The Brunette project is another example of how the Grand Home Automation process results in quality workmanship, on-time delivery, on-budget delivery, clearly defined goals, superior functionality, intuitive operation, and overall client satisfaction.

As in all Grand Home Automation projects, design is the driving force. For if design is done properly and completely in the beginning (rather than design as you go) all things down the road become much easier, including any changes. Through our initial (or conceptual) design phase, the Brunette’s needs and desires were determined. In order of importance, the systems that would enhance their lifestyle and meet their needs were:

1. Lighting Control
2. Security
3. Home Networking
4. Phone / Intercom
5. Home Theater
6. Whole House Music

Lighting control was very important as they have an extensive art collection and wanted to display it in the most dramatic fashion. They also entertain frequently and the idea of touching one button to light the entire home (inside and out) was very appealing.

Security was also very important as with any larger home in a rural setting, the peace of mind a security system offers is a great comfort. All of the family members use computers, so the desire to have a home network to allow sharing files, printers and broadband internet was high on the list.

A phone system with intercom was a need, as in any home of this size the ability to page or intercom all phones including cordless phones is a real time saver. Also, having the doorbell ring to phones is a great feature. These clients spend a good deal of time outside, and being able to be notified by and converse with the front door via the cordless phone allows them to direct guests to their location.

Home entertainment systems were only moderate desires of the client. A dedicated home theatre did not fit their life style, rather the Brunette’s opted for two multi-purpose viewing areas. In the Master Suite a direct view HDTV and surround system was selected. In the Hearth / Family Room a fifty inch HDTV plasma monitor and surround sound system were installed. Both of these systems are controlled by touch panel remotes, reducing most control to the press of a single button.

The Brunette Family uses whole house audio mainly for entertaining, so an elaborate multi source – multi zone audio system was not necessary. Rather, a simple single source – multi zone system was in order. All together ten rooms received speakers and volume controls with strategically placed keypads on each floor to allow source selection and control.

Once the concept was approved, the next step was the complete design of the system. This included all as-built prints and wiring schematics, all programming specifications, and all keypad and touch panel designs (including text engravings). By doing all of this design work early on (many times months before installation), we were able to build, program and test the Brunette’s systems at our facility. This greatly reduced the amount of time we spent in their home during final installation. What this means is the client moved into a completed and fully functional home, rather than one where most of the programming and trouble shooting takes place after the client moves in.

With the Grand Home Automation process, not only did the Brunettes move into a completed and functional home, but they moved into a home they were satisfied with. Our process conditions of satisfaction are well defined and easy to understand, so there were no surprises when the Brunettes moved in, only systems that functioned as promised!