05/16/2026
Think home automation is expensive?
It really isn't.
You don't have to rewire your whole house or spend thousands to start living smarter. Small changes add up fast — and the results can completely change how your home feels and functions.
Here are 10 easy upgrades that make a big difference:
The 10 Small Changes
1. Swap a wall switch for a smart switch.
You keep your existing bulbs, but now you control every light in that room from your phone — or your voice. Set schedules, dim without a dimmer, and never walk into a dark house again.
2. Add a smart plug.
Plug it into any outlet and instantly make any lamp, fan, or appliance "smart." Turn things on/off remotely, set schedules, and even monitor how much energy they're using.
3. Install a smart thermostat.
Your thermostat is running your HVAC whether you're home or not. A smart one learns your schedule, adjusts automatically, and can cut your energy bill noticeably — month after month.
4. Put up a video doorbell.
See, hear, and speak to whomever is at at your door — from your phone, from anywhere. Deters porch pirates, keeps tabs on deliveries, and gives you peace of mind every time someone knocks.
5. Add a smart lock.
No more hiding a key under the mat. Create codes for family, dog walkers, or contractors — then delete them when you're done. Open your front door without having to reach for your keys. Know the moment your kids get home from school.
6. Drop in a motion sensor.
One small sensor can trigger lights when you walk in, alert you when someone enters a room you're not expecting, or kick on an outdoor light the moment something moves in your driveway.
7. Upgrade your smoke and CO detectors.
Smart detectors send an alert directly to your phone — not just a siren in an empty house. Know the moment something's wrong, even when you're across town.
8. Add a smart speaker or hub.
One device to tie it all together. Voice control for your lights, locks, thermostat, and more. This is often the first thing people add — and the thing that makes everything else click.
9. Install a smart outdoor floodlight.
Motion-activated, schedules for dusk-to-dawn, and connected to your phone. Lights up the driveway automatically, records what sets it off, and is one of the cheapest deterrents you can add to your home.
10. Connect your garage door.
Never wonder "did I leave the garage open?" again. Open or close it from anywhere, get a notification if it's been left up, and give access to deliveries without handing over a key.
Any one of these can be done in an afternoon. All ten? That's a genuinely smart home — and it didn't cost a fortune.
Not sure where to start? That's exactly what we're here for. Dassl does free in-home consultations — we walk through your home, tell you what makes sense, and give you a real quote with no pressure.
Licensed. Local. Inland Empire's smart home team.
📞 818-646-6490
🌐 www.dassl.co
