We use wifi with iPads /iPhone iMessage system ? That's the simplest solution in our house ?! ( old long cottage with thick walls ) might be an easy, no fitting required, solution for you too, perhaps ?

We've got a nest so I can only really comment on that. Pro's are it looks great and the phone app interface is brilliant - much better for turning it on/off up/down from anywhere (I particularly enjoy that, when we've been out and wouldn't otherwise know when to set it to come on, I can just go on my phone when we're 15 minutes away and have a toasty home waiting). For us the downside is that in some ways we don't actually want or need a 'learning' thermostat. It tends to have a bit of a life of its own and is a bit difficult to set up to only come on at certain times (more like a traditional one). I think if we were a larger family that comes and goes at different times it would be better. The other problem for us is that we have a wood burning stove in the living room which confuses the thermostat. We ended up putting a door back on the living room and relocating the nest to the hallway to make the readings more accurate. I haven't looked into the Hive system recently but from what I remember you can buy multiple units to monitor and control individual rooms/spaces? For us this might have made more sense so we could for example have the bedroom's on separate timers and temperatures to the communal spaces. Not sure if I'm recalling that correctly though.

Wired is ALWAYS better than wireless connections. We are now all bombarded by wireless interference, whether it be neighbours or SkyQ boxes that have their own local wireless network! If you can't easily run Cat5/6 wires, we generally recommend a British company for Lighting & Blinds, namely RAKO Controls (they also provide hard wired solutions!). They use their own wireless technology, that seems to run brilliantly, irrespective of the traditional wifi b/g/n wireless interference. We have used them for 15 years. They have also just launched an Amazon Echo voice control system which we recently tested. Link attached in green: [Playing with Alexa ... Is the "Voice activated Smart Home" the future?[(https://www.houzz.co.uk/discussions/playing-with-alexa-is-the-voice-activated-smart-home-the-future-dsvw-vd~4915151?n=0) [ [(https://www.houzz.co.uk/discussions/playing-with-alexa-is-the-voice-activated-smart-home-the-future-dsvw-vd~4915151?n=0)

Almost everything can be controlled wirelessly but of course you will need a power supply in the right place. This means if you want an electric gate, or a security entry system, outside security cameras, or garage door opener, or automatic window blinds or garden lighting you need to put a power supply to unconventional locations in your home. You might also consider where the burglar alarm might go, where you will charge your cordless vacuum (might need a socket under the stairs), where you intend to put your router too. You should also consider the demands on your power supply, ensure your consumer unit is big enough and consider what energy saving options you might choose to balance your bills (such as solar power or Air Source heat pumps). Since you are stripping everything back consider underfloor heating for a cleaner look (but check out if this affects your future ability to get grants for an ASHP). And since you are stripping everything back consider getting professional advice on creating the right atmosphere rather than putting spotlights everywhere which can over light a room.