Hi! I'm new to hubitat (I still doenst have one, they are out of stock), I'm coming from Smartthings which disappointed me after the latest app update where it takes ages to refresh status, to load items etc.... I've been searching and apparently Hubitat does the job as I would expect! So here I am!
Now, I moved to a new house, a rented one, and I'm used now to have lights and stuff automated, so I want to do the same here. For obvious reason, I don't want to spend too much so I'm really looking for affordable equipment. Basically what I would like is lights, door sensors, alarm, movement sensor, camera (yes... lots of stuff).
I've been updating myself on what devices are available (my last project I didi it on 2015 and I didnt updated since) and I found there are lots of different options, unfortunately not better prices for zwave or zigbee devices, but pretty good prices for wifi devices....
For instances, regarding light switches and dimmers Ive found Gosung, which are wifi devices and apparently they work well with their own app, but not sure if they will work with Hubitat or TP Link KASA
Those for wifi. For Zwave I know it works with hubitat, but there are more expensieve. Under Zwave if found
GE/jasco
Zooz
Inovelli
What route / brand would you recommend for light switches and dimmers?
I honestly love the Lutron Caseta Dimmers/switches, there's never any mesh issues to worry about but are more pricey then the Z-Wave options. This is my opinion though, there's a lot of ppl that love the Z-Wave Dimmers like the brands you mentioned because of some additional features the Lutron Dimmers don't have and some of these dimmers look a bit better for sure than the Lutron ones.
Lutron switches though you'll never have any issues related to mesh which is why I went that route but really you can't go wrong with Z-Wave too, it's all up to preference but just make sure you build out a good Z-Wave mesh and recommend at least 2-3 Ring GEN 2 repeaters in your mesh if you go Z-wave
You can get them at Costco for $25 which is not as cheap as wifi-options, but still not so expensive that it hurts.
I think z-wave has one clear advantage, and that is it will probably work if you decide to change hub in the future. Wifi relies on available integration.
Some vendors will give you a discount if you bulk order - Zooz is very good about doing this and I assume Inovelli is as well. GE/Jasco also has Zigbee switches which is something to consider. Make sure the switches you get for bathroom fans etc are rated/recommended for it.. GE/Jasco definitely are.
