Getting started with home automation
This guide will help you plan and set up your first smart home devices. Let’s start by thinking through what you want to achieve and how to get there.
Planning your smart home
Before diving into products and platforms, take time to consider these three key factors:
Your goals
What do you want to automate?
- Lighting control
- Climate management
- Security monitoring
- Entertainment systems
- Energy efficiency
Your budget
Start small and expand over time
- Entry level: $200-500
- Mid-range: $500-2000
- Advanced: $2000+
Technical comfort
Choose your approach
- Beginner: Pre-configured solutions
- Intermediate: Platform-based systems
- Advanced: Custom integrations
Choosing your ecosystem
Once you know what you want to automate and your budget, the next major decision is choosing your smart home platform. Each platform has its strengths - some prioritize privacy and local control, while others focus on ease of use and voice integration. Here are the most popular options:
Home Assistant
Best for: Advanced users, customization
Pros: Open source, highly flexible, extensive device support
Cons: Steeper learning curve
Hubitat
Best for: Users wanting local control without complex setup
Pros: 100% local processing, built-in Z-Wave and Zigbee radios
Cons: Requires intermediate technical knowledge
Apple HomeKit
Best for: Apple ecosystem users
Pros: Privacy-focused, seamless iOS integration
Cons: Limited device compatibility
SmartThings
Best for: Beginners, Samsung users
Pros: Easy setup, wide device support, supports local execution
Cons: Some cloud dependency for advanced features
Google Home
Best for: Google ecosystem users
Pros: Strong voice control, affordable devices
Cons: Privacy concerns
Amazon Alexa
Best for: Voice control enthusiasts, Amazon ecosystem users
Pros: Huge skill library, excellent voice recognition, affordable devices
Cons: Cloud-dependent, privacy concerns
Essential first devices
Now that you’ve chosen your platform, it’s time to start building your smart home. These four device types form the foundation of most home automation setups and work together to create powerful automations:
Smart speaker/hub
Central control point
Smart bulbs
Easy win for beginners
Smart plug
Make any device smart
Motion sensor
Enable automation
Network requirements
A reliable network is the backbone of any smart home. Most smart devices connect via WiFi, so ensuring your network can handle the load is critical. Here’s what you need to consider:
2.4GHz for most devices
Central location
For larger homes
For security (advanced)
Next steps
You now have a solid foundation for planning your smart home. The journey from here depends on how deep you want to dive: