Total Smart-Home Reboot

When K.D. and B.D. moved into their new Naperville home with their three boys, they were excited by its potential. The house was filled with what once had been cutting-edge technology—home automation, smart lighting, security cameras, whole-home audio, and more. But their excitement quickly gave way to frustration. Every system was over 25 years old, and nothing worked—except the doorbell. What should have made their lives easier only added confusion. They needed someone they could trust to breathe new life into their home and transform outdated tech into a seamless, modern experience the whole family could enjoy.

Needs

  • Today’s consumers are increasingly aware that many electronic devices collect data—sometimes for advertising, and in more troubling cases, through hacked cameras and microphones. For this project, privacy and security weren’t optional—they were essential. The system had to offer complete peace of mind.

  • Frustrated by the clutter of dozens of apps needed to control their previous smart home, the homeowners were ready for a change. They wanted one unified system—one app to manage everything. Just as important, it had to be intuitive enough for anyone to use effortlessly, including visiting family and grandparents.

  • Platforms like Amazon Alexa, Google Home, and even Apple HomeKit were quickly ruled out due to their privacy risks. Consumer-grade, off-the-shelf solutions from big box stores also couldn’t offer the reliability this project demanded. It was clear that only a professionally designed home automation and management system would meet the homeowners’ expectations. Beyond delivering rock-solid performance, this solution also included expert system monitoring and maintenance—providing a truly worry-free experience for homeowners who didn’t want the hassle of troubleshooting.

The Solution

  • Home Automation and Home Management System from Nice

    Automation and Control from Nice. The brains of their new smart home controls all their lights, music, security alarm, surveillance cameras, garage doors, door locks and more

  • Smart Home Touchscreen

    Convenient Touchscreen Control, located right in the heart of the home, the kitchen, to control every system in a simple and intuitive way

  • Video Surveillance and Security

    Property surveillance for every corner of the home with private, secure local recording and access to live feeds and recordings from any touch panel or smartphone, anywhere

  • Autonomic Streaming Media on tablet

    Multi-room streaming music package with 8 audio zones including a media room and outdoor entertainment space

Antiquated Existing Equipment

Integrator’s Notes

This project was both a challenge and a deeply rewarding experience. The home itself was stunning—a once state-of-the-art smart home filled with high-end audio, security, and automation systems. But by the time the current homeowner reached out to me, those systems had aged out, some had been removed, and others were left in disarray. He had already started a basement remodel and suspected that much of the original wiring had been cut or compromised. It quickly became clear: this was a full reset. Everything had to go.

We moved fast—ordering the right equipment and beginning the process of transforming the space. As we dug in, we uncovered a host of issues: outdated hardware, poor installation practices, and a web of poorly thought-out wiring. It was a powerful reminder that while great equipment is important, the quality of the installer and integration team is what truly determines the success of a system.

In the end, we redesigned everything—from wiring layouts to intelligent lighting, garage access, and system-wide usability. The result is a beautifully modernized home that not only functions flawlessly but feels effortless for the homeowner to use—just as it should.