What would you have and why?

[Leader]

So my partner and I have possibly lost our minds and bought and old chapel which, all being well, we'll start to convert in 2 or 3 months. I want it to be all singing and dancing in terms of lighting/audio/etc but I also want it to be unobtrusive. I don't have any experience working in high tech/posh gaffs so what works and what doesn't? Some of the ideas I have are:
1) PIR presence detectors in some areas e.g. Around the gallery and games room
2) push to break door switches on larder/dressing room
3) hidden speakers
4) a control unit to dim down lights, turn on floor leds, turn on projector and drop screen down (if feasible without costing an arm and a leg)

I'd love to hear what you'd have! And anything to steer clear of because they're a problem waiting to happen.

 

[Midwest]

Wow that AV forum has a lot of info to get your head around! Should find some good advice there thanks.

Just don't take advice from them, on doing an electrical installation!

 

[HandySparks]

I thought about motorised blinds, I think they would be a good idea as the windows are very high and we'd have to go up onto the gallery to operate them. Heating controls would also be good. I don't even know what water harvesting is??

Rainwater harvesting: Typically bury a huge plastic tank in the garden and use it to store the rainwater from the roof. Use the water for flushing loos, watering the garden and washing the car. I've been involved in installing one system. No idea whether it's financially worthwhile, but it's clearly 'green' to reduce mains water consumption.

Obviously you need to have the loos, outside taps, etc. plumbed in separately to the mains water taps.

 

[HandySparks]

1) PIR presence detectors in some areas e.g. Around the gallery and games room
2) push to break door switches on larder/dressing room

I have PIR occupancy switches in my garage and shed. I've also fitted one to a utility room. Works really well when set to a couple of minutes. Just don't fit one where an automatic light might be a nuisance on occasions. I'd probably also use one for cupboards instead of a door switch.

 

[egg67]

Rain water harvesting - big plastic tank buried in the ground with pump and filters inside it, all down pipes from guttering feeding it, the pump then feeds a tank in the loft which feeds your toilets and washing machine, the loxone mini server tells the pump to pump when the water in the loft tank gets to a certain level so the pump will not run every time you have a poo or the wife washes your Y fronts , if your on a water meter you get charged for the water you use and they then charge you for sewage which is worked out on the amount of water you have used, so if your toilets and washing machine and being supplied by the water tank buried in the garden it will save you money and this will help to pay for the System and the Electric the pump uses, think it's a bit like solar you get your money back in 20 years

 

[mydigitalhome]

Hi Control4 or Rako control for lighting. Suggest allow a good size wide cupboard or room for lighting controls etc. PM me if you want more details.

 

[Leader]

I can't get the hang of the quote thing. Thanks handysparks, why would you use PIR in cupboards instead of door switches? Also would it be possible to overide the PIR when I've got the cinema in operation? Wouldn't want the lights coming on every time someone goes to the loo.

 

[HandySparks]

I can't get the hang of the quote thing. Thanks handysparks, why would you use PIR in cupboards instead of door switches? Also would it be possible to overide the PIR when I've got the cinema in operation? Wouldn't want the lights coming on every time someone goes to the loo.

I suppose the cupboard light switch depends on what sort of catch is fitted to the door. If there's any chance of the door remaining slightly ajar, then a door switch is no good.

Yes, you can fit override-on and/or override-off switches to a PIR controlled circuit. I'd just keep it simple and just fit a PIR where you always want the light coming on.

 

[Lagentium]

First of all I'd give Kevin McCloud a phone call and see if the Grand Designs lot are interested in filming it! I can't even begin to think of all the questions you have to ask, not only the electricians but other trades also. Are you employing a project manager or managing the project yourself? I'd get the companies listed by the other lads on the blower to be able to take you to some installations you can actually see in situ and up and running. Some reps can promise you the earth to get you to buy something then not give a ---- once it's paid for. I hope you get a decent spark on the job, because lads who care make a hell of a difference to a job. Good luck with it all!

 

[Leesparkykent]

Rako or control 4 or if you want to go all out Lutron.

 

[Leader]

Great info thanks!
We tried George Clarke but he wasn't interested. It's listed as well which makes it more awkward. We're going to project manage ourselves, I'm planning on doing the run of the mill electrics but will probably need to get someone in for the fancy stuff (audio and automation). We didn't realise we needed to think about all this stuff for the architect to include in his plans. We naively thought it would come after. We have to pick which wood burner we're having now etc.
Good tip about going to have a look at some installations in the flesh. We don't have huge budget so it would be gutting to waste money on something sh**e.

 

[Midwest]

Hot tub in the garden, with Pampas Grass in the front garden .

I'd have one of these, her indoors might not be happy if the young lady was part of the package;
Steam Generators, Steam Rooms & Steam Showers - http://www.helo.co.uk/steam-generators-showers-rooms-154

 

[Leader]

Oh dear, better not show that to the other half else that'll be another bedroom gone. She can have that outside in a shed.