Hey everyone! I'm finally taking the plunge into making my house smarter, but I'm completely overwhelmed by all the options out there. I've been researching home automation solutions for weeks now, and honestly, the more I read, the more confused I get.

My main goals are to control lighting, climate, and security from my phone, but I also want something that won't be obsolete in two years. I've looked at DIY options like SmartThings and more professional setups, but I can't figure out what's actually worth the investment.

Here's my situation: 2,800 sq ft home, built in 2015, already has some smart devices (a thermostat and a few bulbs), but nothing integrated. My budget is flexible—I'd rather do it right once than cheap out and redo everything later.

What I'm really wondering is whether I should go with a single ecosystem or if mixing brands is okay? Also, does anyone have experience with systems that work well even when the internet goes down? That's a big concern for me since we lose connectivity fairly often during storms.

I'd love to hear about your setups—what worked, what didn't, and what you wish you'd known before starting. Are there specific protocols or standards I should prioritize? Any advice would be really appreciated!