We spoke with a smart home specialist and COO of Home-A-Genius, Cheryl Chiang, to understand why locally controlled smart home systems are increasingly viewed as a more practical and resilient alternative to cloud-dependent platforms.

Smart homes have moved well beyond novelty status. Automated lighting, climate control, and security systems are now widely adopted, helping households operate more comfortably and efficiently. Today, an estimated 90% of smart homes rely on cloud-based platforms, largely because they are easy to deploy and widely supported.

However, as cloud systems become the default, their structural limitations are becoming more apparent. Delayed responses, inconsistent automation, and growing data-privacy concerns are prompting homeowners to question whether convenience should come with so many trade-offs.

Cloud dependency introduces long-term risk

If a provider changes its business model, migrates servers, or discontinues a platform entirely, homeowners may face forced hardware upgrades, broken automations, or full system replacements — often at significant cost.

Where Cloud-Based Smart Homes Fall Short

Cloud platforms work by routing every command through remote servers before actions are executed at home. While this allows remote access and quick setup, it also introduces long-term weaknesses that affect daily usability.

Common pain points include:

• Internet dependency When connectivity drops or slows, automations may fail or stop entirely.

• Noticeable delays Simple actions like switching lights or triggering motion scenes can feel sluggish when every command must travel to the cloud and back.

• Platform risk Changes to cloud infrastructure, forced updates, or discontinued services can break existing setups overnight.

Why Local Smart Home Servers Make More Sense

Local-first systems run automation logic directly within the home, removing the need for constant cloud communication. This single design difference solves many of the challenges cloud systems face.

Key advantages include:

• Instant response and reliability Lights, air-conditioning, and security actions trigger immediately. Automations continue working even during internet outages or service disruptions.

• Better privacy control Data stays inside the home, giving homeowners full ownership over their information.

• Protection from subscriptions and service changes Homeowners are not affected by shifting business models or feature paywalls.

Is Local Control Only for Luxury Homes?

There’s a long-standing belief that bespoke smart homes are only for high-end properties. According to Cheryl Chiang, that perception is outdated.

“People often assume local or bespoke smart homes are expensive and out of reach. In reality, modern local-first systems are scalable and far more accessible than most expect.”

Homeowners can start small, expand gradually, and avoid recurring subscription costs. Over time, increased reliability and efficiency can also reduce energy waste, maintenance issues, and device replacements.

Bespoke no longer means excessive cost — it means better performance and long-term value.

A Smarter Direction for Smart Homes

Cloud-based smart homes offer an easy entry point, but they often struggle with responsiveness, privacy, and long-term reliability. Local smart home servers take a different approach — prioritising real-world performance, data control, and system stability.

The future of smart living isn’t about having the most connected platform. It’s about having a system that works consistently, adapts to real household routines, and remains dependable for years.

For homeowners looking beyond short-term convenience, local-first smart home systems offer a smarter, more sustainable way forward.