Build A Budget Smart Home For Under $1000 | A Top10Tech Guide
- Shilpa Lama
- Sep 13, 2016
- 5 min read
Every futuristic family you have ever seen in the movies and television has access to technology that can cater to their every whim. From all those housekeeping robots and holographic communication devices to sophisticated security devices and flying cars they often epitomize the true definition of technological utopia (or at least how most of us perceive it).
But here’s the thing most of those stuff you get to see in those futurism themed elements of pop culture are possible even today.
Granted, we are yet to have those darn teleportation machines (or for that matter, even flying cars) in the store shelves, but the point here is that there’s still a whole bunch of stuff you can buy today to turn your current apartment into an actual smart home. (Just like the home of the Jetsons, if we may add. Albeit more realistic and affordable!)
That’s something probably few of could envision growing up in the 80s, or the 90s even!
If you’re interested, let us help you with this rundown of 5 easily available devices that will set you off on the right path for less than $1,000:
There are a whole range of smart light bulbs out there in the market today. But just in case most of the products you have seen on your favorite online shopping portals thus far seem a bit too expensive, allow us to assure you that that’s not necessarily true for all brands and products
For example, you can easily save up to $20 or more on each light if you switch to light bulb adapters from Incipio or other similar brands. The advantage of these adapters is that you can turn almost any light bulb in your house into a smart light. The installation process is pretty simple too just screw the adapter into a light bulb socket and then screw the light bulb into the adapter. These smart light bulb adapters usually come with builtin WiFi connectivity that can be operated using your Android or iOS devices. The typical price tends to hover somewhere around $40 per unit or less...still a lot less than those expensive multicolor bulbs from bigger brands.
Total cost: Depends on the number of units you require.
Smart locks that add to or replace your front door security can do way more than mere locking or unlocking your door without a pair of keys. Most contemporary smart locks available out there allow you to receive alerts and track who’s entering the house and who’s leaving. You can also remotely lock and unlock your door, and even send limited access digital “keys” to your children, employees, and visitors when you’re away.
Many of these smart locks are nowadays compatible with smart home ecosystems like Nest, the Wink, or the Apple Homekit. If you go for one of those, you will have the ability to set 'lock' and 'unlock' commands as part of a group operation. For example, you could set a “night mode” command that locks the door and turns off all the lights at a particular time every day.
The best use of smart locks, however, is when you pair them up with a compatible smart doorbell. It allows you to visually confirm the identity of a visitor and give you the option of letting them in by unlocking the door remotely.
The price varies depending on multiple factors including brand, features, and such. We would like to suggest products such as Kwikset Kevo (1st Gen) that costs around $180, or the justifiably more expensive Schlage Smart Sense Deadbolt that sets you back nearly $230.
Finally, if you are looking for a low-cost solution, there are always those good ol’ access keypad/touchpad based smart locks that can remember several access codes for individual family members and guests (e.g. the Schlage Touch Camelot Deadbolt). These products typically cost around $100 $120, or more.
Total Cost: $100 $250, or more.
Smart home kits are basically designed to reinvent what an average household already has. They turn your ordinary appliances into smart gadgets without requiring any complicated installation. With such a kit at your disposal, you can effectively control everything from coffee maker to lamps, air conditioner to fans, and much more. In fact, there are products out there that can be used to even feed your pet remotely using a Wi Fi activated treat/feeder dispenser.
There’re plenty of options for you if you want to add one of these smart home kits to your gadget inventory. In case you do not know where to begin your search, we suggest the LittleBits Smart Home Kit that costs around $250 on Amazon.
Total cost: $200 to $400 or more
This one is an awesome low-cost solution if you already have (or planning to purchase) multiple smart home gadgets. The primary function of a hub is to enable different smart home devices to communicate with one another. For example, you can set it to have one smart device turning on another at particular times. It is also essential for controlling those devices remotely that can otherwise only be controlled from short distances (for example, devices that relies exclusively on Bluetooth connectivity). Among all the products you will find in the Smart Hub category, we believe the Wink Hub ($69) truly encompasses a good blend of features and affordability. It supports all device connectivity standards including WiFi, ZWave, Zigbee, Bluetooth, and more.
Total cost: Less than $100
This category is currently dominated by the Amazon Echo, priced at around $180. However, with Google’s much anticipated Google Home set to mark its debut by the end of 2016, we are not sure anymore which of these two tech behemoths will eventually triumph.
Once installed, these Wi Fi enabled, voice-controlled speakers can play music, read the news, control smart home devices, set alarms, and provide information on different topics, amongst a host of other tasks. You don’t even have to press buttons or type anything, just give it voice commands ...simple as that!
There are plenty of alternatives to Amazon Echo, some cheaper, some more expensive. In fact, if you are on a tight budget, you might want to check the Amazon Echo Dot which is basically a miniature version of Amazon Echo and costs approximately $90.
Remember, what we have covered today are only the basic essentials that every household must have to begin in the path of home automation. We will certainly be back with more tips and tricks soon. Meanwhile, don’t forget to hit us back with any feedback or suggestion you may have.
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