Starting from scratch in a new apartment? Here’s how to build a simple, reliable, and low-maintenance smart home that just works.

So, you’re standing in a new, empty apartment. The possibilities are endless, right? Renovations are on the horizon, and you have a completely blank canvas to create something amazing. It’s the perfect time to think about building a modern smart home setup from the ground up, one that’s simple, reliable, and maybe even a little magical.

I’ve been there, and the sheer number of options can feel overwhelming. Do you go with a complex wired system? Do you dabble in a dozen different apps? Or is there a simpler way? Let’s walk through how to approach this, especially for a smaller space that might double as a short-term rental. The goal is a smart home that works for you (and your guests) without needing a PhD in tinkering.

Planning Your Smart Home Setup: The Foundation

Since you’re renovating, you have a golden opportunity to think about wiring. This is where systems like KNX often come up. KNX is the heavyweight champion of home automation—it’s an industry standard, incredibly reliable, and everything is hardwired. But, it comes with a cost. It’s expensive and requires specialized installers.

For a small apartment, it’s likely overkill.

Instead, I’d recommend a “wireless-first” approach. Modern wireless protocols are incredibly stable and give you the flexibility to change your mind later without tearing open walls. Your plan to use Ubiquiti for networking is a fantastic start, as a rock-solid Wi-Fi and network backbone is the single most important part of any good smart home.

The Brains: Do You Need a Central Hub?

The next big question is how you’ll control everything. You’ll hear a lot about platforms like Home Assistant, which is an incredibly powerful, open-source hub that can connect almost anything. It’s a tinkerer’s dream and offers ultimate control.

But let’s be honest—you mentioned low maintenance is a priority. Home Assistant is a hobby. It requires updates, troubleshooting, and time. For a second home or rental, that’s a potential headache.

My advice? Keep it simple. Start with ecosystems that work great on their own but can be integrated later if you change your mind. Here are a few paths:

• Shelly (Wi-Fi): Shelly devices are brilliant. They are tiny relays and sensors that you install behind your existing light switches or power outlets. This is great for rentals because the switches still work like normal switches. Anyone can use them without a lesson. They connect directly to your Wi-Fi and have a great app.
• Zigbee: This is a wireless protocol that creates a mesh network. Each device talks to the next, making the network stronger and more reliable as you add more things. Brands like Aqara make fantastic and affordable Zigbee sensors (motion, door/window, temperature). You’ll need a small hub (like an Aqara hub), but the setup is generally plug-and-play.
• Matter: This is the new kid on the block. Think of it as a universal language that lets devices from Apple, Google, Amazon, and others all talk to each other directly. Choosing devices with the Matter logo is a great way to future-proof your smart home setup. You can start with a few devices and know they’ll likely work with whatever system you choose down the road.

Key Components for a Simple Smart Home Setup

You don’t need to automate everything at once. Focus on the things that provide the most comfort and convenience.

Smart Lighting

Forget smart bulbs, for the most part. If a guest turns off the light switch, the smart bulb loses power and becomes “dumb.” Instead, use smart switches or relays (like the Shelly ones I mentioned). This keeps the intelligence behind the wall and the experience familiar for everyone. You get smart control without sacrificing normal functionality.

Sensors for Automation

This is where the magic happens. A great smart home setup isn’t about controlling things from your phone; it’s about the house responding to you.

• Motion Sensors: Place one in the entryway or hallway. The lights can turn on automatically when you walk in with groceries and turn off after a few minutes of inactivity.
• Door/Window Sensors: These are great for peace of mind. You can get an alert if a window is left open. You can also use them to automatically turn off the heating or AC if a window is open for too long, saving energy.
• Smart Thermostat: A must-have. Something like a Nest, or a Tado for European heating systems, can manage the climate efficiently. You can set it to an “away” mode to save energy and turn it on remotely before you or a guest arrives.

A Recipe for a Reliable Apartment Setup

If I were starting from scratch in your shoes, here’s what I’d do:

1. Network: Stick with your Ubiquiti plan. A great network is non-negotiable.
2. Lighting: Install Shelly relays behind your primary light switches (living room, kitchen, bedroom). This gives you remote control and scheduling without confusing anyone.
3. Sensors: Get a starter kit of Aqara Zigbee sensors. A few door/window sensors and a couple of motion sensors will let you build some genuinely useful automations.
4. Climate: A smart thermostat compatible with your Italian heating/cooling system.
5. Access: For a rental, a smart lock with a keypad (like one from Nuki or Yale) is fantastic. You can assign temporary codes for guests that expire automatically. No more lost keys.

Start there. Live with it for a bit. You’ll quickly see what you love and what you want to add next. The beauty of this approach is that it’s modular. You can add smart plugs, automated blinds, or voice control whenever you feel like it, without having to rewire the apartment. Enjoy the process!