@james
Thanks, that's all very helpful.
I'm more paranoid than most about things having an "I'll work fine until out of warranty and then insist on connection" design.
But my paranoia about corporate abuse has been justified so far. If anything I underestimated the willingness of corporations to abuse their customers so long as it increases profits.
@dlakelan
Are there #HomeAutomation things that would best be considered and implemented during a home renovation rather than later?
@happyborg @james @dlakelan If you step outside of home automation, but stay in the "draw things to places" category, I draw USB and Display Port between tech rooms of floors. So I can use stationary computers without hearing or seeing them.
@happyborg @james @dlakelan Proper boxes for the light switches so you can swap for smart switches if you like some day. Full wiring to each switch - not just a single wire in and a single wire out to the light.
Reachable ethernet to have that option?
Power drawn to outdoor areas?
It's all generally "oh yea that'd be nice in general" type stuff, but also none a hard requirements. Just adds more options.
@happyborg @james @dlakelan same for PV and power / grid things like inverters. Nicht require wires or radio Testing 
@happyborg @james @dlakelan If I was renovating today I would be sure to have electric register boxes that are large enough to accommodate smart relays and/or energy meters for lightning and plugs. retrofit can be tricky since they tend to be full and tight
@happyborg @james @dlakelan running Ethernet (including into the ceiling space above anywhere where you might conceivably want to ceiling-mount an access point). Also to potential camera locations. If you’re rewiring, make sure all light switches have a neutral cable.
@happyborg @james @dlakelan Electric [roller] blinds, specifically appropriate mains wiring. You can get battery powered ones that last about 6 months between charges, which I have, but it's one more thing to worry about.
Also I would prefer Zigbee over RF or BLE. RF is one way and can't do position reporting. Maybe there's a serial protocol standard for doing wired control, but I haven't looked into it.
