Smart Lighting Integration: Balancing Price, Quality, and Functionality

General
1

As I embark on planning my new home’s lighting system, I wanted to share my thought process and seek your insights! :star2:

Context:

  • A 5,200 sq ft home with 2 levels, evenly split.
  • Seeking a balance between price, quality, reliability, design, and function.
  • Budget: $5-7k USD, but open to spending less if possible.
  • Currently using Caseta and SmartThings, but hitting the 50-device limit with Caseta.
  • Goal: Create a robust system that integrates voice control (Alexa), fallback options, and seamless automation.

**The Plan:**1. Core System - Lutron Caseta with Pro-Bridge:

  • Primary lighting control on the main level.
  • Avoiding device-heavy setups (e.g., wall plugs, picos) to stay under the 50-device limit.
  • Critical lighting (e.g., outdoor, lifestyle) on Caseta for reliability.
  • Fall-back option: Lutron app for manual control if ST or internet goes down.

  1. Secondary System - Z-Wave:

    • For non-critical lighting (e.g., kitchen under-cabinet, rope lights).
    • Using Leviton or GE Z-Wave Plus devices for better range and reliability.
    • Expecting around 25 Z-Wave devices in total.
    • Philosophy: If ST or the internet is down, revert to basic on/off functionality.

  2. Integration and Automation:

    • Alexa as the primary voice control hub with 12 Sonos zones already in place.
    • Scenes and schedules set in both ST and Lutron for flexibility.
    • Example: Away mode lighting can run on Lutron if ST is down.

Key Questions:- Will all Z-Wave switches/plugs function as dumb switches if ST or the internet goes down?

  • Is 15 Z-Wave Plus devices, well-placed, sufficient for coverage?
  • How can I ensure a smooth transition if I ever sell the home? :blush:

**Why This Matters:**I want a system that grows with me, offering both convenience and reliability. The fallback plan is crucial—knowing that essential lighting will work even during outages gives me peace of mind.

**Looking Forward:**I’m excited to dive into this project and see how it evolves. Whether it’s refining the automation or discovering new ways to integrate devices, the journey is as rewarding as the destination!

Your Thoughts?
I’d love to hear your experiences, tips, or alternative approaches. Have you balanced multiple systems like this? What challenges did you face, and how did you overcome them?

Thanks for reading, and I look forward to your insights! :pray:

Cheers,
[Your Name]