u/Ramzi0123

Hi everyone!

I’m about to start a new chapter: moving in with my girlfriend. I’ve been appointed as the "Chief Technology Officer" of our new home. My goal is to build a powerful, flexible smart home with deep automation possibilities, but with one major rule: It shouldn't get in her way or be annoying to use. So the physical light switches should still be easily accessible and it should be Guest friendly

I’m planning to run Home Assistant (Green + SkyConnect) as the brain to bridge everything together.

Here is my current shopping list:

• Hubs: Home Assistant Green, SkyConnect (Zigbee/Thread), Google Nest Hub (2nd Gen).
• Entertainment: Samsung 55" Neo QLED (2025), Samsung HW-Q930F Soundbar, Apple TV 4K.
• Sensors: Aqara Motion & FP2 Presence sensors, Ikea Door/Window sensors.
• Climate: Tado Slimme Thermostaat X + 6 radiator valves.
• Lighting/Power: Ikea TRÅDFRI (GU10), Shelly Plus PlugS (Matter), Sonoff ZBMiniL2 (No neutral switches).
• Appliances/Security: Dreame L40 Ultra AE, Reolink PoE Doorbell, Synology DS224+ NAS.
• Network: TP-Link Deco XE75 (2-pack).

My questions for you:

1. Am I missing anything essential? (e.g., specific sensors or hardware for common automations).
2. Automation Tips: What are your favorite "invisible" automations that make life easier without being intrusive?
3. Red Flags: Do you see any compatibility issues or products on this list that are known to be "high maintenance"?

My plan is to use the Sonoff modules behind existing wall switches so she can always use the physical buttons, while I get the smart data.

Looking forward to your insights!

Hi everyone!

I’m about to start a new chapter: moving in with my girlfriend. I’ve been appointed as the "Chief Technology Officer" of our new home. My goal is to build a powerful, flexible smart home with deep automation possibilities, but with one major rule: It shouldn't get in her way or be annoying to use. So the physical light switches should still be easily accessible and it should be Guest friendly

I’m planning to run Home Assistant (Green + SkyConnect) as the brain to bridge everything together.

Here is my current shopping list:

• Hubs: Home Assistant Green, SkyConnect (Zigbee/Thread), Google Nest Hub (2nd Gen).
• Entertainment: Samsung 55" Neo QLED (2025), Samsung HW-Q930F Soundbar, Apple TV 4K.
• Sensors: Aqara Motion & FP2 Presence sensors, Ikea Door/Window sensors.
• Climate: Tado Slimme Thermostaat X + 6 radiator valves.
• Lighting/Power: Ikea TRÅDFRI (GU10), Shelly Plus PlugS (Matter), Sonoff ZBMiniL2 (No neutral switches).
• Appliances/Security: Dreame L40 Ultra AE, Reolink PoE Doorbell, Synology DS224+ NAS.
• Network: TP-Link Deco XE75 (2-pack).

My questions for you:

1. Am I missing anything essential? (e.g., specific sensors or hardware for common automations).
2. Automation Tips: What are your favorite "invisible" automations that make life easier without being intrusive?
3. Red Flags: Do you see any compatibility issues or products on this list that are known to be "high maintenance"?

My plan is to use the Sonoff modules behind existing wall switches so she can always use the physical buttons, while I get the smart data.

Looking forward to your insights!