New Build: Will I regret “hiding” switch banks in closets?
We are building a new ~4500 sq ft home. I’ve decided on Lutron for all switches. I’m strongly leaning towards RA3 because I understand that Homeworks is significantly more expensive. We will be a “very nice” house but not “ultra luxury” house, so from everything I’ve read, I don’t think homeworks is for me.
In several areas where there would be a lot of switches I plan to put one sunnata panel (or hybrid panel depending on the circumstance) and “hide” the normal load switches or dimmers in a nearby closet. My thinking is that between the Sunnata panel, voice controls, and home assistant app/tablets that this will be the best solution, but want to hear from pros and homeowners on your take.
An example of this is the Jack/Jill bathrooms for kids. Each bathroom has the following loads:
- Main backlit mirror (dimmer)
- can lights (dimmer)
- toe kick light under cabinet (switch, with a motion detector set to auto trigger on movement at night)
- bathroom vent fan (switch)
So in these bathrooms, I’m planning to use ONE sunnata hybrid panel each with the vent fan wired to the panel, and the other 3 loads wired to the switches/dimmers tucked away in the kids closet and controlled by the panel.
I will get RA3 certified so I can download the software and manipulate the panels as needed once I see how we actually live in and use the space.
Another example is all of my great room loads I plan to wire into the pantry (5 loads) and use a couple of panels in the kitchen and living room. I also plan to wire all of the front entry and outdoor lights (flood lights, landscape, etc) into the entry coat closet, etc.
The biggest drawback I see is that this is “weird” for when we resell the house. We don’t plan to do that for a really long time, if ever. I also get that guests and visitors need to understand how to work things, but I think a 4 button panel on the wall is pretty self explanatory in that regard, too. (And honestly, probably MORE user friendly than a bank of 4+ unlabeled switches).
Other areas where there would normally be just one switch (hall, by stairs, bedroom, etc) I will use switches/dimmers in their “normal” locations.
So what do the experts think? Am I making a big mistake? Is this how other people do it? Will I regret this?