Best comprehensive SmartHome program

One more question.
Should I have Free@Home (wired) installed with us (new building)? Our electrician unfortunately does not want to do KNX, he is not very familiar with the software and it would take him too long (he doesn't have enough time for the other houses anymore).

Since Free@Home is very limited in terms of software, we would like to use a higher-level intelligence.

Should we, for example, use Home Assistant as the intelligence to control the wired F@H?

Or should we simply build the cheaper wireless smart home and control it with Home Assistant?

WIbutler would still be an alternative (F@H is also compatible with Wibutler) or Home Connect from Bosch.

Another question would be. Should I have Free@Home (wired) installed with us (new build)? Unfortunately, our electrician does not want to do KNX, he is not very familiar with the software and it would take him too long (he doesn't have enough time left for the other houses)

So if you are already thinking about getting into iobroker and similar, just tell your electrician to only install KNX and you do the configuration yourself with ETS Home for 350€ (often available cheaper during promotions) – especially if you have a bit of a playful spirit, it’s doable.

Yes, I will ask the electrician again if he can only install the KNX components and leave the complete configuration to me.

Would you not recommend Free@Home at all?

How would you install KNX or Free@Home??

Install all actuators in the control cabinet and only install the switches in the rooms that are connected to the bus cable?

How would you install KNX or Free@Home??

KNX because of its openness. Free@home also works and is easier for electricians, but it restricts you a lot afterwards.

Install all actuators in the control cabinet and only install the switches in the rooms that are connected to the bus cable?

That's exactly how it's done.

You can already do the ETS eCampus now, then you'll have a rough idea of what it's about.

I still have to discuss with our electrician whether he can also install KNX and leave the parameterization to me. I have already seen videos on YouTube about how it works with ETS. I will have to familiarize myself with it, but it should work after the familiarization.

What would you recommend if the electrician refuses KNX? Without parameterization, nothing will work at handover. It is possible that the electrician insists on the basics, e.g., light on/off, roller blinds up/down, etc., but for that, he would have to do the basic installation again. (which he actually refused)

If the electrician does not do KNX, should we take Free@Home or use a radio system later? Are the limitations of Free@Home only too big compared to KNX? Or would a radio system be preferable to Free@Home?

Wireless is certainly much cheaper than Free@Home.

Most actuators can be operated on the device itself, i.e., you can check the functions. What will not work are all the push buttons. But that is only software anyway, as long as the installation itself is correct.

I have also done this a few times, where I received the devices from the electrician beforehand including a list of what is connected where, and then parameterized them. Then back to the construction site, and after proper connection, everything worked. For this, the electrician must first provide all KNX devices and must not make any changes to his previous connection plan during installation; or if he does, it must be changed in the parameterization.

With F@H you are bound to that one manufacturer forever. I would not want that in a house with its lifespan.
I have my opinion (and experience) on wireless. I see wireless as an emergency solution if something was forgotten. If you use it in a new building, you also have to think in advance about excellent WLAN coverage (if you take a WLAN-based system) and also install sockets into which the parts can later fit in the wall (behind push buttons!). You definitely save costs, for example with Shellys compared to KNX or other "real" systems.

Oh, by the way: Loxone is not cheaper than KNX.