Tips and Suggestions for Custom Audio Video and Home Automation

Custom audio video and home automation can provide you benefits in comfort, luxury, convenience and, most important of all, energy efficiency. There are hundreds of products, services and design choices you can make that will make your home life easier, more convenient and more energy efficient. The process of making all of those choices work together can be complicated unless you take the time to plan out what you want and work with a company that specializes in coordinating custom audio/video and home automation programs in new builds, and in retrofitting older homes for home automation and entertainment.

Use these tips and suggestions to put together your plans so that you can share them with your contractor, electrician and others involved in your custom audio/video and home automation plan.

Walk through your home and consider the ways that automation can improve your security and your pleasure in your home.

Entryway Security and Lighting

When most people think about security, the first things that come to mind are locks and security systems, but there’s more to home security than just barriers. Lighting also plays a major role in keeping your home safe, secure and welcoming.

Choose downlights on dimmer switches above your front door to illuminate the stoop. Infrared scanners and motion scanners can turn the lights on and off whenever someone approaches the house.

The right lighting also helps illuminate areas for your security cameras, especially if you trigger your cameras to turn on when the lights come up.

Include an emergency light in your outdoor lighting and home automation plan. If the electricity fails, you still want to be able to find the front door.

Family Room

Outfit your family room with everything you need to make it totally functional. Some things to consider include the placement and number of energy points, audio connectors for your audio/video system and flush mounted ceiling speakers to pipe in the playlist or music program of your choice. Don’t forget video screens and wiring/pre-wire for cable, internet and telephone, along with any other networking components you’ll need.

Kitchen

Don’t leave your kitchen out of the custom audio/video and home automation loop. More and more appliances are being designed to take advantage of home automation options and Internet connectivity. Even if you’re not there yet, plan ahead for the future with wiring/pre-wire planning so you can upgrade when you’re ready.

Bathroom

Turn your bathroom into a luxury spa with custom lighting, programmed shower choices and audio/video elements designed right in. From towel warmers to mood lighting and music, you can customize your bathroom with the latest technology for your relaxation.

Creating a custom audio/video and home automation plan can help you visualize the possibilities for your home. Take the time to explore the many ways that technology can make your life more pleasurable, convenient and energy efficient.