Last year we officially launched ITL Smart Home, which is an entire division of the company devoted to smart home systems. We handle everything related to the design, installation and programming of home automation in categories including lighting, shades, sound, security and entertainment. We knew this was the next step for the company as we have been doing smart home systems for over 6 years; but sometimes we get questions about why we branched out. So, this month, we want to explain why an electrical contractor is the perfect person to design and install smart homes.
A lot of smart devices require wiring
Quite a few smart home devices advertise that they are plug and play, and some of them are, but more often than not the devices require wiring. Whether that means you need a new outlet installed where you want to plug in the device or the device itself requires wiring, you will probably find yourself calling an electrician in on your smart home project. If you are doing anything in your home that involves wiring (including adding outlets), it is always recommended that you call an electrician to make sure everything is up to code and your current electrical service can handle the additional load.
Smart lighting is one of the most desired home automation products
Yes, they do sell smart bulbs and yes those can be installed yourself. However, it is important to know that smart bulbs are not considered an integrated part of your home, will not increase your home’s value and the bulbs will eventually burn out and need to be replaced. Plus, each separate smart bulb creates its own IP address. There are instances where smart bulbs are a good fit but for a variety of reasons a smart lighting system is usually preferred. In this case an electrician will need to be called in and it is best if they are involved in the planning process.
Smart devices are easy to use but not always to install
One of the biggest reasons people get smart devices is to make their life convenient and simple and therefore smart devices are designed to be very user-friendly. However, the setup, especially if you have multiple devices or systems, can get complicated quickly. Having someone else install and program your devices is the simplest and fastest way to ensure your devices are installed correctly, working efficiently and ready to use.
Extended warranties
If you work with a smart home pro, or someone who has additional training, they will often be able to give you a better warranty than any product that you buy yourself at your local store. Yes, this even means if it is the same product. Most everyone knows that you can buy a video doorbell at Best Buy but if you buy the exact same doorbell from a pro you will (usually) get an extended warranty.
One stop shop
Since we do it all, it eliminates a lot of hassle for you. You don’t need to find a separate home automation specialist and an electrician. We design the system, purchase the products, install them, program everything and provide the warranty. We have previously talked about the importance of hiring an electrician who understands design and function as opposed to someone who comes in and installs devices to code but doesn’t think about how the space will be used. The same thing applies with home automation. We can simultaneously ensure that all wiring and devices are up to code while also thinking about the design and how these smart products will function in your everyday life.
If you have any questions or comments, contact Sasha at sasha@inthelitellc.com. As always, we hope we’ve made your day brighter!