Blog / smart home

Notes from the field.

Short, practical pieces on the decisions I get asked about most. No news, no trends, no AI takes.

Sep 9, 2026
5 min read

Is Home Assistant Worth It for a Normal House?

Local control fixes the cloud outage problem, but it comes with a maintenance tail. Here is where a hub earns its keep and where it does not.

smart homedecision framework

Sep 8, 2026
4 min read

Will Your Smart Home Still Work in Five Years?

Cloud shutdowns turn working smart home hardware into plastic. Here is the question to ask before you buy, and what to do with the gear you already own.

smart homebuying advice

Notes from the field.

Is Home Assistant Worth It for a Normal House?

Will Your Smart Home Still Work in Five Years?

Thirty minutes, no charge, no pitch.