5 Home Automation Mistakes You Don’t Want to Make

Jun 08, 2022

Connected devices are disrupting every nook of the home, from energy efficiency to daily convenience. On paper, the smart home is the ultimate paradigm of modern at-home convenience. And with 69% of US Households owning at least one smart device, you've likely been considering installing some smart devices in your home.


But the idea of what makes a truly smart home is constantly changing as technology evolves. And it'll continue to transform to meet new needs and changing expectations. At this point in time, the market still has a way to go before it reaches its full potential.


As a homeowner, you may feel inclined to play catch up. But here’s one thing you should remember: there’s a clear distinction between a house filled with smart devices and a truly integrated smart home.

With that in mind, let’s look at some common home automation mistakes you’ll want to avoid.


1. Not Having an End-to-End Plan

New smart home products hit the market every day – each offering seemingly better features than the last. As tempting as it is to just jump in and start buying home automation products, a smart home installation requires a more formal planning process. Installing a smart home isn't your typical home improvement project; it's a major technology upgrade similar to what a business enterprise might undergo.


Plus, with the many variations in connectivity, desired functionality, and budgets, not planning ahead could prove disastrous to your home automation installation goals and your finances. But with proper planning, a smart home can enhance many aspects of daily living.


As such, it's best to work with a home automation installation contractor, like Jarvis Smart Homes, who'll assess your needs to design a smart home that works for you and suits your lifestyle.


2. Choosing Cost Over Quality

It’s easy to find yourself spending more money than intended on a home automation installation project. And this is precisely why you need a budget.


That said, you shouldn’t get so concerned over the cost of individual prices that you end up sacrificing quality in favor of initial savings. Remember, smart home tech can help you save money in the long run by giving you more control over the items in your home that consume energy. What’s more, cheaper products often need replacing sooner than more expensive products.


The goal is to have a home automation ecosystem where devices connect, integrate, and work with each other to not only offer convenience but enhance the quality of your life. Keep this in mind when budgeting for home automation installation.


3. Subsystems Not Integrating

Now, this is usually a consequence of a lack of planning.


Outfitting a smart home is a very exciting venture. Unfortunately, overexcited buyers don’t always consider how specific products fit into their lifestyle or integrate with each other.


  • Does that Nest thermostat you installed last year integrate with Google Home, Amazon Echo or Apple HomeKit?
  • Will the Ring doorbell integrate with the same smart home ecosystem, or announce guests on your smart TV?


It’s also easy to get swept up in a Black Friday Sale and purchase different home automation devices. When this happens, it becomes very difficult to integrate your entire tech suite. For example, you may find that your security cameras won’t communicate with your hub.


This is a problem that can affect all systems, from smart light bulbs to a centrally controlled heating system. A problem such as this might require professional expertise as there are currently no industry standards on expertise. So, here’s a piece of advice: Take it slow. Assess what you want and need in a smart home first before you start investing in the products. And always check for compatibility.


4. Not Starting with a Robust and Secure Network

Chances are, your current Wi-Fi setup won’t cut it. Your home network has to be robust enough to handle all the smart devices you plan to install. Smart home tech requires a solid and steady internet connection to be useful. And if you’re going all out with your home automation installation, you will need enterprise-grade Wi-Fi.


There’s also the issue of security.


Think of all the information cybercriminals can get from hacking into your smart home system, from your personally identifiable information like email address and bank info to your daily habits. And all they need is one weak access point. It’s important to constantly update your home automation technology to get the latest security updates and work with a professional installer to ensure your entire network is secure.

A smart home installation will put your home Wi-Fi to the test. It’s time for an upgrade.


5. Not Planning for Change

As mentioned, smart home tech is rapidly evolving. That means, parts of your system will become outdated or obsolete over time.


It has never been easier or more affordable to purchase and install home automation systems and products. As such, it's easy to get enamored with unnecessary features. Sometimes you'll find yourself captivated by a product not because of its functionality but because of its futuristic nature. All this is to say; you should buy products with long-term functionality in mind. This way, you're not constantly spending money on smart home upgrades.


Start With the End Goal in Mind

Life gets simpler when your home is a little smarter. Hopefully, being aware of the potential mistakes you can make during home automation installations will help you avoid them.


Rely on the Houston Smart Home Automation Experts

Jarvis Smart Homes brings you the best options to get started with smart homes devices expertly installed. From home automation to smart security systems and smart cameras, Jarvis can help guide you through the best options for your home, small business, or commercial location in the greater Houston area.


Contact Jarvis Smart Homes to discuss convenient packages to get started with automation solutions for your home and business, or reach out if you simply need a smart home service call in the Houston area.

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