Who looks after my smart technology once it’s installed?

Once builds or renovations are done, you don’t tend to hear from the tradespeople involved again unless something’s gone wrong.

Smart technology doesn’t work like that: it isn’t fit and forget.

But doesn’t saying that fly in the face of everything we say about automation simplifying lives? Not at all. Quite the opposite, in fact. 

When you install a smart system in your building, you’ve designed the system with the features needed to enhance your life. 

To create that system, we’ve crafted a technology scheme that is (for all intents and purposes) out of sight, out of mind. If your automation becomes in-sight, in-mind, it’s failing to do what it’s supposed to.

That’s why we stick with our clients long after every other trade has left the property and moved on to the next job. In the first instance, that’s to configure your system with personalisations you only know you want after you’ve moved into the space.

In the longer term, that’s to ensure that your system runs smoothly and enhances your life rather than interferes with it. 

One of the many reasons to engage with a smart technology professional for a fitout is that they’ll be with you from the initial design phase of your project until at least a few months after move in day.

Beginning, end, beyond

We don’t expect your tech to break. We test the product options available to us and stand behind the quality of what we choose to pass on to our customers. We wouldn’t offer a product we didn’t think could stand the test of time. 

But if your software needs to be updated, or a product drops off the WiFi, having an aftercare plan means we’ll have it dealt with before you even notice. Technology, no matter how reliable, can break (through nobody’s fault). 

We see the servicing and maintenance of the smart systems we install as as integral as the annual service of a car or boiler. When you look after the system, the return is many more years of its proper functioning. 

With an Epitome Living aftercare plan, you have your install team on-hand both from our office, and, if needed, physically, to smooth over any system or hardware niggles before you’re trying to solve the issue yourself. 

This is one of many reasons why wired systems trump DIY smart systems purchased on the internet. If your DIY system goes wrong, you’re responsible for identifying the problem, fixing it, and putting the system back together. 

When your system’s been wired in by a professional, they know every element of your system - how each piece functions individually and as part of a whole. If something goes wrong, then, they know where to start with solving the problem, meaning an easier life for you.

Our aftercare plans

We do offer servicing and maintenance as needs arise, charged with the same kind of call out fee you’d expect from any trade call out. Alternatively, we offer subscription-based aftercare plans, which are charged monthly and offer reduced rates. 

Our aftercare plans are priced based on project location and the level of support desired. 

Our standard aftercare package offers one free on-site maintenance visit a year. This gets all software brought up to date, the system tested, and any issues resolved. If clients encounter an issue before their scheduled maintenance date, any remote support from our team also comes free of charge.    

Clients also get discounted hourly rates and discounted call out fees for when a problem’s too complex to solve remotely. 

Clients who sign up to our advanced aftercare package get all the free elements of our standard package, and also benefit from up to two free on-site maintenance call outs a year. Any further call outs are charged at a discounted rate (thankfully this doesn’t happen very often!).

Our aftercare packages are only available to Epitome Living clients. If you have a system installed by someone else that needs some TLC, we may still be able to help, but that’s subject to survey and carrying out any remedial work required to bring the installation up to our standards. 

Aftercare isn’t an unnecessary expense after a build. It’s putting money into maintaining the quality of a system that’s in use every single day. A system won’t fall apart without aftercare, but it mightn’t work as well or for as long as it should do.  

If you’re an existing client and want to hear more about our aftercare plans let us know in the way you usually contact us.

If you’re considering a smart system for your building and want to know more about why working with a professional is so important, chat to us at info@epitomeliving.com.