So I currently just converted from Frontpoint to SuretyDIY - Love all the features in Alarm.com that FrontPoint didnt support and that SuretyDIY does.
I currently have the Qolsys Panel that I plan to bring over to the new house (Or will upgrade to the Qolsys V2 that comes out in Fall).
THE HOUSE:
It will be 2 stories with a basement. Break ground in June 2016, finishes in May 2016.
DOOR/WINDOW SENSORS:
For sensors, I don’t have a need to transfer my existing ones. Since building new, it is better to use a hardwires sensor to a Qolsys Wire 16, or will all Qolsys Wireless Sensors be fine?
Which sensor is the best to use (Model # of either hardwire or wireless)?
Automatic WINDOW BLINDS/SHADES:
I would like to have automatic blinds/shades in the master bedroom and in the living room. I feel that hardwire is no brainer here. What voltage do blinds take? How is it wired up? I’ve read something about Lutron having something. Where do I buy compatible blinds, who has a system, how does this all work? Kind of blind in this area.
GARAGE DOOR:
Will simply use liftmaster gateway with liftmaster garage motor, this one is easy. Add a tilt sensor to garage door.
SMOKE/CARBON MONOXIDE:
I was thinking of going with the wired Nest smoke alarms since they are so much more intelligent, better looking, have pathway lighting, etc. for all the required detectors. Then, just adding an alarm.com compatible ones on each floor for alarm notification. Is this the best way to go here?
THERMOSTATS:
Currently I have the Trane TZEMT400BB3’s. Should I just bring these over to the new house? They seem to be the best out of the other z-wave thermostats. I would really like to go with something snazzier - like Nest. I heard a Nest version is compatible, but only support adjusting temp up and down, none of the smart controls. Will there be better integration later on? Is the latest v3 of Nest the compatible one? Are there cooler things on the horizon.
DOOR LOCKS:
Have a kwikset now. The Yale touchpad looks like the one I will go with on the new home. Use for front door and door to garage. Guessing most brands are just preference here?
OTHER:
I plan to use Qolsys doorbell, Flood Sensor for the basement, glass break for rear glass window, maybe image motion sensor here and there? Anything I am missing?
CAMERAS:
Would like to have one at the front door. I have a couple Nest cams I use for baby monitors. I plan to just use those on the interior. Should I ditch and go with an alarm.com compatible one in place?
It sounds like I can schedule blinds automation, get notifacitons, etc all through alarm.com. Is there any real reason to blow big dollars on Control4 or such systems? Sounds like alarm.com will do what I need, and good harmony one will take care of my media needs.
Thanks for all the help!