Frequently Asked Questions
Questions clients ask me before moving forward. If yours isn't here, get in touch.
About the system
Does it work if the internet goes down?
Yes, mostly. Everything internal to the home — sensors, automations, camera recording, lights and blinds control — continues to work normally. What you lose is remote access and functions that genuinely depend on the internet. Your home doesn't rely on your broadband connection.
What if there's a power cut?
The server, router, and critical equipment are connected to a UPS that typically provides 30 to 60 minutes of backup power. For most common electrical outages, the system doesn't even notice. For longer outages, the system performs a graceful shutdown automatically. When power returns, everything restarts on its own.
How many devices can it manage?
In practice, more than you'll ever need. The server I install handles several hundred devices with ease. The real limit is usually your patience for configuring that many automations — not the system's capacity.
Can I use it with Alexa, Google Home, or Siri?
I can integrate them, yes — but I'll ask you why first. These assistants exist to send your voice to company servers that process, store, and sometimes use it for AI training. There are decent local voice recognition alternatives (no cloud) that I can install instead.
What brands and technologies do you use?
I favour devices compatible with open protocols: Zigbee, Z-Wave, Matter. For automation, I use Home Assistant. For cameras, Frigate with local detection. The rule is: I never depend on a single brand for anything critical.
What if I want to add things later?
It's planned from the start. The architecture is modular. For my clients, I do additions at a discount — I call it a "loyalty rate" — because I already know the house and the system.
About privacy and security
How do I know you're not accessing my home whenever you want?
My remote access goes through the same VPN keys you control. You can see, in the admin panel, all devices with active access — including mine. You can revoke my access at any time. There's no "secret back door" — there's the same door you use, for which I have a key you gave me and can take back.
Is my camera data really only in my home?
Yes. Frigate runs on your local server. Video files are written to your disk. There's no cloud replication by default. The only way video leaves your home is if you're viewing it remotely via VPN — a direct, encrypted connection between your phone and your home, with no intermediaries.
What about GDPR and the law?
For purely residential use, you're covered by GDPR's domestic exemption — but you do have obligations: visible signage, cameras that don't capture the public road, and limited retention (30 days). I fulfil these obligations as part of the installation. You receive a data protection annex with a map and field-of-view angles. For commercial use, the Premium tier applies.
Is the system secure against cyber attacks?
Compared to a typical ISP router, Hikvision cameras, and devices without updates for five years? Significantly more so. Network segmentation, outbound blocking of IoT devices, 2FA on admin interfaces, VPN with no open ports. No system is invulnerable, but the security posture is orders of magnitude above the average home.
About the service
Is it just you, or do you have a team?
Just me, and that's deliberate. For clients who value discretion, having always the same person in your home — someone you know, who knows where your equipment is — is worth more than "a team of technicians". For certified electrical work, I collaborate with a licensed partner electrician.
What areas do you cover?
Almada, Setúbal, and the South Bank are the areas where I operate without additional travel costs. For Greater Lisbon, I also cover it with a small supplement agreed upfront. For areas outside these, I evaluate case by case.
How long does an installation take?
Essential: 2 to 3 working days. Professional: 4 to 6 working days, possibly split over two weeks. Premium: 5 to 10 working days, in agreed phases. Before the physical installation, there's 1–2 days of pre-configuration on the bench — so I arrive at your home with the system already working.
What if I don't like the result?
Final delivery is done with you, with side-by-side tests. If anything isn't as agreed, it gets adjusted before you close the payment. The first 30 days are hypercare — any adjustment or correction is included at no cost.
About costs
Why is it more expensive than buying everything on Amazon?
It isn't, when you do the maths properly. What you're paying for isn't just the equipment — it's the design, integration, security configuration, documentation, and the ongoing relationship. If you value your time at even a minimal realistic rate, the numbers work out.
Is staged payment available?
Yes. The standard model is 50% at contract signing and 50% after installation accepted by you. For Premium projects, it can be split into three instalments. I accept bank transfer, MB Way up to €750, and card via SumUp terminal.
Is the €60 technical survey fee really discounted?
Yes, fully discounted from the final quote if you proceed. If you decide not to proceed, it stays as compensation for the visit and proposal (which typically takes 4–6 hours of work). It's the only honest way to ensure I visit homes of people who are genuinely interested.
Are there hidden subscriptions?
No. The monthly maintenance plan is the only recurring cost, it's optional, and it's clearly identified. If you cancel it, the system keeps working. No software licences, no mandatory cloud activations, no premium tiers to unlock features.
What about warranty?
Equipment comes with the legal 3-year guarantee for individuals (EU Consumer Rights Directive), managed by me. Installation work has a 2-year guarantee: if something I installed stops working because of the installation, I'll resolve it at no cost.
Still have questions?
The best way to clear up anything not covered here is a 30-minute conversation. No commitment, no cost, no pushy follow-up.