Retrofit Rating by Home Type: 5 Common Thai Categories
The most frequently asked question: which home type is easiest to retrofit for elderly Smart Home? The answer depends on 5 key factors: wall structure, ceiling height, juristic policy (for condos), existing electrical system, and corridor width.
Type 1: Studio (<30 sqm) — Retrofit Rating: 3/5
Advantages:
- Small area → one mmWave unit covers the entire room
- Short distance from bed to bathroom → reduced nighttime risk
- Lower Smart Home cost (9,000–15,000 THB)
Limitations:
- Ceiling height typically low (2.4–2.5 m) → requires wall-mounted mmWave
- Juristic office may have strict policies
- Turning radius may not reach 150 cm
Solution: Prioritise wireless portable devices (Panic Button + Smart Plug + PIR); obtain juristic approval before drilling
Type 2: 1-Bedroom Condo (30–55 sqm) — Retrofit Rating: 4/5
Advantages:
- Separate bedroom and living room → easier Coverage Zone planning
- Post-2015 projects typically have 2.6–2.8 m ceilings
- Fiber-to-Unit available in most modern projects
Limitations:
- Small bathroom may lack wall blocking for grab rails
- Some juristic offices restrict drilling
Solution: Request Blocking Plan from the developer; use freestanding grab rails where drilling is restricted
Type 3: Townhouse (80–150 sqm) — Retrofit Rating: 4.5/5
Advantages:
- No juristic office → full freedom
- Load-bearing wall structure supports grab rails at every position
- Adequate space for comprehensive Universal Design
Limitations:
- Stairs are the highest-risk point — require grab rails on both sides and Smart Sensors
- Elderly should always relocate bedroom to ground floor
- Higher Smart Home cost (25,000–50,000 THB)
Solution: Install mmWave on ground floor (bedroom + bathroom) first, then expand. Invest in stairlift if elderly must still use stairs.
Type 4: Detached House (>150 sqm) — Retrofit Rating: 5/5
Advantages:
- Maximum freedom, no juristic restrictions
- Concrete structure supports grab rails at every point
- Space allows full Universal Design compliance
Limitations:
- Highest Smart Home cost (35,000–80,000 THB for full home)
- Network coverage requires planning (Mesh Wi-Fi)
- Multiple mmWave units needed (1 per room)
Solution: Invest room by room, starting with bedroom and bathroom
Type 5: Old Thai/Wooden House (>30 years) — Retrofit Rating: 2/5
Advantages:
- Large space, typically no restrictions
Limitations:
- Wood structure cannot support grab rails rated ≥120 kg
- Old 2-wire electrical system (no ground) → full rewiring required before Smart Plugs
- Termites and humidity shorten wireless device lifespan
Solution: Structural and electrical assessment by engineer required first. May need structural renovation before Smart Home retrofit is viable.