Renovation - what are your "must dos"
Discussion
So, I'm likely going to be renovating a house. I'll be doing the basics - Megaflo and decent boiler, new electrics with large numbers of new sockets, modern insulation, and even some Cat 6 cabling.
Beyond this, what would you do?
I've been thinking about home automation. It seems reasonably useful, but to me seems rather expensive (Control4 etc) for what you get - but is it a valuable investment, and how disruptive is it to do it when you are already chasing walls and ripping things out? And what can you really automate? Given the usefulness of wifi apps and home devices these days, is there really any need to?
What else are things you would do (or indeed have done) that you are glad you did. Or did you fail to do something you should have done?
Beyond this, what would you do?
I've been thinking about home automation. It seems reasonably useful, but to me seems rather expensive (Control4 etc) for what you get - but is it a valuable investment, and how disruptive is it to do it when you are already chasing walls and ripping things out? And what can you really automate? Given the usefulness of wifi apps and home devices these days, is there really any need to?
What else are things you would do (or indeed have done) that you are glad you did. Or did you fail to do something you should have done?
Live in for next 5-10 years, but then sell if market if we decide to leave London.
Underfloor heating: did it at my old place. Never used it! But for resale...? There is a good opportunity to put it in the kitchen as the floor has to be raised anyway. But as one is never barefoot in there, I question the point - and kitchen always warm anyway.
Nice in bathrooms, I agree - but timed electric is surely enough (was in my last place), and a hell of a lot easier/cheaper to put in, if pricier to run.
Underfloor heating: did it at my old place. Never used it! But for resale...? There is a good opportunity to put it in the kitchen as the floor has to be raised anyway. But as one is never barefoot in there, I question the point - and kitchen always warm anyway.
Nice in bathrooms, I agree - but timed electric is surely enough (was in my last place), and a hell of a lot easier/cheaper to put in, if pricier to run.
We're just doing what is turning out to be a fairly huge restoration and, like you, I wasn't sure whether to go with automation so we've decided to go with Lightwave RF as you can add to it as you go along - presumably if you find it to actually be useful!
I actually junked Lightwave RF as I got enormously frustrated with the control interface which I found clunky and untrustworthy (heating randomly coming on/turning off). And the motorised radiator valves are too noisy to be used in bedrooms.
Went to Nest for the heating, never looked back. Nest won't work in the new house though as no longer a combi boiler...
But for lights, could be a great shout! Do they do any switches that take their power from the mains yet, or do they still require batteries.
Went to Nest for the heating, never looked back. Nest won't work in the new house though as no longer a combi boiler...
But for lights, could be a great shout! Do they do any switches that take their power from the mains yet, or do they still require batteries.
To be honest I haven't got as far as having it in the house yet, we're still first fixing, but my electrician (also my best mate so I don't think he's stitching me up!) tells me that they've recently upgraded their system and it's effectively all new. My first post had a link to their website - a quick look around seems to suggest that it's only the radiator valves or remote switches that need batteries. We're planning to go with a few switches etc and see how we get on, the beauty for me is that you van simply replace sockets or light switches later as you decide which you need; it's a house we haven't lived in yet so we don't know how we'll be using rooms yet.
Rotaree said:
To be honest I haven't got as far as having it in the house yet, we're still first fixing, but my electrician (also my best mate so I don't think he's stitching me up!) tells me that they've recently upgraded their system and it's effectively all new. My first post had a link to their website - a quick look around seems to suggest that it's only the radiator valves or remote switches that need batteries. We're planning to go with a few switches etc and see how we get on, the beauty for me is that you van simply replace sockets or light switches later as you decide which you need; it's a house we haven't lived in yet so we don't know how we'll be using rooms yet.
It certainly needed upgrading, I tried lightwave rf stuff on a couple of jobs that demanded wireless retro-fit solutions and it mostly ended up in the bin after bits being replaced, sorry re-bought as a major retailer would rather argue and squabble and obstruct than replace faulty components of this particular brand.... Notwithstanding, there are far better systems for original installing ie not retro-fitting.Another thing to bear in mind with underfloor heating is with removing unsightly radiators it frees a room both in terms of decor and furniture placement- in the right market this is very desirable.
Home automation.. wouldn't bother unless you personally want it badly. whatever you get will probably be obsolete and a downside to buyers in 10 years
Home automation.. wouldn't bother unless you personally want it badly. whatever you get will probably be obsolete and a downside to buyers in 10 years
Harry Flashman said:
I actually junked Lightwave RF as I got enormously frustrated with the control interface which I found clunky and untrustworthy (heating randomly coming on/turning off). And the motorised radiator valves are too noisy to be used in bedrooms.
Went to Nest for the heating, never looked back. Nest won't work in the new house though as no longer a combi boiler...
But for lights, could be a great shout! Do they do any switches that take their power from the mains yet, or do they still require batteries.
Eh? Nest works fine with system or regular boilers?Went to Nest for the heating, never looked back. Nest won't work in the new house though as no longer a combi boiler...
But for lights, could be a great shout! Do they do any switches that take their power from the mains yet, or do they still require batteries.
Gtom said:
Or just fit a towel rad that also has an electric element in it.
I wish I'd done this. Staying in the bathroom heated/illuminated mirror is well worth it.I also included surround sound speaker plugs in the living room, on top of the network points as mentioned in your original post.
If I was doing it again I'd also look at provision for an electric car charger.
Lessons learned on my build (should be moving in this month, I promise a mini-build thread when we're finally in):
- take time to think about the layout of the rooms and how you'll use the spaces. Especially bathrooms and the kitchen...
- think about lighting....especially in the kitchen. But also throughout and the exterior. Including where you're placing on/off switches
- think about the best place to put electric/power sockets...
- extraction...kitchen....
- security/alarm/camera system - if you're going to have one, get it in early. Rather than bodging it in when all the walls are plastered...
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