Smart home questions, answered
The questions we're asked most often by homeowners, architects and builders. If yours isn't here, call or email and ask.
Planning and systems
What does a smart home cost in Sydney?
It depends far more on scope than on floor area: how many systems, how many rooms get control, the lighting design, and whether the house is a new build or an existing home. A single system such as a network or CCTV is a very different budget from whole home control. Every quote we send is itemised, with programming and commissioning included.
What's the best system for a new house?
For most new houses we recommend KNX for lighting, blinds and climate, often with DALI for the lighting itself, and Savant as the interface. KNX is an open standard, so the system can be serviced by any competent integrator for decades. The right answer does depend on the house. See platforms.
What's the difference between KNX and Savant?
They do different jobs. KNX is the wired control system that switches and dims the lights, drives the blinds and talks to the air conditioning. Savant is the interface: the app, remotes and touch panels, plus audio and video. On many of our projects Savant sits on top of KNX.
Does it still work if the internet goes down?
Yes. A properly designed system runs locally. Keypads, scenes, schedules and sensors all work without the internet. Remote access and some voice features need it; the house doesn't.
When should we bring you into a new build?
At design or documentation stage, before the electrical tender goes out. That's when keypad positions, cable routes and the rack location can be settled cheaply. See new builds.
Can you automate an existing home without rewiring?
Often, to a point. Wireless and retrofit devices, existing cable and careful routing get a long way. Whole home control usually needs some new cable, and we'll tell you where it's worth it.
Existing homes and servicing
Do you work in apartments?
Yes. We coordinate with building management for access to risers, switchboards and car parks, and plan the work around the building's rules.
Can you service a system someone else installed?
Yes. Most of our service work is on systems installed by others, including C-Bus, Dynalite, KNX and Savant. See servicing.
What if the original installer is gone and there's no programming file?
It's usually recoverable. We read what's on the network and rebuild the project. See system takeovers.
Are you licensed for security work?
Yes. We hold NSW security licence 000110371, which covers alarms, CCTV and access control, and electrical contractor licence 374272C. Security work in NSW must be done by a licensed business under the Security Industry Act 1997.
Security, handover and costs
Can we record audio on our CCTV?
Be careful. In NSW, recording private conversations without consent is restricted under the Surveillance Devices Act 2007, so we set cameras up for video only unless there's a clear lawful reason.
What happens after handover?
You get the documentation and programming files, and we stay available for changes and service. For scheduled checks and priority support, see Care Plans.
How much is a service call?
$330 to attend, including the first hour on site, then $198 an hour in 30 minute blocks. All prices include GST.
Didn't find your answer?
Ask us directly. We'd rather answer a question now than fix a decision later.