Home automation planning and costs

Hello everyone,
We have built again this year and pondered for a long time whether we should implement automation. We simply didn’t want to have "switch panels" on the wall and wanted to remain flexible. In the end, we implemented a star wiring and realized part of it via KNX switches. Especially where many switch points were necessary. The logic and visualization we handled through Loxone, as well as the standard switches. We did the programming for KNX and Loxone ourselves, the electrician took care of the wiring and the control cabinet. The ETS software is also available as a light version, which is limited to 20 devices but only costs one test and a one-time fee (I think 50 euros). We moved in 2 months ago and so far everything works great. The costs are naturally higher, also because of the larger control cabinet. How much more is very hard to say, because on the one hand we would otherwise also have done the shading electrically and on the other hand we have dispensed with room thermostats due to the automation.

You can also talk yourself into it

I cannot see any sugarcoating, can you?

No, me neither.

Hello,
a little over 2 years ago I faced the same decision. I wasn’t sure whether and if so, by whom I should have my house automated. Initially, I considered KNX since it is the most common method for home automation. However, since that was way too expensive for me, I looked for a more affordable alternative solution. Eventually, after much back and forth, I decided on the building installation from the company Dihva. This offers many decisive advantages for me that other providers in this segment do not. Foremost was the financial aspect, as this smart home solution costs only slightly more than conventional wiring. Another advantage, which was also very important to me, is the infinite connectivity of this system. I should first explain how this system actually works:
The system operates via a Siemens PLC. This is an industrial control unit that is very reliable and long-lasting. All outputs such as buttons, roller shutters... are wired to the inputs of the PLC. This PLC is then programmed free of charge by an employee of the company (takes about 8 hours). For this purpose, they use a self-developed engineering tool that includes ready-made blocks and connections. The installation as well as the programming went smoothly for me and all work was completed in a short time.
In addition to the standard functions, I had master functions and extra scenarios created, so that for example from Monday to Friday, shortly before I get up, the roller shutters already go up and the coffee machine turns on. Another scenario that I use often is the absence simulation. With the absence simulation, the lights automatically turn on for a certain period every few hours, the blinds go up and down, and music plays in the house, thus giving the impression that someone is home.
What I also got for a small additional charge is a door opener with a camera, so every time someone rings the bell, a small window pops up on the smartphone or PC and you can, for example, open the door from the couch.
The system also offers some other cool features that once you have them in the house, you don’t want to miss. I think you can tell how taken I am with this system. I could list even more functions that the system offers, but if this is incentive enough for you and you find this method of home automation interesting, you can take a look at their website.
For my part, as you have probably already gathered from the text, I am very satisfied and would install the system again at any time. I hope I was able to help you and hope you find the right smart home solution for you.

Best regards

Detlef

Nice that it's working for you and you are satisfied... however, I would not recommend a PLC, especially if you are just a user... since there are quite a few limitations, no matter who manufactured and programmed it.