Guides
Straight answers for owners planning a smart home
What things cost, how long they take, which system fits, and what to ask before you sign.
GuideHow long does a smart home installation take?How long a smart home installation takes: 4 to 10 weeks for a retrofit, the four-stage new construction timeline, and how to keep your project on schedule.GuideHow to choose a smart home installer: questions to ask before you signQuestions to ask a smart home installer before you sign: state licensing, brand certification, references, programming, service and backup power.GuidePre-wiring a new home for smart technology: the checklistWhat to pre-wire during new construction, when it happens on the build schedule, what it costs, and why it is cheaper than retrofitting after drywall.GuideSmart home features that matter in hurricane seasonAutomatic water shutoff, generator monitoring, remote HVAC control, motorized shades and network backup power, the features that matter in hurricane season.GuideIs Josh.ai worth it? A plain-English look at private voice controlIs Josh.ai worth it for your home? What it controls, its privacy claims, which systems it works with, who it suits, and how pricing works through installers.GuideHow much do motorized shades cost?Real per-window and whole-home price ranges for motorized shades, battery vs. hardwired motors, what drives the cost, and Florida and Arizona sun control.GuideHow much does a home theater cost?What a media room, private cinema and reference-grade home theater cost, what drives the price, typical timelines, and new build vs. retrofit.GuideSmart home privacy and security: what to ask forWhat to ask your installer about local camera recording, network security, voice assistant privacy, access control, and who manages updates.Cost guideSmart home cost in Naples, FL (2026)Typical budgets by size of home, and what moves the price.Cost guideSmart home cost in Palm Beach & Boca Raton, FL (2026)Typical budgets by size of home, and what moves the price.Cost guideSmart home cost in Scottsdale & Paradise Valley, AZ (2026)Typical budgets by size of home, and what moves the price.Cost guideSmart home cost in Atlanta & Buckhead, GA (2026)Typical budgets by size of home, and what moves the price.