By David Geer
If you've never hired a home automation integrator, the process can be as painful as stumbling around in the dark in a home you've never canvassed.
Depending on the job, integrating home automation systems can involve many technologies—including information technology (IT), small-office/home-office (SOHO) and multiple control systems for security, entertainment and utilities-based applications.
Integration can include a network of lights, alarms, Internet connections and consumer electronics to work in harmony for the convenience and protection of the homeowner, according to Ken Fairbanks, vice president of sales at SmartLabs Inc, Irvine, Calif. A qualified integrator will know "what to subcontract to an IT professional, a security installer, an AV specialist and an electrician" so the components work together, says Fairbanks. So as a builder, you need to know how to find one.
The network for integrators
To find a qualified professional integretor, look to member organizations, standards groups and trade associations. Fairbanks recommends starting with your local and national homebuilders' associations, the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) in Arlington, Va., and the Custom Electronic Design and Installation Association (CEDIA) in Indianapolis.
You also can try looking through the Continental Automated Buildings Association (CABA) membership using CABA's Industry Tour Web tool. CABA, based in Ottawa, Ont., is a non-profit promoting home automation technologies. "Homeowners can also find an integrator to deploy structured wiring systems by using CNET's online Home Integrator Directory, an initiative supported by CABA and other industry associations," says CABA communications director, Rawlson O'Neil King.
Certifications pinpoint competence
When you locate potential contractors, ask about their professional memberships, certifications and references. The various certifications are especially good indicators of the individual's competence in home-automation consulting, integration and installation. CEDIA and the Computer Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) of Oakbrook Terrace, Ill., each offer installer certifications, according to Helen Heneveld, president of
Bedrock Learning, a leading residential technology training organization located in Holland, Mich.:
- CEDIA's certifications identify technicians who meet industry standards in the areas of home theater, AV, automation, lighting, environmental control and home network installation and integration.
- CEDIA Level I Installers work under supervision. They install wiring, cabling and components for low-voltage electronics in residential applications including home theater, audio, video, home automation, radio frequency, telephony and data networks, says Heneveld. While they are good technicians, Level I Installers are probably not good candidates for lead integrators.
- The Level II Installer, whom you may want to select as your lead integrator, supervises such projects and "installs, troubleshoots, calibrates and ensures that the installation meets specifications," says Heneveld.
- The CompTIA is a vendor-neutral organization. Its Home Technology Integrator (HTI+) certification is recognized across the industry as a validation of excellence in home network integration. The HTI+ demonstrates competencies in installation, integration and troubleshooting for home security, AV, computer networks, wiring, HVAC, cable, satellite, broadband, telecommunications and structured wiring, according to Heneveld.
- In addition to the CompTIA Home Technology Integrator (HTI+) certification, CABA actively supports the Electronic Systems Technician designation as a home automation integration credential (For more information, visit
www.hightechjobs.org).
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