Like most here it seems, I am not a fan of the Alexa / Google voice automation integration for privacy concerns and would prefer to have a stand alone automation and security system that either has a self contained voice control and phone/tablet/computer app control or even just the phone/tablet/computer app control. As for the security aspect, looking for options that have sensors and exterior cameras and the possibility of an interior camera although not sure about using one yet. Home automation should include things like controlling interior and exterior lights, garage door(I know some openers already have this integrated), etc. Prefer wireless but will consider wired.

Anyone have any recommendations I can look into for a home we are having built for us?

To run things:


Security:


I can't help with the automation, but I use Simplisafe for security.

I thought the top one only automated garage doors?

I use simplysafe at three locations that don't have phone lines.

Amazon uses Ring to spy on me.

Though I do not like or support Alex or Google Assistant either, their one real strong suit is integration with so many other products. When you opt not to use them (as I have), you end up with a group of phone/tablet apps to handle the chores. Here's what I have setup as an example of options.

Thermostat - Ecobee 3 controlled via the Ecobee Android phone app. This thermostat is not Alexa or Google Assistant compatible.

Lamps and Misc Electronics - Wyze WiFi bulbs and/or plugs controlled via the Wyze Android phone app.

Security Cameras - Wyze basic cameras (3 @ $20) controlled via the Wyze Android phone app.

This is a very basic system that can be controlled very simply from anywhere via a cellphone or tablet, and didn't cost an arm and a leg to put in place. I'll admit the security camera setup is very basic and may not meet your needs. You could opt for some Amcrest WiFi cameras which would give you more camera options, but it would also introduce yet another app to the equation.

For simple automation I use a Hubitat Elevation. It does not have voice activation and is more for automating reoccurring tasks (you can use it to manually turn things on and off using the app but I just get up and turn the lamp on myself). it can run locally with no need to connect it to the internet so it is not spying on you.

I use it for things like all my outside lights which it automatically turns on at sunset and off at sunrise and the water heater which allowed me to create a unique schedule for different days of the week based on our different schedules. My next project will be to set up a rule that, if the garage door is open greater then XX minutes after 8pm and before 8am it will close it.

It will not do most of what you want but it might fill in part of your overall solution.

quote:

Security:

Taking a bite out of crime?

As an electrician, and a fan of toys. I have none of this stuff. I prefer to wear a tinfoil hat and stay away from IOT things. IOT and 5G scare the shit out of me.

I live in a tiny house with all the switches placed exactly where I want/put them. I also could easily install an old school lighting control panel that works with wires.

The only smart home item I have is a wireless, but old school Honeywell t-stat. It does send me monthly reports which piss me off. I don't want anyone knowing when I have my AC on or not.

Honeywell for thermostats

TP-link for switches, plugs, outlets and mesh routers.

Wyze for cameras

I am using Amazon to tie them together with voice.

They work without Amazon using four different apps.

It will work on both android and iPhone apps.

Unless you work very hard to stay invisible, your information is out there.

Any love for the X10 or Insteon goods?

Looking into Nest thermostat, Simplysafe, and Lutron switches at the moment but there seems to be a lot of options out there right now, even some with for instance exterior wireless cameras that have their own small solar panels to keep them charged instead of having to replace the battery every so often.

I'm not so concerned about "my information being out there" when and how I choose as I am about listening and video devices that may inadvertently or by design allow people to look into and listen to our home without my permission or knowing about it.

While our Yorkie is EXCELLENT at hearing things and warning us about noises and things outside, we're looking for a technological back up to be able to safely investigate further as needed. Oh, he's also very protective of us, and would likely be somewhat of a distraction and deterrent given his louder and deeper than his size bark, but I doubt he would be much help in a defensive capacity although I'm sure he would try.

quote:

Originally posted by Dtech:
Looking into Nest thermostat...

Google owns Nest Labs. Just sayin'

quote:

Originally posted by nhracecraft:

quote:

Originally posted by Dtech:
Looking into Nest thermostat...

Google owns Nest Labs. Just sayin'

I know, but I'm less concerned about someone knowing what temp I keep the house vs the other things I mentioned. There are other alternatives for thermostats as well.

I have a Nest for HVAC and 2 Rachio sprinkler controllers for my 24 zones. I have a Smartthings controller for controlling my lights in about 7 areas, monitoring for water in my basement and reporting position of some of my doors. It will also detect motion in 4 locations. Yes, Alexa can control much of it.

I also monitor things with 7 Amcrest cameras and Blue Iris.

SimpliSafe. Have system.

I have a few Lutron Caseta Wireless switches that work flawlessly. I do use Alexa but most of the switches are run with the Lutron app and the timer function.

Apple HomeKit requires no outside entity (unless you integrate with a Siri... offloading voice processing in the cloud). The down side is that compatible products is a shorter list.

I'm liking what Simplisafe has to offer so far but a bit disappointed they don't offer any exterior cameras, not even a doorbell camera.

Thanks for reminding me about the sprinkler control. That is one of my needs / wants too.

Keep the recommendations coming and thanks in advance. I have some time to consider the options so that I can make the right decision and investment the first time.

^^^^^
SimpliSafe does offer a doorbell camera.

Don't know if you're interested in this, but I'm going to buy and install a Networked Water Heater Controller unit so I can schedule/control how much and when that unit runs.