How I Created a Budget Smart Home: Follow These Steps to Make Your Home Smart in 2024!

Making a smart home sounds complicated and expensive, right? Well, embracing smart home technology does not necessarily mean draining your wallet. With my guide on making a budget Smart Home, you can live a smart life without breaking the bank!

Start with a Plan

Think of all the non-smart items in your home that you want to “smartify.” Lights? Fans? Door knobs? What I did when I was planning out my budget Smart Home journey was to list down the items that I’m too lazy to switch on and off, and would rather automate or ask Alexa to do. I started by switching out my bulbs to smart bulbs. They were easy to set up on my phone and cheap!

Choose a Central Control System

Decide on a control system like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, or Apple HomeKit. I have both Alexa and Google, and I got the cheapest entry-level Smart Speakers they have, like the Google Nest Mini and Amazon Echo Pop. Here’s a simple table to help you decide which one to go for:

Feature/Aspect	Amazon Alexa	Google Assistant	Apple HomeKit
Device Compatibility	Broad range of compatible devices, including Echo, third-party speakers, smart home gadgets	Wide compatibility with various smart devices and speakers, including Google Nest products	Primarily compatible with Apple ecosystem products and certified HomeKit accessories
Voice Recognition	Good recognition, customizable voice profiles	Excellent voice recognition and contextual understanding	Good recognition, integration with Siri
Smart Home Control	Extensive smart home control capabilities, routines, and automation	Robust control of smart home devices, including routines and personalized settings	Strong focus on privacy and security, seamless integration with iOS devices
Mobile App Support	Alexa app for iOS and Android	Google Home app for iOS and Android	Apple Home app, exclusive to iOS
Third-Party Integration	Wide range of third-party integrations and skills	Extensive integration with Google services and third-party apps	More limited third-party integration compared to others
User Privacy	Regular updates for security, but concerns have been raised regarding data handling	Strong privacy controls, but data is used to refine services	Strong emphasis on user privacy and data encryption
Ecosystem Integration	Best integrated with Amazon services and products	Seamless integration with Google services like Gmail, Calendar, Maps	Optimal integration within Apple ecosystem, including iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch
Language Support	Supports multiple languages, but may vary by region	Excellent multi-language support, often superior in understanding different accents	Supports multiple languages, integrates well with Siri’s language capabilities
User Interface	User-friendly interface in the Alexa app	Intuitive and easy-to-navigate Google Home app	Simplified and streamlined interface in the Home app, but iOS restricted
Personalization	Personalized responses and recommendations based on user activity	Highly personalized service based on user data and preferences	Less personalized compared to others, focuses more on functionality within Apple devices
Cost	Free app, cost of devices varies	Free app, cost of devices varies	Free app, Apple devices often premium-priced

Invest in Smart Plugs

Smart plugs are an affordable and easy way to automate existing appliances like lamps, fans, or coffee makers. Because I have a cute fan that I really like (and it is not smart), I used a smart plug so I can control it through my phone or Alexa. Imagine the convenience of just saying, “Alexa, turn on the fan.”

Upgrade to Smart Lighting

Replace your old bulbs with smart bulbs. These allow you to control lighting, adjust brightness, change colors, and set schedules. 

Add Smart Security Features

Consider budget-friendly security options like video doorbells and smart security cameras to monitor your home. Even when you’re away, you can see what goes on in and out of your home. Doing this gives me peace of mind whenever I’m out.

Integrate Smart Entertainment

If you have a functional TV that is not a Smart TV, the best way to make it “smart” is to use streaming devices such as Google Chromecast or Amazon Fire TV Stick. 

Additional Tips to Keep in Mind:

Look out for deals and discounts.

While I was making my budget smart home, I did not buy all the smart things at once. I always watched out for sales and promotions. This way, I was able to pace my spending, save some dollars, and have more time to evaluate my smart priorities.

Look for Genuine Customer Reviews

The internet is teeming with influencers with product recommendations and reviews. Be careful though, as some of these are sponsored, and their reviews might not be reflective of their true experience. When I was doing my research, I asked people around me who had tried the products. I also searched forums and read hundreds of user reviews. This helped me make smart decisions. 

DIY Installation

Most smart devices are plug-and-play, meaning they’re very easy to set up. If you’re still lost, you can search YouTube and there are hundreds of tutorials for all sorts of smart products. DIY as much as you can so you can save on installation costs. However, if you think you’re not capable, it’s always best to call a pro. Safety comes first!

Regular Updates and Maintenance

Always update your devices for the latest features and security patches. Many smart home devices even offer automatic updates, so you don’t even have to do anything.

FAQs About Budget Smart Homes

What are the best budget smart home devices to start with?

Smart plugs, like Amazon Smart Plugs, and affordable smart bulbs are great starting points. They’re easy to install and offer immediate convenience.

Can budget smart home devices offer reliable security?

Yes, budget devices like the Ring Video Doorbell and Wyze Cam v3 provide effective security solutions without a high cost.

Are budget smart home gadgets difficult to install?

Most budget smart home devices are designed for easy installation, often requiring minimal technical knowledge.

Conclusion

Building a budget smart home is within reach for most households. By choosing the right gadgets, you can enjoy the conveniences of modern living without a hefty investment. Start small with smart plugs or lighting and gradually expand to security and smart entertainment for a fully integrated smart home experience.