What to automate first.
Start with what you touch every day: lighting, shades and climate, then audio, video and security. Put them on one control system, with a keypad in each room and an app, and build the network first so all of it stays reliable. Add the rest when it earns its place.
Why start with lighting and shades?
Because they're used every hour. Scenes for morning, evening and night replace banks of switches. Shades that follow the sun keep the west rooms cool in the afternoon and give you the view back at dusk. More on motorized shades for the Las Vegas sun.
What should one press do?
The test of a good smart home: one press at the door for leaving turns off the lights, lowers the shades, sets the alarm and the thermostat. One press at night walks the house down, room by room. If it takes an app and three menus, it's a remote control with extra steps.
Why does the network come first?
Every part of a smart home talks over the network. Hardwired access points on the ceilings, a dressed rack with labeled cabling, and a network designed for the house mean video calls, streaming and the control system never fight for bandwidth. See home networks.
New build or retrofit?
New builds and renovations are the time to wire properly: keypads, shade power and access points go in before drywall. Existing homes can still be automated, often with wireless devices where walls are closed, planned room by room.
Who looks after it?
Care plans keep the system current, with remote monitoring where the system allows and one number to call. See home automation and control.
Where does CORVX work?
CORVX is a Las Vegas, Nevada company that engineers, installs and supports smart home and commercial technology: control and automation, audio and video, home theater, lighting, motorized shading, networks, security and electrical.
Smart homes across Las Vegas, Henderson, Summerlin, Spring Valley and Enterprise.
Questions
What is the best smart home system?
The one that fits the house. Crestron, Lutron, Control4 and Savant are all proven; the right one depends on size, what you already own and how you live.
Can I control everything from my phone?
Yes, with an app, plus a keypad in each room so nobody has to find a phone to turn on the lights.
Can an existing home be automated?
Yes. Retrofits use wireless devices where walls are closed and plan new wiring where it's practical.