It seems like as time progresses, we’re getting closer and closer to the level of technology the Jetsons enjoyed before it was cool. I guess we’ll soon be seeing flying cars too!
Groundbreaking technological advancements continue to revolutionize the way we shop, work, and even live inside our homes, smart homes being a prime example of the latter.
Taking off in the early 2000s, smart homes have gradually become an effective way to streamline our routine tasks like making coffee or scheduling certain appointments.
Smart homes continue to evolve, fueled by the integration of advanced technologies like artificial intelligence they can help you automate and secure your home, as well as cut down on energy-related costs.
Here’s the best part! Contrary to what you and I think, smart homes don’t have to break the bank anymore. Planning and investing wisely can allow you to build a smart home on a budget.
However, there is an aspect that is key to building a smart home on a budget. Before you begin, you might want to ensure you have a speedy and reliable internet connection as smart home devices depend on connectivity to function at their best.
If you’re looking for a suggestion, I would recommend reaching out to the Spectrum customer service number for a reliable and high-speed internet plan, worked wonders for me!
Now, without further ado, let’s dive straight into 3 tips to help you build and enjoy a smart home without spending a fortune.
Assess Your Needs and Budget
The foundation of any fruitful investment is making sure what it’s for and assessing the potential value it can provide. The same applies to building your smart home.
To make the right investments, you will need to assess your goals, whether you’re looking to automate certain tasks, improve security, or cut down on energy costs.
You will also have to evaluate which parts of your home could potentially benefit the most using smart devices and systems based on your goals. For example, smart water systems can help with energy efficiency, and AI-based voice assistants can help streamline regular day-to-day activities.
Once you’re done evaluating your needs, you’ll need to set your budget. This will allow you to choose the devices that offer the best value while ensuring you stay within your spending range.
When you’ve finalized your budget, here are some tips you can use to ensure you don’t go over it:
- Start Small: Rome wasn’t built in a day. Trying to go all out will result in huge expenses. You might want to choose one or two areas and gradually expand if your budget allows it.
- Opt for Deals: Why not wait and take advantage of discounts to save even more? Building a smart home is a process, and rushing into it could mean losing on potential deals like Black Friday, Cyber Monday, or Boxing Day.
Research Devices
Based on your needs, research brands that provide the devices or systems you’re looking for and focus on choosing the most cost-effective options, taking into account their additional or ongoing charges such as installation, or subscription.
Since I’m assuming you’re on a tight budget, I am not going to recommend going for a smart hub right away, instead opt for a smart plug.
You might want to start out with a few of the most crucial areas in your home such as lighting, temperature, and security that you can control directly from your smartphone.
To spare you the hassle, I’ve shortlisted some of the most well-performing brands and devices that will help you level up the most integral areas in your home. The best part? They won’t snatch your wallet out of your hands.
- Smart Plugs: brands including Amazon, Wemo, and Kasa offer smart plug models under $25. These include the Amazon Smart Plug, the Wemo Smart Plug, and the Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Plug.
- Smart Lights: brands including Hue, Philips, Sengled, and Wyze, provide smart bulbs and other lights under $50. Some models include the Philips Dimmable A19 Smart Wi-Fi Wiz Light Bulb and Kasa Smart Light Multicolor Strip.
- Smart Thermostat: brands including Google Nest Learning Thermostat and Wyze Thermostat provide energy-efficient functionalities at an affordable price.
- Smart Security Cameras: brands including Ring, Wyze, Blink, and Nest offer advanced models under $100. Some models include the Wyze Cam V3 and Blink Mini.
Go For DIY Installation Instead of Professional Help
Depending on your budget and tech savviness, going for a DIY or professional setup is a choice you’ll have to make when setting up your smart home.
Both choices have their pros and cons, and while I feel that the pros of DIY outweigh the cons, I’ve still weighed out both choices below to help you make an informed decision.
Pros of DIY Installation
- Cost Cutting: DIY installation spares you the excess costs packed in a professional setup.
- Learning: DIY installation helps you understand the devices you’re going to use, helping you navigate or troubleshoot problems later on.
- Convenience: Allows you to upgrade your home at your convenience, allowing you to take unforeseen events, budget constraints, or family activities into account.
Cons of DIY Installation
- Needs Basic Tech Savviness: Some smart devices may assume you hold basic technical knowledge, which can cause installation issues if you don’t.
- Time-Consuming: DIY installation may require you to set a significant amount of time, which may go up if you’re not tech-savvy.
- No Dedicated Support: a DIY smart home project is one where you’ll have to navigate problems using help mostly from the internet or personal sources instead of dedicated support.
Pros of Professional Installation
- Time-Friendly: using professional services can save you significant time and effort if you are not that tech-friendly.
- Dedicated Support: Professional services often offer a dedicated support channel to ensure seamless functioning.
- Experience and Expertise: professional installation puts the expertise and experience of the rep to good use, leaving less room for errors when installing devices or systems.
Cons of Professional Installation
- Costlier: Professional installation often comes with a long list of charges, from labor fees to wiring charges.
- Low Flexibility: opting for a professional setup requires you to be available at a certain time, and may cause delays in the overall project in case of unexpected events.
Affordable Smart Homes – Convenience For All
When I began creating my smart home, I too thought it would be an expensive project, and began considering if it would be worth it, and I have to tell you it is!
By analyzing my needs, finalizing my budget, conducting my research, and setting up myself, I was able to build a smart home and provide my family convenience in managing day-to-day activities, all the while staying within my budget.
This article shared what I learned during my journey and I hope the tips I shared in this guide will be of use to you during yours. On that note, I would like to wish you the best of luck in your smart home project.
