9 Reasons Why DIY A Smart Home is a Bad Idea
A smart home installation is not a job to be taken lightly. Without the correct guidance from an expert like Expert Tech, you could put yourself and your beloved ones at a security risk. If you are thinking about automating your NYC home, you should always consider hiring a professional. This article is here to highlight the reasons.
- Failure to Plan Properly
Smart home installation is a home automation technology that allows end-users to remotely control lighting, heating, and electronic devices and gadgets from PCs or smartphones within a Wi-Fi network. It operates on a low-voltage wiring known as structured cabling that connects all smart devices.
Often, when some enthusiasts try to DIY a smart home, they lack a strategic plan to ensure the devices they want to use meet the capabilities of their home cabling network. Only professionals can implement an automated home with a network that can run efficiently. Without the right knowledge, your smart home network can end up causing problems.
- Improper Handling
Smart home issues, such as the disruption of the Internet connection or devices that keep going off at the wrong times, are complicated, and knowing exactly how to fix any issues is crucial when utilizing home automation. Since you aren’t trained as a smart home technician, you will make mistakes while trying to address the problem.
No matter how many DIY tutorials you’ve watched, a professional should handle your home automation issues. They have the necessary skills and training to resolve problems quickly.
- Unnecessary Expensive Repairs
When considering installing smart home devices on your own, you may assume it will help you save money. In reality, if you are incorrectly to complete the work, you can do more harm than good.
After poorly handling a smart home installation, you will have to call a professional to mend the issue. In the end, this will cost more money than if you had hired a professional.
- Using Incompatible Smart Devices
One of the common issues people stumble upon when trying to DIY a smart home is failing to integrate different devices. This occurs because they use incompatible products. And the more complex you want your system to be, the harder it is to find gadgets that can work together. That’s why it’s easier to rely on a pro than try it yourself and end up with the wrong devices.
- Issues with Bandwidth Strength
You have DIYed a few smart home gadgets, but your internet is lagging. The issue is frequently due to reduced bandwidth strength caused by too many electronics and appliances on your network. While you can solve the problem by buying a Wi-Fi extender, the task isn’t as simple as it might seem.
Often, it requires the knowledge of utilizing accessories like an extension cable, dongle, etc. So why not leave the installation to the professionals?
- Legality Issues
Using plug-in smart devices doesn’t require an individual to have a license. However, many states, including New York, mandate an electrical license for installing smart in-wall outlets or switches. The same applies to thermostats, smart locks, smart sensors, burglars, and fire alarms. These installations often fall under home improvements and require a licensed contractor.
You need to check out whether your area requires licensing. Otherwise, you will be liable if someone is injured. At least consult with a licensed professional to avoid legal problems.
- Incorrect Product Use
Are you confident with the type of smart device used in your home? How can you be sure that a certain gadget will work in your situation?
One usability study for self-installation of smart technologies revealed that the failure rate for installing smart door sensors was nearly 46%. Participants used the same sensors for different doors. Since every house has a different door size and shape, they failed to find a universal door sensor that would fit all entries and merge sensor parts correctly.
Choosing smart products that won’t work in your home is a common mistake when attempting a DIY large-scale project. A trained technician will know exactly what products to use in your home and avoid unnecessary spending.
- Safety Hazard
A complete smart home installation is not an easy process. Placing too many devices on a network cabling that isn’t meant to handle big loads can cause excess heating. Consequently, it can lead to damage and even a fire hazard. Wiring smart devices in the wrong place might be unsafe and put you and your family at risk.
- Insurance Concerns
If your home gets damaged due to a DIY project, your insurance company may not compensate you for damages. For instance, if you tried installing a smart fire alarm that failed to detect smoke, your home won’t be covered. That’s why it’s best to have a qualified technician check out any smart home installation you plan to implement.
Get An Expert for Installing Smart Devices
Even if you need to add one or a maximum of two smart devices, you should always contact a professional contractor for help. This will help you avoid unpleasant consequences and keep you in line with the law. If you are dealing with any problems organizing and wiring different devices in NYC, call an Expert Tech for help immediately!