Browse Forums Home Theatre & Automation 1 Sep 26, 2009 1:34 am Hey everyone, Just wanted to make a note for anyone building in a Telstra Velocity area like me, who is looking at smart wiring their home. DO YOUR HOMEWORK. Obviously as this is new technology with little information available at the moment some companies are taking advantage of homeowners lack of knowledge. Received a letter from Intelligent Homes advising that they are the 'Telstra Preferred' company in WA for designing and installing a smart wire system. We were lead to believe that we had no other option than to go with them. They quoted us: $3575.00 for 3 TV points and 6 data points. They would only install the points on external walls and we couldn't change the layout without incurring additional costs. I still didn't trust that they were the only ppl qualified and logged onto http://www.smartwiredhouse.com.au, again. This time I selected Fremantle instead of Perth and found three more places that had the same main points of Telstra's approval (Smart Wire Designer, Telstra Accredited, Foxtel Approved), exactly the same as IH. I sent a RFQ off to the first one on the list (Home Cinema System, Bibra Lake). Received my quote today. $2200.00. Not only is it $1375.00 cheaper, it is also the exact same product, we've tailored it to suit our lifestyle and preferences and they will install the points on any wall we choose. They also gave us quote on a security alarm. (4 Pet PIR's, 1 glass break PIR, 2 reed switches, screamer, strobe, control panel) $1455.00. (IH's was $1525.00 for 3 Pet PIR's, screamer, strobe, control panel). I'm really glad I kept hunting around and didn't accept the first quote. I'll be going with HCS on this one.. Really lovely ppl to deal with and they are actually interested in what you want and aren't focused on what will be easier for them. Building with Homebuyers Centre Nova (3 x2) Malvern Springs, Ellenbrook Land purchased: 8/11/2008 Slab down: 9/5/2009 Brickwork complete: 4/7/2009 Lock up: 2/10/2009 First Inspection: 25/11/2009 Final Inspection: 2/12/2009 Moved In: 5/12/2009 Re: Smart Wire Installers - Do your homework!!! 2Sep 26, 2009 2:12 am Before you go ahead - maybe check with just an electrician. These are just wires. You don't need no fancy company to install them, they'll just charge you on the illusion that they are doing something special, but they are'nt. Re: Smart Wire Installers - Do your homework!!! 3Sep 26, 2009 8:34 am ibfragalot99 Before you go ahead - maybe check with just an electrician. These are just wires. You don't need no fancy company to install them Yes, you do -- the installation (and the installer) needs to be certified before you can connect the data network to Telstra's network. Re: Smart Wire Installers - Do your homework!!! 4Sep 26, 2009 10:38 am Djelibeybi ibfragalot99 Before you go ahead - maybe check with just an electrician. These are just wires. You don't need no fancy company to install them Yes, you do -- the installation (and the installer) needs to be certified before you can connect the data network to Telstra's network. indeed.... Kodiak Data Cabling onFaceBook Consult*, Design and Installation Data, TV, Home Theatre/ AV Cabling, Multi Room Audio, IP CCTV and Door Intercoms Ask for a Quote. *DIY DATA Cabling Is Ilegal Re: Smart Wire Installers - Do your homework!!! 5Sep 26, 2009 5:36 pm We are on Telstra Velocity in Brisbane, and your right it is so hard to find people to do the smart wiring, but you really do have to shop around their prices vary so much. Lucky for us I got talking to one of the Dads at a school event and he just happen to do smart wiring through a security, back to base monitoring business which was one area I didn't think of looking in. All up with installation it is costing $3990 with the Hill Hub system we have in brief 9 tv points 7 phone points 7 network points RG6 Coax Cat 5 Blue for phone Cat 5 Grey for data and other stuff which the other half understands but is beyond me. All I want is internet that works faster than this silly wireless thing. Cheers Lou http://take2-customdesigndownslope.blogspot.com 07-10-09 omg they have cut the block 14-05-10 we finally have the keys Re: Smart Wire Installers - Do your homework!!! 6Sep 26, 2009 7:57 pm Incidentally, heres the plans/prices for Telstra Velocity http://bc.whirlpool.net.au/bc/isp-1-9/t ... locity.htm Re: Smart Wire Installers - Do your homework!!! 7Sep 26, 2009 8:39 pm I am really suprised to hear that about intelligent homes! Very expensive! We received a basic package with our home through them. We added about 14 data points (extra harmonica) and conduits (3 plasma, 4 normal, 1 alarm) and some speaker cabling all up was 2k - and we were allowed to put anything we want any where we wanted. *Built with Gemmill Homes in WA* Slab - 1st June 2009 Plate Height - 17th June 2009 Lock Up - 18th August 2009 PCI - 5th October 2009 Hand Over - 15th Oct 2009 https://forum.homeone.com.au/viewtopic.php?f=31&t=20844 Re: Smart Wire Installers - Do your homework!!! 8Sep 26, 2009 9:41 pm Manda I am really suprised to hear that about intelligent homes! Very expensive! We received a basic package with our home through them. We added about 14 data points (extra harmonica) and conduits (3 plasma, 4 normal, 1 alarm) and some speaker cabling all up was 2k - and we were allowed to put anything we want any where we wanted. Yeah the basic package was cheaper, however they advised it wasn't upgradeable and it wasn't actually classed as being smart wiring. There was no control box etc.. it was just your basic basic wiring. Are you sure your receiving a smart wire package and not just a normal cabling package? Are you building in a Telstra Velocity estate? Building with Homebuyers Centre Nova (3 x2) Malvern Springs, Ellenbrook Land purchased: 8/11/2008 Slab down: 9/5/2009 Brickwork complete: 4/7/2009 Lock up: 2/10/2009 First Inspection: 25/11/2009 Final Inspection: 2/12/2009 Moved In: 5/12/2009 Re: Smart Wire Installers - Do your homework!!! 9Sep 26, 2009 9:50 pm ibfragalot99 Incidentally, heres the plans/prices for Telstra Velocity http://bc.whirlpool.net.au/bc/isp-1-9/t ... locity.htm This is just the price list for monthly internet usage plans and does not include the smart wire set up costs. Building with Homebuyers Centre Nova (3 x2) Malvern Springs, Ellenbrook Land purchased: 8/11/2008 Slab down: 9/5/2009 Brickwork complete: 4/7/2009 Lock up: 2/10/2009 First Inspection: 25/11/2009 Final Inspection: 2/12/2009 Moved In: 5/12/2009 Re: Smart Wire Installers - Do your homework!!! 11Sep 26, 2009 10:09 pm Quote: Yeah the basic package was cheaper, however they advised it wasn't upgradeable and it wasn't actually classed as being smart wiring. There was no control box etc.. it was just your basic basic wiring. Are you sure your receiving a smart wire package and not just a normal cabling package? Are you building in a Telstra Velocity estate? I am not in a Telstra Velocity estate, I was just commenting on the prices for IH as they seem a bit extreme compared to what I was quoted. (I avoid Telstra at all costs! They are not very nice without competition to keep them in check) We had some sort of smart wiring package free with the house, that came with control box in garage, and a bunch of points, phone etc (getting technical here!!). Then before prestart we visited intelligent homes and bought the other stuff and they included it in the plans for when they come out to do the basic install for the builder. No fuss! I don't know much about teh technical side of things but it sounds like they are trying to get a few extra dollars out of you? *Built with Gemmill Homes in WA* Slab - 1st June 2009 Plate Height - 17th June 2009 Lock Up - 18th August 2009 PCI - 5th October 2009 Hand Over - 15th Oct 2009 https://forum.homeone.com.au/viewtopic.php?f=31&t=20844 Re: Smart Wire Installers - Do your homework!!! 12Sep 26, 2009 11:54 pm take2 We are on Telstra Velocity in Brisbane, and your right it is so hard to find people to do the smart wiring, but you really do have to shop around their prices vary so much. Lucky for us I got talking to one of the Dads at a school event and he just happen to do smart wiring through a security, back to base monitoring business which was one area I didn't think of looking in. All up with installation it is costing $3990 with the Hill Hub system we have in brief 9 tv points 7 phone points 7 network points RG6 Coax Cat 5 Blue for phone Cat 5 Grey for data and other stuff which the other half understands but is beyond me. All I want is internet that works faster than this silly wireless thing. Cheers Lou lol $160ish/ point.... i only charge $125..... did a all data install of 35 points came out to $118/ point also lol at needing two colours of cable........ any good tech lables each one when installing and knows what they are doing with a tone set if they arn't labled...... also warnign to all those thinking they need to have "accredited" installers you just need to have competent ones. heck i claim that I'm accredited for Opticomm and Veloctiy estates by simply saying that on my web site/ business card Kodiak Data Cabling onFaceBook Consult*, Design and Installation Data, TV, Home Theatre/ AV Cabling, Multi Room Audio, IP CCTV and Door Intercoms Ask for a Quote. *DIY DATA Cabling Is Ilegal Re: Smart Wire Installers - Do your homework!!! 13Sep 27, 2009 1:43 am Manda Quote: I don't know much about teh technical side of things but it sounds like they are trying to get a few extra dollars out of you? yeah i agree.. squeeze whatever dollars they can. maybe we were easy targets cos we told them we knew nothing about smart wire or the velocity cable etc.. or maybe cos velocity cable is involved they feel they can use it as an excuse to bump the prices up! anyway they're not getting our business, and i saved a heap of money - win win for me. lol Building with Homebuyers Centre Nova (3 x2) Malvern Springs, Ellenbrook Land purchased: 8/11/2008 Slab down: 9/5/2009 Brickwork complete: 4/7/2009 Lock up: 2/10/2009 First Inspection: 25/11/2009 Final Inspection: 2/12/2009 Moved In: 5/12/2009 Re: Smart Wire Installers - Do your homework!!! 14Sep 27, 2009 8:13 am it seams apon futher investigation these guys have paid some fees and done a course that "certifies" them kinda scarey the ammounts of moeny they are charing for installs tho.... btw there is not much of a difference betwen what these guys are doing to compared to what i do and I'm not "certified" yet, although i charge alot less for as what i consider to be a better more customized system Kodiak Data Cabling onFaceBook Consult*, Design and Installation Data, TV, Home Theatre/ AV Cabling, Multi Room Audio, IP CCTV and Door Intercoms Ask for a Quote. *DIY DATA Cabling Is Ilegal Re: Smart Wire Installers - Do your homework!!! 15Oct 27, 2009 11:16 am I am building in Malvern Springs, Ellenbrook and I have been checking into alternative installers for Smart wiring to Telstra Velocity. After reading the posted comments, I have found a company near ellenbrook that was very helpful, I am putting in three TV points and they are suggesting adding a booster for the TV signal. The other company I went to was very expensive and did not mention any extra requirements. Does any one now if a booster is neccessary? Cheers Re: Smart Wire Installers - Do your homework!!! 16Nov 11, 2009 10:24 pm drafty I am building in Malvern Springs, Ellenbrook and I have been checking into alternative installers for Smart wiring to Telstra Velocity. After reading the posted comments, I have found a company near ellenbrook that was very helpful, I am putting in three TV points and they are suggesting adding a booster for the TV signal. The other company I went to was very expensive and did not mention any extra requirements. Does any one now if a booster is neccessary? Cheers Are you talking about a three point system or just three individual TV points? Neither are really what they'd class as smart wiring but a three point pack (ph, tv, net) is a good start. The first place we went to mentioned a booster but it's not necessary so I've been told, not on a three point plan anyway. If you're wanting to get a proper smart wire system I recommend you go to a company that specialize in smart wired homes - try http://www.smartwiredhouse.com.au. There are four or five companies in WA that are Smart wire designers. Home Cinemas Systems have been installing smart wire for years and really do know what they are talking about. If you're building with Homebuyers its even better as they can gain access to your house at any stage without causing contract issues. Just remember that any electrician can wire your home for you but will it be upgradeable later down the track and will you even be able to access the services your after. Building with Homebuyers Centre Nova (3 x2) Malvern Springs, Ellenbrook Land purchased: 8/11/2008 Slab down: 9/5/2009 Brickwork complete: 4/7/2009 Lock up: 2/10/2009 First Inspection: 25/11/2009 Final Inspection: 2/12/2009 Moved In: 5/12/2009 Re: Smart Wire Installers - Do your homework!!! 17Nov 11, 2009 10:30 pm jessica & jordan Just remember that any electrician can wire your home for you but will it be upgradeable later down the track and will you even be able to access the services your after. only if their have their Data ticket... Kodiak Data Cabling onFaceBook Consult*, Design and Installation Data, TV, Home Theatre/ AV Cabling, Multi Room Audio, IP CCTV and Door Intercoms Ask for a Quote. *DIY DATA Cabling Is Ilegal Re: Smart Wire Installers - Do your homework!!! 18Nov 12, 2009 11:37 am Dunno much about Telstra Velocity but my intention is not to touch anything from Telstra with a 10-feet pole (and with naked ADSL options available in the areas where we're building this intention will be achieved in full). Ethernet wiring is a simple one -- I've ordered 7 RJ45 connections to be deployed by my builder at the time they do electricals. All leads will be terminated to a linen area where a switch will be deployed. I've estimated to total cabling (for 7 cables) will be around 150 metres. Considering they have charged me $100 per point -- I believe it is bargain. TV antenna sockets costed us $80 each. Sound Wiring for 8 speakers and two zones was another $500 or so... ... built a Promenade with Clarendon. viewtopic.php?f=31&t=25104 20-10-09 - excavation and piering completed ... 12-04-10 - Basins fixed. Connecting to the electrical grid 23-04-10 - PCI 07-05-10 - HANDOVER! Re: Smart Wire Installers - Do your homework!!! 19Nov 12, 2009 11:42 am ibfragalot99 Incidentally, heres the plans/prices for Telstra Velocity http://bc.whirlpool.net.au/bc/isp-1-9/t ... locity.htm OMG - who would sign up to a Telstra internet plan. $150 per Gb for excess use is crazy. Exetel charge $3 Plus Telstra charge you for uplaods as well as downloads. Most ISPs only count the downloads. You are crazy if you sign up for one of those plans. Re: Smart Wire Installers - Do your homework!!! 20Nov 12, 2009 11:44 am ebyelyakov Dunno much about Telstra Velocity but my intention is not to touch anything from Telstra with a 10-feet pole (and with naked ADSL options available in the areas where we're building this intention will be achieved in full). Ethernet wiring is a simple one -- I've ordered 7 RJ45 connections to be deployed by my builder at the time they do electricals. All leads will be terminated to a linen area where a switch will be deployed. I've estimated to total cabling (for 7 cables) will be around 150 metres. Considering they have charged me $100 per point -- I believe it is bargain. TV antenna sockets costed us $80 each. Sound Wiring for 8 speakers and two zones was another $500 or so... yes very good price... don't expect any after instlal help tho... 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