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Estridge Development Co. in Carmel, Ind., recently opened a studio to allow homeowners to see home-automation systems.
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By Craig A. Shutt
A home-automation system requires more attention to detail and scheduling than many other product systems that a homebuilder offers. These systems encompass a wide range of components and controls, including equipment for audio-visual systems, lighting, blinds, HVAC, plumbing, water and others. Not only must all of these products be scheduled and installed at the most efficient time, but they must work together to simplify the system as much as possible to avoid overwhelming the new homeowner.
At Estridge Development Co. in Carmel, Ind., these systems are presented to the homeowner in both retail and planning situations, explains Jaimie Maple, director of purchasing. The company expanded its retail aspects in January when it opened a new design studio, HomExperience, which combines its original building-product design studio with retail products.
The front 2,000 square feet of the studio consists of retail presentations that include some automation items that homeowners can buy from the company even if they don't purchase a new home, he explains. Behind that display space is the design studio, which includes displays of various home systems, including home-automation options. "We create an experience for the homeowner that shows how all of these systems work together in an environment, to help them understand them." The displays include plasma TVs and home-theater options along with offerings for structural wiring, which the company has included since 1999.
In an effort to simplify the homeowner's decisions, Maple notes, Estridge doesn't offer a lot of option packages. The builder constructs homes in a wide price range, from $230,000 to $6 million, with most of the more expansive high-tech systems offered at the high end.
Countdown
Scheduling each subcontractor to handle his portion of the automation system depends on the system selected, the size of the home, the overall timetable and other factors. Estridge schedules these subs in conjunction with its other construction schedules. Regardless of the system selected, however, the company follows a similar process for incorporating these products into the home's construction schedule.
Upon deciding to purchase a home, a new Estridge homeowner will schedule three appointments with the Design Studio staff, Maple explains. The first takes place within two weeks of signing the papers, when initial décor decisions are made. About two weeks later, the second appointment takes place, when customers work through the home's systems, including audio-visual, structural wiring, HVAC and water conditioning.
This meeting can take anywhere from two to five hours, depending on the complexity of the automation system and the number of questions and concerns that arise. "All of the systems, including electrical, HVAC and plumbing, have to work together, so it can take a while to work through everything," Maple says. About one week later, the final meeting firms up these decisions and finalizes any remaining selections.
Within three weeks, the drawings are completed and sent to vendors for their response and comments. Once they are finalized, purchase orders are generated. Foundation work usually begins within about a week. A complete schedule of when systems will be installed is created at that time.
About five to six weeks into construction, the second rough installation of electrical is completed, with wires run according to the plan worked out with the homeowners. At this point, the systems are brought together. "We try to avoid creating any change orders before it has reached even this point to keep everything running smoothly," he says.
A Technical Finish meeting is held about three to four weeks later, when the home is nearly completed. At this time, the homeowner selects finish outlet plates and other decorative elements, which are put into place. When the home is completed, a Home Life team goes through the home and checks that all systems are completed and the fit and finish are as documented. The team also demonstrates the various systems, including the home-automation equipment, to help make the homeowners familiar with their new equipment.
If the Home Life Team isn't able to complete its checklist due to problems with systems or other delays, the team arranges to fix the system or delay the closing. "We won't close on a home until everything is shown to be operating well and all details are taken care of," Maple says.
The result is a home that not only operates efficiently but is operated by knowledgeable homeowners who understand their home-automation system and its benefits. It's a home that runs like clockwork—the perfect result of a schedule that was planned almost to the minute from the moment of the sale.
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