When it comes to home automation you can get as much or as little as you want. How you use home automation is up to you. For some home automation may be something as simple as remote or automatic control of a few lights. For others, it is security that is the focus and central application. Still others may choose to install advanced controllers or use voice recognition. Home automation is basically anything that gives you remote or automatic control of things around the home.

Many people think that home automation is only for the extremely wealthy, but adding home automation to an existing home is surprisingly affordable and simple, and building it into a home makes it that much easier because you aren't changing things.

So, with a relatively inexpensive home automation system, what can you control?

Lighting

Lighting is probably the most popular control category, and if you are new to the idea, it is a great way to get involved with home automation. For the skeptic, you can get a starter kit for around $10 or so. These are very basic plug-and-play type systems, that are easy to install. Of course, you can get very high tech as well, and do things like adding dimming to fixtures you could never dim before, and control them from anywhere in the house (or world via the Internet).

Security Systems & Access Control

This is the next most popular type of home automation. You can use home automation to have your home call you if there is an alert status. You can save money on security monitoring services or even monitor for non-traditional security events like water in the laundry room or basement. This is not the only safety feature that home automation can give you, some systems include devices which will let you to unlock the front door to let friends in or close the garage door from your office via the web. Imagine that, you can't remember if you put the garage door down, rather than turn around and check, simply call the home automation system and see.

Home Theater & Entertainment

This is quickly becoming the most popular form of home automation as it means replacing that pile of remotes with just one controller. No more set up and hassle, just push a button. Phone Systems This is great if you are a screener. With caller ID and a home automation controller you can screen your calls for only those you wish to cause your phone to ring. Voice control software turns every phone in your home into a remote controller.

Thermostats

Remote control thermostats allow you to adjust the temperature from bed at night or even from a cell phone while on your way home. This could really help your utility bills and comfort.

Irrigation

Have your sprinklers turn on only when it's dry, or when there is an unwanted visitor in your yard. That could be fun!

Networking

Home automation can be accomplished using various types of connectivity. If you are building new, and you aren't sure if you want home automation, or what type of home automation you want, consider adding networking, audio, video and control wiring while it is easy and relatively inexpensive, later on you'll be happy you did.

Control all of the above, and more with a remote.