Why Choose Layman Smart Home People? | Singapore Smart Home Comparison

What most smart home installers in Singapore do

Based on what we typically see in the market, most smart home installers in Singapore follow a similar model:

• Pre-packaged systems — fixed packages built on a single brand (often Tuya/Smart Life). You get what's in the box, nothing more.
• Proprietary apps — your devices are controlled through the installer's own app. Adding a device from a different brand later may not work.
• Monthly subscription fees — many systems charge ongoing fees for cloud access, app features, or remote control.
• Limited device compatibility — devices must be from the installer's approved brand list. Mixing brands is often not supported.
• Cloud-dependent — automations and voice control stop working if your internet goes down. Your usage data goes to third-party servers.
• Opaque pricing — package prices that bundle hardware and labour, making it hard to know what you're actually paying for.

What LSHP does differently

We're Home Assistant specialists. That means:

• Home Assistant only — we build on Home Assistant because it's the most capable, open, and future-proof smart home platform available. It's not a product we sell; it's an open-source system we configure for your home.
• No vendor lock-in — following Home Assistant's open-source principles, we don't lock you into any brand, product, or app. You can mix Aqara, Sonoff, Shelly, Philips Hue, or any other compatible device. If one brand stops making products, your system keeps working.
• No monthly fees — there are no subscription charges. Your system runs locally on your own hardware.
• Works offline — automations, schedules, and voice control (via local Assist) keep working during internet outages. Your data stays in your home.
• Transparent pricing — we price per project based on property size, not per device. A bigger home means more planning, more devices, and more integration work. We don't charge per device because that creates perverse incentives.
• Honest advice — we don't take cuts from distributors or sellers. Our recommendations are based on what works best for your home, not what earns us a commission. We'll tell you if a cheaper option is just as good.

Side-by-side comparison

When LSHP is NOT the right fit

We're upfront about this. LSHP may not be the right choice if:

• You want plug-and-play with zero technical involvement — Home Assistant requires some setup and ongoing maintenance. If you want something you never have to think about, a simpler system might suit you better.
• You prefer a single-brand ecosystem — if you're all-in on Apple HomeKit or Google Home and don't want to mix brands, a proprietary system may be simpler.
• You want the cheapest possible option — Tuya-based systems are cheaper upfront. Home Assistant costs more initially but has no ongoing fees.
• You need installation only — we don't do electrical work, CCTV installation, or lighting hardware installation. We coordinate with your electrician/contractor and advise on requirements, but the physical installation is done by them.
• You want someone to just "make it work" without understanding it — we believe in handover and education. If you don't want to learn how your system works, we may not be the best fit.

When LSHP IS the right fit

• You want local control — your automations work during internet outages, and your data stays in your home.
• You want to mix brands — Aqara switches, Sonoff sensors, Shelly relays, Philips Hue lights — all in one system.
• You're renovating — we advise on wiring requirements, electrical planning, and device placement before installation starts. We front discussions with your electrician so nothing is missed.
• You want a system that grows with you — start with lighting and aircon, add sensors, curtains, and automations over time. No need to replace anything.
• You value privacy and data ownership — no cloud dependency, no telemetry, no third-party access to your home data.
• You want honest advice — we don't take cuts from distributors. Our recommendations are based on what works best for your home, not what earns us a commission.

More than just integration

Once your project is confirmed, our scope extends beyond the technical setup. For many homeowners, this is where expensive missteps are avoided. We help you make clearer decisions early, before installation work starts:

• Device planning — suitability feedback based on your routines and layout
• Wiring requirements — clarifying what your electrician needs to do for smart switches, no-neutral solutions, etc.
• Network planning — Wi-Fi coverage, Zigbee mesh topology, router placement
• Representing your needs — we front discussions with your electrician, ID, or contractor so requirements are communicated clearly

In practical terms, we function as your strategic smart home partner during renovation, so decisions are made with better context and less guesswork.

Frequently Asked Questions