Buying Your Own Smart Home Equipment: A Red Flag?
DIY shopping seems convenient… until installation, support, and warranty get complicated. Here’s what to know before buying your own tech.
At OnHive, our mission is simple: We Connect you ➕ Technology.
Many clients tell us, “I can just buy the devices myself, it’ll be cheaper and easier.” At first glance, that makes sense: DIY shopping seems convenient, and there’s a satisfaction in picking your own gadgets, especially during Black Friday or Boxing Day sales. But in the world of home automation, what seems simple can quickly turn into a frustrating and costly experience.
1. Compatibility Matters
Not all devices play nicely together. A smart camera from a big-box store, a budget thermostat, or off-the-shelf smart bulbs may not integrate seamlessly. Features may fail, automations break, or alerts might not trigger at all. Professional systems like Ubiquiti networking and cameras, Control4 automation, or Lutron lighting and shading solutions are designed to communicate effectively, giving your smart home a cohesive and reliable experience.
2. Warranty & Support Risks
When clients supply their own devices, we cannot provide a warranty on them. If a third-party device is defective, it can lead to extra costs, such as additional truck rolls to troubleshoot installation issues, and the client must contact the manufacturer’s support themselves. When products are supplied by OnHive, we essentially project-manage the entire process; from troubleshooting to support and follow-ups, so clients can go about their day without worrying about installation headaches or technical issues. Another consideration is long-term reliability: some cheaper or lesser-known brands might not survive in the market or maintain ongoing support, meaning your investment could become obsolete or unsupported. At OnHive, we partner only with trusted brands that we know will continue to provide support for years to come.
3. Security Considerations
Every IoT device is a potential vulnerability. Consumer devices bought for convenience often skip advanced security settings or require manual firmware updates that can easily be overlooked. Professional-grade devices and setups, like Lutron automated shades and lighting or Ubiquiti cameras, are installed according to security best practices to minimize potential leaks and cyberattacks, protecting both your home and your data. When we set up your system, we’re much more likely to resolve any issues quickly if something does go wrong. OnHive also offers support and maintenance plans to monitor your equipment and run updates when necessary, ensuring your smart home remains secure, reliable, and up-to-date
4. Hidden Costs of DIY
“Saving money” can end up costing more. Adapters, multiple visits, troubleshooting, or even buying replacement devices can quickly outweigh the initial savings. Working with a professional integrator ensures your system is configured correctly the first time, fully integrated, and future-proofed for expansion.
Invest in smart home systems that are reliable today and supported tomorrow
5. Peace of Mind
We professionally set up your smart home so you can enjoy your free time, focus on what matters most, and not worry. We also plan for unexpected situations, like sudden power outages, to ensure your system stays protected and continues functioning smoothly. By partnering with OnHive, clients get more than devices, they gain confidence that their home is secure, reliable, and ready for the future.
Conclusion
It’s tempting to buy off-the-shelf devices, but the hidden challenges, compatibility, security, support, and long-term reliability, often outweigh the convenience. Partner with professionals and enjoy a smart home that truly works and is future-proof, powered by trusted brands like Ubiquiti, Control4, Lutron, and more. For a full list of the brands we partner with, check our about section
