Hi everyone, I’m in the early stages of planning a new home build and I’m really excited about integrating a solid smart home system. I want to make sure I get everything right from the start, so I’m reaching out to the community for advice and tips.
So far, here’s what I’m thinking about including:
- Cameras: I’m leaning towards Reolink PoE cameras for outdoor use and TP-Link Tapo indoor cams for the house. They seem reliable and integrate well with my ecosystem.
- Networking: I plan to run Cat6 Ethernet to all major rooms and maybe some ceiling drops for future PoE devices. I’m not sure if I should hardwire everything or leave it wireless for flexibility.
- Lighting: I’m considering ELEGRP smart dimmers in high-traffic areas. They offer good dimming capabilities and integrate nicely with my voice control system.
- Thermostat & HVAC: Probably a Google Nest or Ecobee Smart Thermostat with a few remote sensors. I love the energy-saving features and easy setup.
- Voice Control: I’m planning to use Alexa across a few Echo Dots or Echo Shows for whole-home audio and control.
I have a few questions and concerns:
- Should I request neutral wires at all switch locations? I’ve heard it’s important for smart switches, but I’m not sure.
- Is it worth running conduit between floors or from key spots back to the wiring closet for future flexibility?
- How important is it to have a central panel for low-voltage gear if I’m not going full-blown enterprise?
Any tips from those who’ve done smart home wiring in a new build (or regrets about what you didn’t wire) would be super helpful. Thanks in advance for your insights!