Tips From The Top

One of the best things about advanced technology these days is that it allows us to do all kinds of things we could never do before on our own. People can take high quality, near-professional photos on their phones, make their own websites, film a video and post it online. A lot of this can be done without a professional at the helm.

Then again, there are a lot of DIY marketing videos performed with sub-par lighting in front of a hung-up bedsheet.

The same applies to the DIY smart home. With all the smart home technology on the market, it’s very tempting – and even promoted by some companies – for a homeowner to install their own smart security, lighting, audio, HVAC and more.

The problem is that DIY-ing a smart home could be a disaster waiting to happen. Smart technology is supposed to make our lives more comfortable and more secure, and absolutely more enjoyable. But a DIY system often results in more frustration, more time, more money, and more systems that don’t work the way homeowners need them to function.

It’s not worth the headaches. We see too many clients coming to us overwhelmed and frustrated by smart home tech they’ve installed themselves, only to find it only succeeded in making their home lives more complicated and cumbersome.

Christine Hunsaker recently blogged about “13 reasons not to DIY your smart home” for Control4, one of our favorite smart home platforms. She points out what we’ve known for a long time: there’s a huge difference between a bunch of smart tech gadgets and a fully-integrated system that works together seamlessly. She lists some excellent points for homeowners to consider before they take their credit cards to a big box store and buy up a bunch of weekend projects to install – which could all too easily turn into a year of headaches.

If you’re debating going the DIY route or hiring a professional integrator, Hunsaker recommends considering the size and complexity of the installation first. Is prewiring going to be an issue? Is your Wi-Fi robust enough to handle the devices? How many smart devices are you hoping to install? A slew of devices working separately won’t give you the simplicity and control that a fully integrated system will. Not to mention, too many apps and remotes are crazy-making.

Privacy and security are also huge factors. Inexpensive devices profit from your personal data. A protected system may cost more, but it does not sell your private info to make a profit. An integrator knows how to set up a smart home system so that it is fully protected – and stays that way.

An integrator also ensures that the system will be upgraded, maintained, and any issues will be managed and addressed immediately. Going it alone with a smart home means the homeowner is tasked with maintenance and upgrades, which can result in ongoing time and labor way beyond the initial investment.

If you’re looking for the best smart home experience, call us at Jackson Hole AV. We’d love to show you how smart home technology can make your home lives more comfortable and secure – all without the headaches of the DIY obstacles.