How complicated is this?
Home automation can be as simple or as sophisticated (and challenging) as you’d like. To make it easier to identify information, projects and products that suit the level of complexity that you’re comfortable with, information on this site has been tagged based on these levels of complexity:
Level 1 – This is the lowest level of complexity, and typically involves “out of the box” products that just work. The products you are using may come with an app that lets you control them remotely, such as a NEST thermostat.
Level 2 – This level covers out of the box products, that you’ll probably connect to remotely, via dedicated app on your smartphone. You are probably creating “scenes” controlling multiple devices simultaneously, or connecting different products together using integrations already provided, such as controlling your Philips Hue lights with your voice using an Amazon Echo.
Level 3 – This level covers out of the box products, but you’re starting to connect different systems together that don’t have “out of the box” integrations. You may be using IFTTT to have your your Sonos speakers turned off when someone presses your RING doorbell. You may also be setting up text notifications for when you’re away.
Level 4 – This level of complexity means you’ve setup remote access to your home (using Dynamic DNS), are probably using one or more hubs/controllers, and you’re programming activities. You’re probably also connecting multiple systems/technologies together.
Level 5 – This is the highest level of complexity. It involves connecting devices that weren’t originally intended to be connected, perhaps building or modifying hardware, writing code or scripts. You probably know what an Arduino board is…
If you stay within your comfort zone, start simple and get comfortable with these technologies, you’ll enjoy using home automation technologies. As your experience grows, you’ll probably be interested in tackling projects with more complexity, and you can use these tags to find products and projects suited to the level of complexity you’re comfortable taking on.
