Smart Automation Systems in Burbank
From Magnolia Park's mid-century charm to the Media District's modern townhomes, Burbank families and entertainment pros rely on smart homes that work as hard as they do. Shaffer Construction, Inc. designs and installs reliable Residential Smart Automation Systems tailored to Burbank's ranch-style homes, newer tract houses, and townhome communities. We combine electrical expertise with thoughtful low-voltage design to deliver seamless lighting scenes, robust Wi\u2011Fi, climate control, smart security, and home theater automation—all tuned for the Valley's heat and your daily routines. Whether you're near Johnny Carson Park or off Chandler Bikeway, we turn everyday living into an intuitive, energy-efficient experience you'll love using every day.
Our Work



Benefits
Smarter Living, Future Ready
We future‑proof your Burbank home with a structured backbone: Cat6/Cat6A home‑runs to a centralized rack, PoE switches for cameras and Wi‑Fi 6/6E access points, and strategic conduit paths (smurf tube) to key rooms. Our designs support expansion—adding shades, EV integration, or a new theater without tearing into walls. We heat‑map your home for reliable roaming and segment networks (VLANs) to secure IoT devices. The result: a platform that grows with new tech and streaming demands.
Compliance and Local Expertise
Shaffer Construction manages the entire compliance process: City of Burbank permit applications, inspections, and close‑out. We build to the California Electrical Code (based on the NEC), Title 24 Part 6 lighting controls and JA8 dimming compatibility, and CALGreen where applicable. Low‑voltage cabling is rated (CL2/CL3/CMP as needed), penetrations are sealed with listed firestop, and smoke/CO devices are verified per CRC R314/R315. Our documentation, labeling, and as‑builts simplify future service and resale.
Precision and Trusted Craftsmanship
We specify materials that last in Valley conditions: Lutron Caséta/RA lighting controls, Leviton Decora Smart devices, high‑quality Cat6/Cat6A cabling, Ubiquiti UniFi networking, and whole‑home surge protection. Switch legs are verified for neutral availability; where absent, we design compliant solutions. Cable terminations are Fluke‑tested, racks are ventilated and power‑conditioned, and all circuits are labeled. Expect clean conduit runs, discreet device placement, and reliable programming that feels effortless day one and year five.
Personalized System Design
Every home is different. We begin with a discovery walk‑through to understand lifestyle, floor plan, wall construction, and attic/crawl accessibility—vital in mid‑century homes near Magnolia Park or multi‑story townhomes by the Media District. We model lighting scenes for key rooms, define thermostat zones, map access point locations with a heat‑map, and plan a centralized equipment hub. You’ll preview control options (keypads, voice, app), then we finalize a parts list, drawings, and a phased installation plan that fits your schedule.
What We Offer
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit in Burbank for smart switches or low‑voltage cabling?+
If we’re only replacing like‑for‑like smart switches on existing circuits, a permit may not be required. Adding new circuits, relocating outlets, installing a subpanel, or substantial low‑voltage work typically does require permits through the City of Burbank Building and Safety Division. We review your scope during consultation and handle all permitting and inspections as needed.
How long will my smart home project take, including Burbank permits?+
Design and installation typically take 2–7 days depending on complexity. If permits are required, the City of Burbank’s process generally runs 1–2 weeks, and inspections can often be scheduled within a few days. We sequence work to minimize downtime, often pre‑staging low‑voltage while permits for electrical scope are processed.
My mid‑century home lacks neutrals at switch boxes. Can I still get smart dimmers?+
Yes. We evaluate options like smart dimmers designed for no‑neutral locations, adding neutrals via new cabling, or relocating control to a keypad where neutrals are present. We test dimmer/LED compatibility to meet Title 24 JA8 and ensure flicker‑free dimming. Our goal is to minimize wall repair while delivering reliable controls.
Will automation help my Wi‑Fi and streaming in a townhome near Burbank Town Center?+
Absolutely. We perform a Wi‑Fi heat‑map to place wired access points on each level, using PoE for reliability. We tune channels to reduce interference, segment IoT devices for security, and ensure your theater and work devices get priority. The result is stable roaming, lower latency, and fewer buffering issues.
Can you integrate EV chargers, garage doors, and existing Ring/Nest gear?+
Yes. We coordinate EV charger circuits and can automate charging around time‑of‑use rates. Garage doors, gates, Ring/Nest cameras, thermostats, and doorbells integrate into scenes and notifications. We’ll reuse compatible devices where possible and provide a clear plan for any recommended upgrades.
How do you keep equipment cool during Valley heat waves?+
We design racks with thermal management—vented doors, airflow paths, and thermostatically controlled fans—and avoid placing gear in unconditioned attics. Critical components get surge protection and UPS battery backup to ride through brief outages and voltage dips common on hot days.
Ready to Get Started?
Contact us today for a free consultation and quote on your electrical project!
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