On first hearing the term “home automation”, most log home owners will say something like… I didn’t build a rustic log home to turn it into a high-tech, silicon powered “smart building”.

I couldn’t agree more, the ever-changing technology of our fast-paced, hyper get-ahead world is one of the things most of us were trying to leave behind. But don’t let misinformation (or misunderstanding) keep you from achieving your original goal of simplifying your life.

Most of us can recall the first time we felt the excitement of making a light turn on with a timer, or changed channels on our TV with a remote control. A home automation system is about automating everyday tasks like those while getting the most from our energy dollars and protecting our home. Further good news is that we don’t have to call in the professionals to make it all happen.

Today’s home automation products are effortless to set up, even for non-geeks, and the cost is amazingly inexpensive. A typical starter kit, which includes home automation software several modules, remote controls and sensors is less than $100. Also, one of the best features of these systems is that you don’t have to leave your computer turned on for everything to work (additional modules for lamps and appliances cost as little as $15).

A company called X10 is the leader in inexpensive home automation products and offers a product called ActiveHome Professional (learn more here). After programming by your computer, an interface box communicates with your appliances through your home’s electrical wires. You can program the system to do amazing things using the ActiveHome Pro software. It is possible to lower your energy bills by developing schedules for lights and appliances.

You can download a plug-in from X10 that permits modules to operate on an “if-then” basis. For instance… if a room is dark and motion is detected, lights can be turned on in sequence, or music can play (or an alarm can activate). You are limited only by your imagination. In fact, X10 also offers a free software development kit that can interface with your e-mail. The point is, you can use the command modules to perform basic functions or get as creative as you want.

ABC Television’s Popular Show Extreme Makeover Home Edition has a reputation for finding and showcasing the latest technology into the homes they remodel and build. The X10 ActiveHome Pro products have been featured on the show.

So, you may have chosen to escape the city by building a log home in the country, but inserting a little technology in the mix will help you achieve your dream of simplifying your life. Its never been easier or more affordable to put home automation to work.

By: Tom Heatherington

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Tom Heatherington is the founder of the Log Cabin Directory, a “human edited” directory of log home and log cabin manufacturers, contractors, dealers, plans and information for the United States and Canada. Visit: www.logcabindirectory.com/ - Learn more about the X10 Home Automation system at: www.home-automation.us/

Let’s face it, we live in a world where do-it-yourself is an increasingly attractive option. Everything from scanning your own merchandise at the store to performing your own major home improvement tasks is within reach. In the case of home automation, something that just a few years ago was relegated to the super-rich and required a minimum of five figures to get started is now available to the average homeowner with a screwdriver.

Getting started in home automation requires a few steps, but luckily the hardest part is just deciding on what you want! With items available to meet almost every desire imaginable, it’s easy to get caught up in the perfect vision of your home without knowing where to start. These simple steps will help guide you as you move towards the house of your dreams:

1. Write down your plan.
The vision you have now will help guide your decisions as you go, and it’s easy to get sidetracked so having a clear vision of what you want to refer to is a big help.

2. Start simple.
Every castle starts at the foundation and home automation is no exception. Begin with a base system and learn the basic functionality first, then leverage your new found knowledge into expanding your modules and devices.

3. Get help.
Every home automation project will have snags, and trying to overcome them yourself is like cutting your own hair - you can do it, but the end result won’t be pretty. Others out there have probably dealt with the same issue, do a search and see what you find then ask for help on relevant websites. You’ll be surprised how strong the home automation community is.

It may sound like this is oversimplifying things, but it’s really not. Today’s home automation solutions don’t require complicated circuit diagrams and organizational schematics, just some common sense and a desire to live more automatically.

Peter is heavily involved in the home automation community and runs LiveAutomatic, a site dedicated to home automation and lifestyle robotics.

http://www.liveautomatic.com

For more tips on getting started with home automation, visit the home automation question & answers page:
http://www.liveautomatic.com/reviews/home-automation/68-home-automation-question-and-answer