Imagine being able to monitor your home from across the world using just a mobile phone. With an automated security system in place, CCTV cameras, motion sensors and intelligent lighting systems take care of your home when you’re away. All it takes is a bit of planning during construction, say experts. “The price of home automation systems has become more affordable and it’s no longer considered a luxury. For instance, when planned in advance, a two-bedroom apartment worth Rs. 80 lakh can be converted into a smart home at an additional cost of Rs. 5 lakh. But if you do it later, the costs could go up to Rs. 8 lakh, says Chitti Babu, managing director, Akshaya Homes, whose portfolio includes smart homes.
Apart from controlling audio/video systems, curtains and intercoms, home automation comes with CCTV cameras, centrally controlled heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) and irrigation systems.
Integrated BMS (building management software) is replacing manual operations in office projects, and soon it will become common in homes too, says Pavitra Sriprakash, director, Shilpa Architects. She says, “Smart technologies enable us to monitor system performances, thereby optimising energy use. For example, lights and appliances can be automatically turned off when not in use. Safety too is a key aspect of a smart home and systems have gone further than just sensors.
For instance, systems can send constant notifications to a user’s device if any unforeseen activity is detected.”
But Shripal Munshi, partner, Shripal and Venkat Architects, says there’s no point in building smart homes without proper infrastructure. “The integrated systems need 24/7 uninterrupted electricity and water to work effectively. If that’s in place, home automation is a great idea, both aesthetically and economically, as the initial costs can be recovered in the long term."
As clients opt for home automation, C. Tilak Raj, director, Sales and Marketing, Malles Construction, says the technology will trickle down to smaller homes too. “We have CCTV systems and video phone doors. We plan to integrate home automation into our high-end flats in T. Nagar and Poes Garden soon. The systems are priced from Rs. 1 lakh; we can customise them for clients based on needs and budget.”
Sriram Mulukutla, an Adyar resident, opted for a smart system without frills. “My apartment is quite old, so the cost of converting it into a full-fledged smart home would have been very high. I opted for specific features such as video phone door, intruder alarm, motion sensor and gas leak detection. The luxury angle is tempting but safety was first priority.”
