Smart Home Systems: What to Prepare During Renovation

Which cables, back boxes and locations to prepare during a renovation for smart lighting, curtains, climate, leak detection and security, so walls need not be reopened.

Smart home systems often end up on the "we'll add it later" list. That is partly true: many wireless devices can be installed in a finished home. But some preparation is possible only while the walls are open, and without it later options narrow sharply. A few extra cables and the right back boxes installed during the renovation reduce both cost and disruption in the future.

Scenarios first, technology second

A smart home is planned around daily scenarios, not a product list. The client should ask a few questions:

• do I want to switch off all lights and air conditioners with one button when leaving;
• should curtains open automatically in the morning and close on the sunny side during the day;
• should water shut off automatically when a leak is detected in the bathroom or kitchen;
• do I want phone notifications about doors, windows and cameras when I am away;
• should each room's temperature be controlled separately.

These scenarios determine which devices are needed and therefore which cables. The aim is not to "make everything smart" but to choose functions that will actually be used.

Wired or wireless

Smart home systems fall into two broad groups. In wired systems, sensors, switches and control modules connect to a central cabinet with a dedicated control cable. They are reliable and stable but need careful planning and a lot of cable during the renovation. Wireless systems work by radio, are easy to install and can be added to a finished home, but signal quality depends on walls, distance and the number of devices.

In practice a hybrid approach is common: main circuits and critical functions are wired, while additional sensors are wireless. Whichever approach is chosen, certain preparations during the renovation pay off.

Preparing for switches and lighting

Many smart switches take up more space in the back box than an ordinary switch. Some models require a neutral wire in the box, whereas older wiring brings only the live conductor to the switch. So during the renovation:

• install deep back boxes at switch positions;
• bring a neutral conductor to every switch box;
• run lighting groups to the switch on separate conductors so they can be controlled individually later;
• if dimmers will be used, check that the chosen LED lamps and drivers are dimmer-compatible in advance.

An alternative is to place control modules in the central cabinet rather than behind switches. In that case each lighting group's cable runs back to the cabinet, and the switches only send signals.

Curtains, climate and leak protection

Motorised curtain tracks and roller blinds need a power outlet above the window where the track will be. This cannot be concealed once ceiling or wall finishes are done, so the track type and position must be fixed at design stage.

For climate control, air conditioners, underfloor heating thermostats and radiator valves are matched to the smart system. Thermostats are placed away from sunlight and heat sources. For leak protection, a motorised valve at the water inlet, sensors in wet areas and cables to power them are planned.

Central cabinet and network

The brain of the smart home, the controller, network equipment and sometimes relay modules, is usually gathered in one place. This cabinet can be combined with the low-voltage cabinet. It needs enough power sockets, ventilation and spare space for expansion.

For wireless devices to work reliably, good Wi-Fi coverage throughout the house is essential. Wired access points are therefore planned during the renovation. Cable routes for cameras, video intercom and motion sensors are also run at this stage.

Renovation preparation checklist

• are scenarios written down and a matching device list prepared;
• are there deep back boxes and a neutral at switch positions;
• is there a power outlet above windows for curtain motors;
• is space and power provided for a motorised valve at the water inlet;
• are the central cabinet's position, sockets and ventilation decided;
• have spare conduits been laid on main routes.

All this preparation can be done before buying a single smart device, and it keeps the home's future options open.

Zaferoğlu İnşaat plans electrical, lighting and curtain solutions together in its design projects, and the company's curtain division can help choose motorised tracks. To prepare your home for smart systems, get in touch with us before the renovation starts.