not many good published resources that would make it easier.
Control4 is a good, relatively affordable system. HAI is another, particularly if you want to integrate an alarm system with your setup. Try searching those terms (but don't limit yourself to systems from those manufacturers).
Keep us posted!
Joined
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25 Posts
Control 4 will also integrate security. I doubt that you were trying to insinuate otherwise.
Control 4 will also integrate security. I doubt that you were trying to insinuate otherwise.
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