We provide an end-to-end electrical design, installation and management solution for property developers, builders of new homes, architects and interior designers.
There are eight stages of a typical smart home automation project. Working together, or with your preferred electrical contractor, we can take you through every stage of the project, from developing the scope of works to full installation and on-going support.
Develop scope of works
A detailed scope of works is the foundation of every successful new build smart home project. But first we usually need to enlighten our clients about the wide range of possibilities of home automation, because you can’t make informed decisions until you understand what’s possible. After discussing your requirements and aspirations we prepare the scope of works. We always take into account your budget and aesthetic preferences, functionality, energy efficiency and future technological needs.
Design and documentation
After liaising with the architect and interior designer, we produce detailed specifications for all electrical and electronic works, complete plans showing the location of all services, and detailed schedules of cabling requirements and layouts. These documents are used by the electrical contractor to install the cabling in preparation for the home automation systems.
The end result is a set of documents that includes:
- An electrical contractor tender specification document (if required)
- All electrical layouts including power points, telephones, floor heating, towel rails, fans, pumps, etc.
- Electronic systems layouts including audio visual, home theatre, security, access control, CCTV, etc.
- Communications layouts including internet and telephone
- Lighting layouts including zoning, switching and switch plate design
- Systems distributions locations
- Cable routing locations
Selecting an electrical contractor
There are two options here:
Many of our clients choose uss as the preferred electrical contractor for their projects. In this case no tender is necessary –we simply prepares a quote for the installation.
Alternatively, you may choose to tender for an electrical contractor. Our detailed tender specification document helps minimise erroneous interpretations by electrical contractors. This means tenders can be compared to each other easily and accurately. It also helps ensure the project will be completed with a minimum of costly variations.
Cabling and infrastructure installation
At this stage, We or your selected electrical contractor installs the electrical, lighting, audio visual, communications and data cabling and infrastructure.
Project management
Throughout the cabling and infrastructure installation we support and liaise with the electrician, designers and other trades-people e.g. architects, builders, landscape architects, interior designers, plumbers and security contractors.
It’s our job to help the designers, builders and contractors understand the exact requirements of the infrastructure and systems to be installed. This ensures the home automation systems are implemented to the highest standard.
Product selection and installation
This is the stage where final product selection is made under the agreed guidelines. We believe systems components (e.g. lighting or video projectors) should be chosen on the basis of functionality and aesthetics.
We’re not aligned with any product manufacturer which means we will always recommend the best products for your requirements and budget. If money is no object we’ll supply you with the finest products on the market. And if you’re working to a budget we’ll make sure you get the most cost-effective solution.
Since the preceding stages may take many months it’s prudent to wait until the cabling and infrastructure is installed before selecting systems components. This means you can take advantage of technological advances that have occurred during the construction phase.
Once selection has been made, the chosen system components are purchased, installed, programmed and commissioned. At the completion of this stage the entire home automation system is ready for handover.
Handover and tuition
Obviously it’s crucial that you understand how to get the best from your home automation system. At this critical stage we handover the finished system and explain its operation. Once you have lived in your new home for a while we can return to fine tune the system to better fit your lifestyle if necessary.
On-going support and maintenance
All our systems are tried and tested before handover. However, due to circumstances beyond our control, there can be occasional failures. So we offer a wide range of warranty and support options, from basic return to base warranty through to tailored maintenance agreements. We can also create a plan for systems upgrades, as and when you want them