Smart home project: why without it you are throwing money away

I regularly see the same situation: a client decides to save on smart home design and immediately jumps to purchasing equipment. The result? Rework, additional expenses, and disappointment from non-functional systems.

After 7 years of leading Futurenity, I’ve come to a firm conclusion: the absence of a well-thought-out automation project guarantees a budget increase of at least 30%. Let’s explore why professional design isn’t a luxury but a necessity.

What is a smart home project, and how much does it cost?

Project documentation for an automation system is a detailed plan of all technical solutions for your future smart home. It includes:

• Floor plans for sensor placement, actuators, control hubs, and all cable routes
• Detailed electrical schematics for KNX, Control4, or other system connections
• Specifications with an exact list of equipment and materials
• Operating algorithms for each subsystem (climate, lighting, security)
• Integration diagrams with engineering systems via Modbus, DALI, and other protocols

The cost of professional design starts at €5 per m². This is roughly 5-7% of the total automation budget—a small fraction compared to potential losses.

5 reasons why a smart home project is essential

1. Savings of up to 20% on equipment costs

Switches, water leak detectors, and other smart devices are often purchased in excess or with mismatched specifications. A project helps:

• Precisely calculate the required number of controllers and modules
• Avoid incompatible equipment from different protocols (e.g., preventing a situation where an AC module only works with its own app)
• Select components with the best price-to-functionality ratio
• Reduce installation and commissioning costs by 30-40%
• Plan system operations and lay cables, purchasing and installing equipment in stages as needed

A recent example: a client independently purchased €15,000 worth of automation components, only to discover during installation that some devices couldn’t integrate. They had to spend an additional €4,000 on gateways and adapters.

2. Risk minimization and increased reliability

A smart home system isn’t just a collection of gadgets—it’s a complex network of interconnected devices. A project ensures:

• Correct electrical load calculations (critical for systems with numerous actuators)
• Optimal sensor placement for maximum efficiency
• Well-designed automation logic covering all usage scenarios
• Reliable redundancy for critical functions

3. Significant simplification of installation

Installing an automation system without a project turns into endless improvisation. Project documentation provides:

• Clear instructions for installers on component placement
• Detailed wiring diagrams for automation panels
• A structured workflow and system testing sequence
• A unified document for all specialists and the client
• A 30-40% reduction in installation time

4. Scalability of the system

A properly designed automation system based on professional protocols (KNX, DALI) allows for:

• Easy addition of new devices and functions without reworking existing ones
• Integration of additional subsystems (e.g., home theater or pool)
• Expansion into new rooms or zones
• Equipment upgrades without major reconstruction
• Simple customization for each user’s needs

5. Full realization of smart home capabilities

Without a professional project, many smart home features remain unrealized. A well-designed project ensures:

• Up to 35% energy savings through optimized climate control
• Seamless control of all systems via a single interface
• Integration with voice assistants (Amazon Alexa, Google Home)
• Reliable security systems with water leak, motion, and surveillance sensors

A real-world case study

We recently completed a 250 m² country home automation project. The client initially tried to implement a smart home independently using Tuya and Smart Life. After numerous reliability and compatibility issues, they turned to us.

The process included:

1. Developing a professional KNX and DALI-based project (€2,800)
2. Assembling automation panels with Hager and Schneider Electric controllers (€4,500)
3. Installing and configuring the system while integrating existing equipment (€15,000)

Result: A functional, reliable smart home with room for future expansion. We integrated 40% of the client’s existing equipment, saving a significant portion of the budget.

What we offer

• Automation system design starting at €5 per m²
• Standard and custom smart home control panels from €1,000
• Supply of certified KNX, DALI, and other protocol equipment
• Turnkey project implementation with work guarantees

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to create a smart home project?
Depending on the property’s size and complexity—2 to 4 weeks. For standard solutions, timelines may be shorter.

Which equipment brands do you recommend?
For professional systems—KNX (Schneider Electric, Hager, ABB, Gira, Jung, Letour), Ubiquity, Safire, Crestron, Control4. For mid-budget projects—OXT, Shelly, Sonoff.

Can the system be expanded after installation?
Absolutely—if designed properly. Professional KNX, Modbus, or Zigbee systems scale easily.

What’s the minimum project cost?
From €500 for apartments up to 50 m². Standard solutions may cost less.

Do you guarantee the system’s functionality?
Yes, we provide a 1-year warranty on design documentation and oversee implementation.

Skipping an automation project always means risk and extra costs. Investing in professional design ensures a truly functional, convenient smart home—not a collection of disjointed, expensive gadgets.

It’s also worth noting that without a project, system details exist only in someone’s memory. If it’s yours, that’s half the problem—but if it’s your electrician’s, you’d better pray for their health and well-being.