Movies like “Her” and “Ex Machina” have well-primed us to anticipate a future filled with convenience thanks to voice-activated systems, appliances and automation all around.
And thanks to smart home tech, we’re nearly halfway there. We’ve got AI-embedded central home hubs, voice-activated lights, aircons that can be turned on before you even reach home, and digital door locks that do away with manual keys.
Sounds like a dream? Totally! Until reality paints a different picture. From sneaky tech subscriptions to unreliable Wi-Fis, here is a list of smart home regrets as told by homeowners, and what you can do to avoid them!
Choosing cheaper & less reliable smart switch brands
Image credit: Koble
On paper, a $20 smart switch sounds just as good as the $60 one, until it starts flickering or fails completely after 2 years. Redditor u/overworkedengr shared, “Moes switch (Tuya ecosystem) – some are starting to fail after 2 years.”
But on the other hand, u/BlueSOdeath shared his experience, “Aqara switches with neutral wiring. 5 years and still working well.”
That’s the catch about smart switches, they may look identical, but what’s inside makes all the difference. Cheaper models often use lower-grade components, weaker relays, and thinner wiring that can’t handle frequent switching or higher loads over time. Many also lack proper neutral wiring support, which causes instability, flickering lights, or delayed responses.
Quality switches, on the other hand, are built with better electrical components, proper safety certifications, and firmware support that ensures compatibility with common smart ecosystems like Apple Home or Google Home. They usually come with longer warranties and more reliable app updates too, meaning fewer headaches down the road.
When it comes to smart homes, “budget” can quickly turn into “buy twice.” Paying a little more upfront for reliable brands, and getting a proper electrician who understands smart setups might save you from redoing your walls and switches later.
Not investing in a better router or Wi-Fi system
Image credit: YK Communications
Every smart home depends on one thing: a solid Wi-Fi connection. But many homeowners only realise that after their lights, locks, and cameras start acting possessed.
OP u/fromdust_todust shared their experience, “I’ve been facing issues with my home wifi network. We face a lot more intermittent connections whereby the internet suddenly gets cut off. I phoned in to Starhub’s CS but they haven’t been particularly helpful, it seems to resolve itself after a period of waiting.”
Smart homes depend on strong, consistent Wi-Fi, yet many older HDBs and condos simply aren’t built for it. That’s because older buildings often use dense materials like reinforced concrete, brick, or metal supports that absorb or block Wi-Fi signals. Combined with long corridors and thick internal walls, your connection can weaken drastically between rooms.
Add a dozen “smart” devices like lights, cameras, plugs, locks and they are all competing for bandwidth, it’s no wonder things start lagging, dropping, or refusing to connect.
So don’t skimp on your router. Invest in a proper mesh Wi-Fi system or do some network planning before renovation. Your smart home is only as smart as your internet connection, and sometimes, the thing you shouldn’t do is trust your ISP’s default router.
Not planning for manual back ups
Image credit: IKEA
When your Wi-Fi goes down, your smart home shouldn’t go down with it. Yet many Singaporean homeowners find themselves waving helplessly at unresponsive lights and doors that refuse to budge, all because they didn’t plan for a manual backup.
Lights that stop responding when the app crashes, digital locks that only have manual overrides from the outside, and systems that can’t “talk” to each other. These are the kinds of “smart” problems that make you long for something simpler.
A common regret among homeowners is not planning for manual overrides. When Wi-Fi goes down or the app glitches, having physical switches or key access can be a lifesaver, especially for family members or helpers who may not use the smart app.
It’s also a good safeguard against battery failures or firmware bugs that could otherwise decide you’re not allowed to leave your home today.
So always design your smart home assuming it might go offline. Many now opt for mechanical backup locks or hybrid systems for peace of mind.
Not realising voice assistant would struggle with local accents
Image credit: Amazon
You’d think talking to your home would make life easier until your voice assistant keeps saying, “Sorry, I didn’t get that.”
Many Singaporeans quickly discovered that Alexa and Google Assistant don’t always vibe with our local accents or Singlish. Commands like “off the light” often end in frustration, or worse, dead silence. Some even resort to putting on their best American accent just to get the air-con running.
Then there’s the privacy side-eye: those always-on microphones listening 24/7 make some homeowners uneasy. After all, nobody wants their “Ok Google” moment to become “Ok, data leak.”
If you’re thinking of bringing a voice assistant home, be ready for a few misunderstandings, and maybe skip the Singlish for now.
Making the home too complicated for elderly parents
Image credit: Aqara
What started as a sleek, futuristic home setup can quickly turn into a mini tech support centre, with you as the full-time IT helpdesk.
In wanting to automate everything, some people do go overboard unknowingly: too many devices, too many apps, and nothing working seamlessly together. Suddenly, a simple task like turning on the aircon requires three taps and a stable Wi-Fi connection. For guests and elderly parents, it’s like trying to start a plane just to switch on the lights.
The smarter the home, the steeper the learning curve, especially for those who just want to press a button and be done.
Simplicity is smart. Stick to one or two reliable systems that everyone in the household can actually use. If your mum needs a full tutorial to turn on the fan, your home might be too clever for its own good.
Being blindsided into paying hidden subscription fees
Image credit: Switch Bot
The sales pitch always sounds great: “One-time purchase! Lifetime convenience!” until your smart camera stops recording because you didn’t renew the cloud storage.
Many homeowners don’t realise that some smart devices quietly come with hidden costs, monthly subscriptions, premium app features, or cloud fees that kick in after the free trial ends.
Once you’ve invested in a particular brand, switching becomes expensive due to ecosystem lock-in and you can’t just mix-and-match without starting over.
Be sure to always read the fine print before buying. Check if that “smart” doorbell or camera needs a paid subscription, and calculate the yearly cost.
Not considering the maintenance hassle
Image credit: Parker & Sons
Between frequent app updates, random firmware bug fixes, and devices that need to be reset for no apparent reason, many homeowners find maintenance to be a full-time chore. And when something does break? Good luck finding local support that actually knows how to fix it.
Then there’s tech obsolescence, today’s “smart” hub or camera might stop getting updates in just 2 or 3 years, leaving you with expensive décor that doesn’t connect to anything anymore.
Always plan for the upkeep. Choose brands with reliable after-sales support and long-term software updates. A truly smart home isn’t one that’s constantly asking for your attention.
Not planning for smart home during reno
Image credit: Renovation Service Singapore
Renovating a home is stressful enough and the last thing you want is to realise halfway through that your “smart home dream” doesn’t quite fit your walls.
Many Singaporeans regret not integrating smart systems from the start. Running out of sockets, forgetting extra switches, or missing concealed wiring means some devices can’t even be installed properly, and it ends up looking like an afterthought with messy cables everywhere.
Smart devices work best when planned early, not slapped on after the fact. And if your electrician has never handled smart home setups, expect a few headaches: incorrect wiring, incompatible switches, and a lot of calls to customer support.
To let it be seamless, treat smart home planning like your reno blueprint. Think ahead, map out your devices, and ensure your electrical setup can support them.
Biggest smart home regrets to avoid in Singapore
Smart home technology isn’t the problem. The real culprit is a lack of foresight. Many of the regrets we’ve shared come down to planning, or not planning before going full automation.
Start with the essentials: reliable lighting, secure locks, and a strong Wi-Fi network. Once those basics are solid, you can gradually layer on extra gadgets without turning your home into a tech jungle.
The final takeaway: a truly smart home should work for you, not make you work for it. Plan ahead, keep it simple, and make sure your devices actually improve your life, not complicate it.
If you’re starting your smart journey, you can check these articles out:
- 10 best smart home products under $50
- 7 ultimate smart multi-function appliances to save space
- Wiz’s affordable smart lighting elevates your home cinema from $139.99
Cover image adapted from: Renovation Service Singapore, Finnley Electrical
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