You Have a Basic Smart Home. Here's What to Add Next (Smart Upgrade Path)
You bought a smart thermostat two years ago. Then added a video doorbell last year. Maybe some smart plugs for Christmas lights.
Now you're thinking: "What's next?"
You want to expand your smart home, but you're not sure what to add. Every article says "get smart lights!" or "you need a security system!" without considering what you ALREADY have.
Here's the truth: What you should add next depends on what you already own.
After setting up hundreds of smart homes, I've learned there's a strategic order to expansion. Add things in the right order, and each device makes the next one more useful. Add things randomly, and you end up with disconnected gadgets.
Here's your upgrade path based on where you're starting.
If You Have: Just a Smart Thermostat
You started smart. Thermostats have best ROI in Minnesota's climate.
Add Next: Video Doorbell
Why doorbell second:
Security is next priority after energy efficiency. Front door coverage is first layer.
Recommended:
● Ring Video Doorbell ($100-150)
● Nest Doorbell ($180)
● Arlo Video Doorbell ($150)
Budget: $150-250 installed
What this unlocks:
● Package theft prevention
● Visitor screening
● Security foundation to build on
Then Add: Smart Plugs (Test Ecosystem)
Why smart plugs third:
Test automation without major commitment. Cheap, easy, reversible.
Recommended:
● TP-Link Kasa plugs (2-pack: $25)
● Wyze plugs (4-pack: $30)
What to control:
● Lamps (automatic on/off at sunset)
● Coffee maker (on at 6 AM)
● Seasonal decorations
What this unlocks:
● Introduction to automation
● Testing which voice assistant you prefer
● Learning routines and schedules
If You Have: Doorbell + Thermostat
You have security foundation + energy management. Now expand coverage.
Add Next: Mesh WiFi System
Why WiFi third:
You're about to add more devices. Your single router won't handle it well.
Recommended for Minnesota homes:
● TP-Link Deco (3-pack: $200)
● Google WiFi (3-pack: $250)
● Eero (3-pack: $250)
Budget: $200-300
Why this matters:
More devices = more WiFi bandwidth needed. Plus, older Minnesota homes have thick walls. Mesh WiFi solves both problems.
What this unlocks:
● Ability to add 15-25 more devices without issues
● Coverage for outdoor cameras
● Reliable connections for security devices
Then Add: Smart Lock
Why lock fourth:
Complete the security trifecta (doorbell + WiFi + lock).
Recommended:
● August Smart Lock ($230)
● Yale Assure Lock ($200)
● Schlage Encode ($250)
Budget: $250-350 installed
What this unlocks:
● Keyless entry
● Temporary codes for contractors/guests
● Auto-lock when you leave
● Integration with doorbell (see who's there, unlock remotely)
If You Have: Basic Security Setup (Doorbell + Cameras + Lock)
You've focused on security. Now add convenience and automation.
Add Next: Voice Assistant Ecosystem
Why voice assistant next:
You have multiple devices to control. Voice makes it seamless.
Choose your platform:
Amazon Alexa:
● Best device compatibility
● Echo Dot (4-pack: $100 for whole home)
● Works with most smart home devices
Google Home:
● Better at answering questions
● Google Nest Mini (4-pack: $120)
● Best for Google/Nest ecosystem
Apple HomeKit:
● Best privacy/security
● HomePod Mini (2-pack: $180)
● Limited device compatibility
Budget: $100-180 for whole-home coverage
What this unlocks:
● Voice control of all devices
● Routines (goodnight = lock doors, arm cameras, turn off lights)
● Hands-free control
Then Add: Smart Lighting (Main Rooms)
Why lighting after voice:
Voice control makes smart lighting dramatically more useful. Before voice, it's just "app to turn on lights" (meh). With voice, it's "Alexa, bedtime" and all lights turn off automatically (amazing).
Recommended approaches:
Option 1: Smart Bulbs (Renter-friendly, easier)
● Philips Hue starter kit ($100 for 4 bulbs + hub)
● Add bulbs as needed ($15-50 each)
Option 2: Smart Switches (Permanent, cleaner)
● Lutron Caseta starter kit ($150 for hub + 2 switches)
● Add switches as needed ($50-60 each)
Start with: Living room, bedroom, kitchen
Budget: $200-400 for main rooms
What this unlocks:
● Morning routine (lights gradually brighten)
● Movie mode (dim lights, close shades if you have them)
● Away mode (random lighting to simulate occupancy)
If You Have: Comprehensive Smart Home (10+ Devices)
You're past basics. Now optimize and expand.
Add Next: Hub for Advanced Automation
Why hub now:
You have enough devices that managing them individually is tedious. Hub centralizes control and enables complex automation.
Recommended:
Samsung SmartThings ($70)
● Cloud-based
● Huge device compatibility
● Easy to set up
Hubitat Elevation ($150)
● Local control (works during internet outage)
● More reliable
● Better for privacy
Budget: $70-150
What this unlocks:
● Cross-brand automation
● Complex routines (if doorbell motion + time after sunset = turn on porch light)
● Local control (works when internet down)
Then Add: Based on Your Priorities
At this point, choose based on what bothers you most:
Bothered by: Remembering to close garage
→ Add smart garage door opener ($250)
Bothered by: Watering lawn manually
→ Add smart irrigation ($300-400)
Bothered by: Morning sun in bedroom
→ Add motorized shades ($200-500 per window)
Bothered by: Outdoor security gaps
→ Add outdoor cameras ($150-250 each)
Common Expansion Paths
Path 1: Energy Efficiency Focus
1. Smart thermostat
2. Smart plugs (monitor energy)
3. Smart lighting
4. Energy monitoring system
5. Smart irrigation
Path 2: Security Focus
1. Video doorbell
2. Mesh WiFi (for camera support)
3. Smart lock
4. Indoor cameras
5. Outdoor cameras
6. Smart garage opener
Path 3: Convenience Focus
1. Voice assistant
2. Smart lighting
3. Smart thermostat
4. Smart lock
5. Motorized shades
Path 4: Entertainment Focus
1. Voice assistant
2. Smart TV / streaming setup
3. Multi-room audio
4. Smart lighting (for ambiance)
5. Universal remote
When to Add a Hub
You need a hub when:
Sign 1: You have 10+ smart devices
Managing them individually is tedious.
Sign 2: Multiple brands that don't talk
Ring + Nest + Philips Hue + August = lots of apps. Hub unifies.
Sign 3: You want complex automation
"If doorbell rings AND time is after sunset AND front porch light is off THEN turn on porch light."
This requires a hub. Individual device apps can't do multi-device logic.
Devices to Skip (For Now)
Smart refrigerators, ovens, washers:
Wait until you need to replace appliances. Don't upgrade working appliances just for smart features.
Smart mirrors:
Expensive, limited utility for most people.
Robot vacuums:
Great devices, but luxury item. Add after security and efficiency are handled.
Smart faucets:
Gimmicky for most people. Save your money.
Budget-Friendly Expansion Strategy
Can't afford everything at once? Phase it in:
Year 1:
● Thermostat ($200)
● Doorbell ($150)
● Smart plugs ($30)
Total: $380
Year 2:
● Mesh WiFi ($250)
● Smart lock ($300)
● Voice assistants ($100)
Total: $650
Year 3:
● Smart lighting ($400)
● Indoor cameras ($300)
● Hub ($100)
Total: $800
3-Year Total: $1,830
This is a comprehensive smart home built gradually, without breaking the bank.
The Bottom Line
Starting point determines next step:
● Just thermostat? → Add doorbell
● Thermostat + doorbell? → Add mesh WiFi
● Basic security? → Add voice assistants + lighting
● 10+ devices? → Add hub for better control
Universal principle:
Security foundation first (doorbell, lock, cameras)
Infrastructure second (WiFi, hub)
Convenience third (lighting, automation, voice)
Luxury last (shades, multi-room audio, appliances)
Build in the right order, and each device makes the next one more valuable.
Not sure what to add to your smart home next? We'll assess your current setup and recommend the strategic next steps based on your priorities and budget. Free consultation.
Call or text: (763) 393-6892
