I think that there are more people interested in automation than most of us think. Security systems, irrigation systems and garage door openers are common. Granted these are among the most basic items in our installations, but they are still low level automated stuff. The networking that we have to make all of our stuff work is also likely to be seen as a plus by most people too. A lot of folks want that but can't or won't install it themselves. If it's there and well installed they'll likely use it. The trick is to build on these basics without scaring anybody. In addition to being concerned about selling the house, I'm concerned about my wife being able to maintain or to keep things going in "dumb mode" if something happens to me or I'm not here. On very short notice I can be gone for a considerable period of time.
Since it's entirely possible that I won't be around when my house is sold, I consider ripping stuff out to not be a viable option. To try and insure the automation systems will not hurt my homes place on the market and hopefully make it more desirable, I'm doing the following:
My wiring is all neat and well labeled. The terminations are hidden away but are accessible if needed. Most homeowners should be able to figure it out pretty quickly, and a professional will have no problem.
The back bone of my system is going to be an ELK M-1 (being installed now) Most people will see it as a security system and shouldn't be intimidated, plus there are a couple of companies in the area that service it. Most of the tasks that will be automated from it will not be flashy - there won't be a bunch of announcements etc. The Mrs. will not likely be intimidated by the fact that when she disarms the system at the back door that the hall light comes on there, but she'll probably appreciate it. I'll concentrate on very basic, low level tasks that aren't likely to be intrusive.
The lighting control (not selected yet) will be capable but things that happen "automagically" will be basic commonsense things and a person will need little to no training to do basic operations. An average electrician should be able to understand the basics with only a little reading.
CQC will be the "face" of my system. It will provide the media control, access from more locations, and more advanced capabilities, but it won't be required to operate any system. If I want some really show off type stuff, it will likely be programed here. I won't, and I'll instruct my executors to demonstrate only to potential buyers that they feel would be interested. Even then, they will have to be a DIY'er or there will need to be at least one integrator in the area to maintain it. In those circumstances, the program and severs could be included as an extra cost option. I wonder if Dean has thought about transferring licenses for a DIY system?
I think that if your installation has a bunch of wiring hanging all over the place, there is a conglomeration of mismatched components or announcements go off at unpredictable times while a house is being shown, that these things will likely run off a potential buyer. I'm certain its not a concern for some people, but I think that it ought to at least cross our mind, that as much as we plan otherwise, we might not be the one handling the sale of our properties. I've handled an estate that had some weird stuff to deal with and it wasn't a lot of fun.
That's my 4 bits, thanks for reading
Mike
Since it's entirely possible that I won't be around when my house is sold, I consider ripping stuff out to not be a viable option. To try and insure the automation systems will not hurt my homes place on the market and hopefully make it more desirable, I'm doing the following:
My wiring is all neat and well labeled. The terminations are hidden away but are accessible if needed. Most homeowners should be able to figure it out pretty quickly, and a professional will have no problem.
The back bone of my system is going to be an ELK M-1 (being installed now) Most people will see it as a security system and shouldn't be intimidated, plus there are a couple of companies in the area that service it. Most of the tasks that will be automated from it will not be flashy - there won't be a bunch of announcements etc. The Mrs. will not likely be intimidated by the fact that when she disarms the system at the back door that the hall light comes on there, but she'll probably appreciate it. I'll concentrate on very basic, low level tasks that aren't likely to be intrusive.
The lighting control (not selected yet) will be capable but things that happen "automagically" will be basic commonsense things and a person will need little to no training to do basic operations. An average electrician should be able to understand the basics with only a little reading.
CQC will be the "face" of my system. It will provide the media control, access from more locations, and more advanced capabilities, but it won't be required to operate any system. If I want some really show off type stuff, it will likely be programed here. I won't, and I'll instruct my executors to demonstrate only to potential buyers that they feel would be interested. Even then, they will have to be a DIY'er or there will need to be at least one integrator in the area to maintain it. In those circumstances, the program and severs could be included as an extra cost option. I wonder if Dean has thought about transferring licenses for a DIY system?
I think that if your installation has a bunch of wiring hanging all over the place, there is a conglomeration of mismatched components or announcements go off at unpredictable times while a house is being shown, that these things will likely run off a potential buyer. I'm certain its not a concern for some people, but I think that it ought to at least cross our mind, that as much as we plan otherwise, we might not be the one handling the sale of our properties. I've handled an estate that had some weird stuff to deal with and it wasn't a lot of fun.
That's my 4 bits, thanks for reading
Mike