Creating a Smart Home the Easy Way.
How do you start Creating a Smart Home
OK, you’ve decided that you want to create a Smart Home where do you start. There are a few things that you need to consider before you go out and start buying Smart Devices.
- Internet Connection
- WiFi quality around your home
- Platform to use Amazon, Google etc
- Power Outlets
- Budget
Let’s look at the above points in a little more detail.
Things to Consider when Creating a Smart Home
Internet Connection
To get the full benefits from Smart Tech you need to be connected to the Internet. Being able to control your home from anywhere in the world relies on your ability to connect to your smart devices.
As a separate note, this may be a good time to look at your broadband provider to see if they are giving you value for money. I spent 15years plus with Virgin Media and have recently switched to BT better hub better customer service.
WiFi quality around your home
Creating a Smart Home is relatively straightforward but is dependant on your devices being able to connect to your WiFi system (in the majority of cases).
The size of your property and the construction can have an impact on the quality of WiFi that you can achieve.
Remember the bigger the distance between your router and Smart Device the more likely it is that you are going to encounter connection issues, though the use of WiFi extenders/repeaters can resolve this issue.
Platform to use Amazon, Google etc
When creating a smart home this is one of the most important decisions you have to make.
In simple terms, the platform acts as a connection between you and your smart devices.
There are a number of choices available Apple HomeKit, Google Home, Samsung SmartThings, the Amazon Alexa platform these being the main players in what is becoming a crowded marketplace.
There are some things to consider when choosing a platform, for the majority of you like myself the price point will be an important consideration. Range of compatible products available for what you wish to achieve.
It is also worthwhile checking that your Smart Phone is compatible with any App requirements.
Power Supply’s for your Smart Devices
This may seem like a simple thing but actually, it’s quite important when it comes to positioning your device. The majority of control devices require that they are plugged into a mains power outlet. Outside cameras are a prime example of smart devices that power supply requirements are an important consideration. Firstly a common error is that people may consider that Wireless means that there are no wires at all this is not the case. Simply do not confuse Wireless with Wire-Free.
Budget and Spending Wisely
If like me you do not have a large disposable income careful thought needs to be given to how you start to build your Smart Home. Buying Smart Devices that are from one of the major players will help with the longevity of the product, compatibility, and extendability. The best advice I can give you decide on the primary purpose and then start out small and build your Smart Home piece by piece as I have done.
Conclusion of Creating a Smart Home the Easy Way
The points above are the main things you need to consider before you start creating your Smart Home, careful planning at this stage will make setting up your Smart Home easier and cheaper in the long term.
When it comes to choosing what platform to use I opted for Amazon products based on the range of Smart Devices available at a reasonable price.
Well, that concludes our first tentative steps into the world of Smart Homes. This site predominately deals with Amazon devices as this is the Smart platform that I have chosen so it may be that some of us will part company now if you have chosen a different Smart Platform to use.
Affiliate Disclosure
Certain links on this website are Affiliate Links using any of these links which result in you making a purchase will earn me a small commission. This in no way affects the price you pay.
