A decade or two ago smart homes were science fiction. Not so much anymore. Before we know it all the new homes being built will be designed to take on smart technology. For now, though, if your home is already built you will have to convert your current home over to become a smart home.
It may seem like a grueling task better left to a professional, which of course is one option. If you want to do it yourself, though, just follow the steps below. Take your time and make sure you do it correctly the first time. Trying to track down a problem once everything is in place can be a task that will turn your hair grey.
Plan
The most important aspect of any home improvement task is to have a plan. Converting your home to smart technology is not a task that you can “wing it.” Visualize your goals. Sit down and write everything that you want, everything that you expect, and then start making a list of things that you will need. Decide if you are going to use a wired system, which company you plan to use (one that you must use their apps and equipment), and finally figure out a budget. You need to have a limit that you are willing to spend. If you do not have a cap buy the best equipment that you can.
Internet
The most important aspect of the plan needs to be centered around your internet. Everything that is included in a smart home works off it, so if you do not have a fast, dependable service your plans are shot before you even get started. It is suggested that you use on online platform, such as iSelect, that will compare all the service providers in your area. Once you have some options in front of you it will be imperative to check to see how fast their average service is. Do not assume that since they advertise a fast speed that it will be. They will always advertise their top speed to get customers, not their average speed.
Equipment
Once you have taken the time to lay out a plan it will be time to start buying all the equipment that you need. This will include any cables that you will need. Remember that running wires through the wall to connect all the rooms together is the best option when it comes to service, but the worst option if you are converting a home to smart tech that is already built. Your choice here. You can always get the remote types that you plug in throughout the house.
Install
Now the fun begins. It is time to install all your equipment. Take your time and follow the directions that came with all the equipment. If you are running wires through the house, you should do that task first. It may take a couple of hours, or a couple of weeks. It all depends on your skill level, the size of your house, and the spare time that you have available. Connect all the rooms together, one at a time. If you already have service hooked up and going you will want to leave it alone and hook everything up from the end, finishing at the router. That way you will not interrupt your current set up.
Final Thoughts
Installing your own equipment to update your home to a smart house can be a daunting task if you look at it from an entire perspective. If you look at it one room at a time it makes the job more manageable. When trying to take on this large of a task you need to go in steps, or else you will not be able to complete it correctly.
