So I'm moving into a new house in a few weeks, and I need to do something about the non-pet-safe alarm system. Given that I also no longer have anyone telling me that I'm not allowed to spend money on things, I figured I would also take the opportunity to look into making things smarter.
It's a 4 bedroom single-level house, with internal access double garage, and already has a full house ducted heat pump (yay!).
So what I'm currently thinking is as follows. Please feel free to comment, advise, suggest specific devices etc. Budget is a consideration, but how much is yet to be determined.
- Dimmers in each room. I think there are 9 including garage, but may have missed a couple.
- Maybe on outdoor lights with a motion sensor as well.
- Security cameras - garage, entrance and possibly patio. I haven't settled on anything here so please recommend stuff - I'd like it to integrate with my existing Synology surveillance system, and also the smart system if possible. I would like HD cameras, and don't really need "smart" cameras since the Synology system takes care of that.
- Sensor and smart control for garage door. I always have "did I close the garage door" moments, and I want to be able to check and close remotely.
- Sensors on other doors (4 of them).
- Motion/temp/etc sensors internally with some form of "alarm", audible and notifications.
- Maybe a doorbell system like Ring - I've been looking at the discussions here and that looks awesome. It will probably depend on how much foot traffic I get, though I expect some given the position of the house (street front in West Auckland).
- Integration with the heat pump if possible - However, I don't know what is currently installed, so it's probably not worth commenting on this just yet. I'll update once I move in.
- Room to add more stuff as I think about it. :-)
Now, as mentioned, budget is a consideration. I've been looking at the Fibaro system, and really like the look of the it all. However, I'm also very technically savvy (and have a few Raspberry Pis sitting around), so would be comfortable implementing my own system with something like the Aeon Labs Z-Stick - IF it's going to be reliable.
So would people recommend a Fibaro control center and app over the Z-Stick? Lite or HC2? I'd like to have an easy path to install, so I think that may be better than the Z-Stick. Are the Fibaro modules the best to use?
My first priority would be security. I'd like to get something up and running over the christmas break if possible.
I assume I would legally need to get an electrician to install the dimmers in the switches? I am planning to get an electrician out for other work as well, so that's not a big deal, but if I'm "allowed" to do it myself that is an option.
Would it be easy enough to do the setup myself (excl. dimmer install), or would I be better off talking to someone who can supply and install everything as well?
Thanks in advance for any advice that can be offered!