“hidden wiring pays off in the long run”
I kinda get that, but when we moved in, I was just happy to have working lights and a doorbell that didn’t sound haunted. Honestly, I slapped up battery sensors and called it good—still running fine after 18 months. Maybe I’ll regret it if I start adding more gadgets, but right now, not having to fish wires through drywall feels like a win.
Honestly, I get where you’re coming from.
Battery sensors are a lifesaver for quick setups, especially when you just moved in. If you ever decide to expand, you can always run low-voltage wiring later—just takes a bit more planning. For now, if it works, no shame in keeping it simple.“not having to fish wires through drywall feels like a win.”
Honestly, fishing wires through drywall is my least favorite part of any project—been there, done that, and lost a few drill bits along the way. Battery sensors are a solid call for now. If you ever want to go bigger, here’s what I usually do: plan out where you might want hardwired stuff later, leave some conduit or pull strings in the walls if you’re already opening them up for something else. Saves headaches down the road. But yeah, no shame in keeping it simple until you’re ready to go all-in. Sometimes “good enough” is exactly that.
Couldn’t agree more—sometimes “good enough” is the smartest move, especially when you’re watching the budget. I’ve seen plenty of folks overcomplicate things early on, only to regret it later. Planning for future upgrades is smart, but there’s no harm in keeping things simple until you’re ready.
Title: Smart home on a tight budget—is it doable?
Totally get what you mean about keeping it simple. I fell into the trap of buying a bunch of “future-proof” gear, only to realize half of it just sat in boxes for months. Ended up returning most of it and starting small—just a couple smart switches and a cheap hub. Out of curiosity, has anyone found a good balance between DIY solutions and off-the-shelf stuff? Sometimes I wonder if piecing things together is worth the hassle compared to just biting the bullet on a kit.
