Still, I’d take a weird wall over a cookie-cutter box any day.
Funny you mention that—some of the most interesting homes I’ve worked on had “problem” corners or odd nooks that ended up being the highlight. It’s almost like those quirks force you to think outside the box, especially when you’re trying to fit smart tech into places it wasn’t really designed for. Have you ever tried integrating older wiring with new smart switches? That’s where things get tricky... sometimes I wonder if the convenience is worth the hassle, but then again, it’s those challenges that make a space feel unique.
Totally hear you on the old wiring headaches. I’ve had to get creative with wireless switches in a 1920s bungalow—half the fun was figuring out what would actually work. Sometimes those “problem” spots end up being the most memorable parts of a project, quirks and all.
Smart Home On A Tight Budget—Is It Doable?
Sometimes those “problem” spots end up being the most memorable parts of a project, quirks and all.
I get what you mean about the quirks, but I sometimes wonder if embracing them is always the best call. Have you ever tried running low-profile conduit or painting it to match the trim? It’s not wireless, but sometimes it keeps things feeling a bit more intentional, especially in older homes where character matters. Wireless switches are handy, but I’ve had clients get frustrated with connectivity issues—maybe it’s just me, but I still like a good old-fashioned hardwired solution when possible.
I’ve actually done the painted conduit trick in a few older houses—sometimes it’s the only way to keep things looking intentional without tearing up plaster. Wireless is great when it works, but yeah, nothing beats the reliability of hardwired. It’s a tradeoff, especially on a budget.
SMART HOME ON A TIGHT BUDGET—IS IT DOABLE?
Painted conduit is a classic move, honestly. I’ve seen it blend in surprisingly well, especially if you take the time to match the wall color and keep the runs tidy. It’s not always perfect, but like you said, sometimes it’s the only way to avoid wrecking old plaster or lath. I do wonder, though—have you ever run into issues with inspectors or resale value when using surface conduit? Some folks get picky about aesthetics.
On the wireless vs hardwired debate, I’m with you: nothing beats hardwired for reliability. But I’ve noticed that with newer mesh systems and battery-powered sensors, wireless has gotten a lot more dependable than it used to be. Still, if you’re already opening up walls for other work, I’d always suggest running extra low-voltage lines while you’re at it... even if you don’t need them right away.
Budget-wise, it’s all about picking your battles. Maybe prioritize wiring for things like security cams or thermostats where reliability matters most, and go wireless elsewhere? That’s worked for a few of my clients who didn’t want to break the bank but still wanted some smart features.
