Smart home system recommendation for beginners

So my name is just a nickname.
My construction project has already been approved by the construction company, so unfortunately I can't change much anymore.
I simply lacked the money to install the smart control system right away.
Our construction company would have only offered the [Wibutler].
I have now looked at [Z-Z-Wave] and [Enocean]. In my opinion, they are two identical radio standards. I don't know what the differences are, the details, advantages and disadvantages.
[Z-Z-Wave] is supposed to be more widespread.
[Enocean] actuators allegedly don't need any batteries, which would be an advantage.
Now I'm missing decision support again.
Which central unit would then be recommended?

Complete roller shutter control via Alexa. So basically no switches anymore then.

Hmm, I wouldn’t recommend that, at least not without extensive testing beforehand. IMHO voice controls are overrated. It gets boring quickly.

Well, my name is just a nickname.

I mean your real names.

My construction project has already been approved by the construction company, so unfortunately I can’t change much anymore.

You just have to want it, but I don’t want to impose anything on you.

I have now looked into Z-Wave and EnOcean. In my opinion, they are two identical wireless standards.

Hmm no, they only belong to the same category. They are two completely different approaches. Other than both being wireless standards for home automation, they don’t have much in common.

As you have probably noticed, EnOcean doesn’t require any power. The necessary impulse is simply generated by the kinetic energy when pressing the switches, etc. However, there are weaknesses here as well because bidirectional communication is only partially available. This means sender and receiver do not communicate absolutely error-free, which can lead to having to press switches multiple times to get a result.

And you are indeed dependent on a few manufacturers, which doesn’t necessarily allow quantum leaps in functionality and design of the products.

Z-Wave, on the other hand, is an open wireless standard. Here you can piece together the system from a huge pool (similar to KNX) of products and manufacturers.

But both require central units that then take over the entire processing and preparation of signals/commands. Without a central "box," only rudimentary functions remain. In other words, even in the event of failure you are not left in the dark. Both are not exactly “invisible” to install, meaning devices will always have to be surface-mounted on windows/doors/ceilings/walls.

Hmm I wouldn't recommend it, at least not without extensive testing beforehand. IMHO voice controls are overrated. It gets boring quickly.

It doesn't have to be that exciting now. It's enough for me if I can say "Alexa, lock up the place" at some point in the evening and all the blinds go down. End of the spectacle.

That doesn't work with Alexa, which is why I first recommend the test... the little commercials are always nice to watch, but in reality it often runs differently.

That doesn't work with Alexa, which is why I first recommend the test...the little commercials are always nice to watch but in reality it often runs differently.

With ifttt.com you can certainly orchestrate a complete roller blind-lighting-alarm system scenario via Alexa, but do you want that? Amazon, IFTTT, various other web systems... and woe if one fails and the thing doesn't work. Typically, MAN is not home and WOMAN is left standing there dumbfounded!

That doesn’t work with Alexa, that’s why I first recommend testing... the little commercials are always nice to watch but in reality it often works differently.

ohohohoh...now I have to disagree with you for the first time

We do it the same way and Alexa works very well with KNX (via smarthomeNG). And I find it a very great added value. After almost 4 weeks in the new home, Alexa can already control shutters, lights, and Denon + TV (via VTi). Even my wife uses it a lot. Examples: "Alexa, turn on dimmed lights," "Alexa, turn on RTL," "Alexa, close all shutters on the ground floor," "Alexa, turn off the kid’s room light," etc.

For us, a real added value. I had done some tests before with Enertex SyncOhr and was very disappointed. The speaker recognition is simply very bad and the room has to be relatively quiet. Alexa works even with loud background noise. That is really impressive (especially if you have some technical background and know how demanding speech recognition is).

The only places I don’t let Alexa control are: garage door, front door, and alarm system.

Regards, Steffen

PS: What I am currently working on and what doesn’t work yet... two Alexas for different rooms, but standalone in operation. Purpose: avoiding mentioning the room. When I say bathroom “Alexa, turn on the light,” the light in the bathroom should also turn on...