Managing a rental from away? See vacation rental smart home setup. Just want Alexa, Google or Apple Home to run the TV and lights? See voice control.
What smart home services do you offer?
We set up the network first, then the smart devices that depend on it. Every home and internet connection is different, so smart home work starts with a free estimate.
Services include:
- Wi-Fi and mesh networks, including wired links between units
- Starlink-friendly setups, connecting satellite internet to a whole-home network
- Cameras for doors, driveways and decks
- Smart locks, handy for rental check-ins
- Smart thermostats
- Lighting, including smart bulbs and plugs
- Voice assistants, such as Alexa and Google Assistant, linked to your devices
Mesh Wi-Fi for log homes and cabins
Mesh Wi-Fi is the most reliable way to cover a log home. Logs, stone fireplaces and long cabin layouts block Wi-Fi, so one router in a corner often leaves dead rooms.
A mesh system uses several units that act as one network. When we can, we connect the units with network cable, which keeps speeds up far better than a wireless link. We place units based on how you use the house, so the deck, the bedrooms and the TV all get a strong signal.
Starlink-friendly setups and lake internet
Internet near the lake depends on your address, so we check what works there first. Depending on where you are, options may include DSL, fixed wireless, T-Mobile Home Internet or satellite such as Starlink.
For Starlink homes, we connect the dish’s router to a mesh system or a separate router so the signal reaches the whole house. We also help plan a clean cable route from the dish into the home.
Weak cell service workarounds
Many areas around Vallecito have little or no cell service. The practical fix is a strong home network with Wi-Fi calling turned on, so phones make calls and send texts over the internet. Wi-Fi calling does not strengthen the cell signal, and it needs working internet, so good Wi-Fi coverage matters even more here.
Cameras, locks, thermostats and lighting
Smart devices are only as good as the Wi-Fi under them, which is why we start there. For vacation-rental owners, smart locks and cameras on entries can make check-ins simpler and let you see who comes and goes outside.
Plug-in devices, smart bulbs and most thermostat swaps are low-voltage or plug-in work. Smart switches that replace wall switches, new outlets and any wiring at the panel are line-voltage electrical work and go to a licensed electrician.
Smart home setup for vacation rentals
A smart rental lets owners keep an eye on the place from anywhere in the world. From a phone app, you can check entry cameras, turn off lights or plug-in appliances renters left on, change smart lock codes for each guest, adjust the thermostat between stays and get freeze or leak alerts.
Cameras go on exteriors and entries only. Follow your rental platform’s camera rules, which ban cameras inside, and disclose outdoor cameras in your listing as the platform requires. Tim enjoys this kind of work; see vacation rental smart home setup for the full list.
Storm-season surge protection advice
Lightning and power surges can damage TVs, routers and smart devices. We recommend surge protectors at each TV and network spot and unplugging gear when storms are close. Whole-home surge protection at the panel is a job for a licensed electrician.
What affects the price of smart home work?
The size of the home, wall materials, the number of devices and how many network cables need to run move the price most. See pricing for how quotes work.
Related services
Smart home work supports vacation rental setups, device setup for rentals, winterizing with freeze sensors, multi-room home audio and home theater. We serve Vallecito, Forest Lakes, Bayfield, Ignacio, Durango, Purgatory and Pagosa Springs. Request a free estimate.