Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you want to know about owning a smart home without the subscriptions.
Do I really pay zero monthly fees?
Yes. Zero. Not "low fees" — zero. Your smart home runs on hardware in your home. There's no cloud service to subscribe to, no monitoring contract, and no video storage fees. You pay once for installation and you own everything.
What is Home Assistant?
Home Assistant is an open-source smart home platform that runs on a small computer in your home. It controls all your smart devices — cameras, lights, locks, thermostats, shades — from a single dashboard. It works with thousands of devices from hundreds of brands, and it runs entirely on your local network.
What is Frigate NVR?
Frigate is an open-source network video recorder that integrates with Home Assistant. It records your security cameras 24/7 to local storage and uses AI (via a Google Coral TPU chip) to detect people, vehicles, animals, and packages in real-time. No cloud subscription needed.
Will my smart home work if the internet goes down?
Yes. Everything runs on your local network. Lights, locks, cameras, automations, and climate control all continue to work without internet. The only thing that requires internet is remote access from outside your home.
Do I own the hardware?
100%. Every camera, switch, lock, sensor, and hub we install belongs to you. It's not leased, rented, or tied to any contract. If you move, you can take it with you or leave it for the next owner.
How long does installation take?
Most installations are completed in a single day. Larger Smart Estate installations may take 1-2 days. We schedule at your convenience and won't leave until everything is tested and you're fully trained.
Do I need to be technical to use this?
Not at all. We handle all the technical setup. You'll use a simple app on your phone or a dashboard on a tablet. Voice control through Alexa or Google Home makes it even easier. We train you on everything before we leave.
What brands of cameras do you install?
We install commercial-grade PoE (Power over Ethernet) cameras rated for extreme temperatures. Brands vary based on your needs, but we choose cameras specifically for Las Vegas heat (120°F+ rated), 4K resolution, and Frigate NVR compatibility.
Can I add more devices later?
Absolutely. Home Assistant supports thousands of devices. Want to add more cameras, security shades, or sensors later? We can expand your system anytime. The hub we install is designed to grow with you.
What areas do you serve?
We serve the entire Las Vegas Valley including Summerlin, Henderson, Green Valley, North Las Vegas, Centennial Hills, Southern Highlands, Anthem, Mountains Edge, Enterprise, Spring Valley, and more.
Is this HOA friendly?
Yes. We're experienced with Las Vegas HOA requirements. We use discrete camera placements, clean cable runs, and equipment that meets community standards. We can review your HOA guidelines before installation.
What if something breaks?
We offer a Smart Care plan ($400/year) that includes annual system health checks, priority support, software updates, and hardware troubleshooting. Without the plan, we're still available for service calls at standard rates.
How do I get started?
Text or call us at (725) 867-2742, email Hello@SecureSmartHomes.com, or fill out the form on our Get Started page. We'll schedule a free consultation to assess your home and recommend the right solution.
Still Have Questions?
We're happy to chat. No sales pressure, just honest answers.