Common smart home mistakes and how you can avoid them

Smart home mistakes — What to know.

If you're just starting out with smart homes, you probably have a lot of questions: What is possible? How much does it cost? Where do I begin? You're likely to want to know all this and much more.

Many people new to smart homes and home automation systems don't take time to consider the common misconceptions and commonly-made mistakes when considering their options. It's unfortunately not until something goes wrong that people realise their error.

Luckily, you're reading this article, which means you're already a little ahead of the curve. Memorise these smart home mistakes and misconceptions to avoid making them yourself.

For smart home product information, see our home automation systems page.

3 common smart home mistakes

These are some of the most common mistakes that Australians make when starting out with smart homes and home automation systems, as well as what you can do to avoid making them.

1. Choosing products (not features)

There's nothing worse than paying for a new smart home device only to discover that it doesn't offer the features you wanted. There are a huge variety of systems on the market today, each offering different functions and features.

This is why it's important to select a system based on the features it offers — you can compare brands and price later. The first and most important thing is to ensure that you're looking at systems that meet your needs.

2. Not having an end-to-end plan

Before installing smart home technologies, it's important to ensure you have a plan. One of the most common mistakes that people new to smart homes make is starting the design without an end in mind.

Having a plan is essential as not all sub systems can integrate (communicate) with all centralised control systems. Unfortunately, without an end-to-end plan, many people don't realise this until after they've installed half their system at which point it's often too late, or too expensive to change.

3. Installing cheap and unreliable products

You know the old saying 'you get what you pay for', and it's true.

It may seem like good sense to save a few bucks by choosing the cheapest products. Unfortunately, what you save in purchase price, you may end up spending in expensive repairs and replacements later on.

Low cost and poor quality products are much more likely to fail and need replacing, costing you significantly more in the long term.

3 Common smart home misconceptions

When it comes to smart homes in Australia, there are a range of myths and misconceptions. Incorrect as they are, they nonetheless persist. These are some of the most common myths and misconceptions, and why they're wrong.

1. Smart home technologies are too expensive

The truth is, smart home technologies are more affordable than ever. Wide adoption and the introduction of new players into the market have reduced smart home entry costs considerably.

Not only this, but the efficiencies and energy saving features of home automation systems can actually save you money in the long term through reduced energy bills.

2. Smart homes are just a passing fad

This myth keeps recurring despite the continued rise of smart homes in Australia. Put simply, smart homes and home automation systems have been around for years, and they've only grown in popularity.

Things like remote garage doors, remote control air conditioning, even outdoor sensor lights were once called a 'fad' but are now considered everyday features. Today's smart home technologies are no different.

3. Smart homes are too hard (and not worth it anyway)

Creating your very own smart home doesn't haven't to be difficult. A smart home specialist can guide you through the entire process from start to finish. They'll take the mystery out of smart home technologies.

As for not being worth it, at Integrated Technologies Australia we're yet to encounter a customer who has regretted the savings, additional security or added conveniences which their smart home has delivered.

What to do — Speak with a smart home specialist.

The best thing you can do when starting out with smart homes and home automation systems is to speak with an accredited expert in the smart home field.

They'll start by asking you questions like:

"What do you want to achieve in the way of functionality?"

"What do you want to happen in your home when a button is pushed or when sensors trigger an action?"

"Which devices and features will make your home a better place to live in?"

Through your answers, they can start to tailor a plan for your new smart home — a plan which details the required functionality, as well as the products and sub systems which you will require.

For example, have you ever dreamed of being able to do everything with the touch of just one button?

You hit one button and the doors lock, the blinds close, the power points deactivate, and the alarm system switches on, thereby making leaving home a simple exercise and giving you the peace of mind of knowing that all will be safe while you're away.

If that's your dream, a smart home specialist could show you how to turn it into a reality.

"It's unfortunately not until something goes wrong that many people realise their error."

About the author

At Integrated Technologies Australia (ITA), we are your smart home and home automation systems specialists. We can help you to craft a new smart home that matches your needs and budget.

For more information about smart homes in Australia, as well as home automation ideas for your own property, contact the team at Integrated Technologies Australia.

You can find out more about Integrated Technologies Australia online or by calling 03 9761 8700