A DIY Guide on Making Your Home Smarter

Looking for an affordable way to transform your property into a state-of-the-art smart home? This article is perfect for you! We know that most home automation innovations are pricey and even require a professional to install it, however there are a growing number of cost-effective smart home solutions you can DIY.

In this article, we’ll cover five DIY devices that can be easily installed so that you too can join the smart home revolution.

1. Smart Light Globes

Smart light globes come with in-built Wi-Fi receivers that latch onto your local network and allow you to flick them on and off through a mobile app. The best part about this is that there’s no need to hardwire your switches to enjoy smart lighting in your home.

Unlike standard bulbs, most smart globes come with programmable dimming levels, so you can set mood lighting as you please, all with a touch of a button. Many models even have smart hub compatibility, which lets you control the lighting via voice commands.

Installation is easy. All you need to do is screw them in and hook them up to your Wi-Fi network. Although they’re a bit pricier than standard globes, these smart bulbs are much more durable and have a longer lifespan.

1. Smart Outlets

A smart outlet is a simple, easy-to-install adapter that slides straight onto any standard 240v (mains) power outlet. After hooking the outlet up to your Wi-Fi network, you can control it remotely through a custom-built app on your smartphone. By doing this, you can turn the outlet on or off, either on command, or programme it to function at a specific time.

This technology lets you turn any appliance into a smart device, which is especially useful for power-hungry units like heaters and A/C. Most outlets are compatible with the major smart hubs, so you can operate them with voice commands.

1. Video Intercom System

With recent advances in technology, especially in wireless technology, video intercom systems have become more effective, and more affordable than ever before. A unit will typically include a wireless door camera(s), an intercom flush mount, and a high-definition touchscreen display. Each time the doorbell rings, the homeowner can monitor and communicate with the guest through the display unit. Most video intercoms these days also work remotely through a smartphone app, so you can keep tabs on your home from anywhere in the world.

While they’re not specifically designed for home security, video intercom systems can help protect your property, too. Would-be burglars usually wander off upon spotting a camera, and you can configure the unit to capture images on every doorbell press.

1. Wireless Home Security System

Unlike integrated wired systems, wireless home security systems rarely require professional installation.

Most of these are DIY home security systems that can be easily set up on your own, without requiring much time at all because of how versatile they are. The installation complexity depends on the components involved, and you’ll need to ensure each part is compatible with the others. A reliable home security system provider will be more than happy to advise you on compatibility between different home security system devices.

1. Smart Hubs

A smart hub (Nest, Echo, Alexa, etc.) is the new brain for your automated home. These centralised internet-enabled computers are designed to control all (or at least most) of your smart devices, including all the options mentioned above.

Basically, a smart hub streamlines the process of control. So, instead of swiping through several apps, you can control everything on one interface. The best units also respond to voice commands, which most users find more convenient than the app.
Installation is easy, but not every smart device is compatible with every smart hub.

Make Your Home Smarter Today
Smart home technology is becoming increasingly accessible to the everyday homeowner; there’s now a wide array of easy DIY devices that don’t require any special knowledge or skills. Consider investing in the above options to turn your ordinary house into a smart home without the headache of a complex installation.

Keen to buy a video intercom system or another DIY smart device? Get in touch with the friendly team at Home Safety Store to find out more about your options today.