The midwit home

I need to choose outlets and switches for a new building, and I hope to "smart home" it. I had started to do some reading, and while my experience wasn't _quite_ as gruesome as the author of this article portrays it to be, I generally agree with their sentiments.

Still, I'm not quite ready to give up on computer-controlled automation.

Does anyone know of a reasonably complete guide (web site, book, whatever) that explains this well? What I'm looking for: help choosing components that will work together; not "for dummies"; I'm technically competent and willing to learn some stuff but don't want to make a hobby/profession out of this; doesn't require buying into Google Home, Alexa, or another privacy-hostile system.

Thanks in advance.

Just go with Philips Hue, you can't go wrong.

Then, when you're ready, setup home assistant but setup everything so basic functionality still works even if your server or internet went down.

My hue bulbs are at the center of this strategy with each bulb controlled by either a remote control or a hue movement detector. Hint: remote controls in rooms where you stay, sensors where you pass by or if you stay only a little while.

I can also control everything via Alexa and can't wait for the day there is a viable privacy-friendly / low-maintenance alternative (Home assistant are working on this). Again, if internet goes down, I still have the remotes/detectors so my lights always work.

Also, for any other equipment you would buy, make sure it's compatible with Matter.

Hue just decided to start requiring an online account even for local control; I used to think they were the best option, but now I'd recommend avoiding them (even if you don't care about a needless account, consider that this most likely is step 1 to adding fees)

I honestly never understood why people even bothered using the official Hue bridge when Zigbee light link is an open standard with tons of both open and proprietary alternatives available.

Just take your existing hue bulbs elsewhere