In This Guide
What is Home Assistant?
Home Assistant is a free, open-source home automation platform that puts local control and privacy first. Unlike cloud-dependent solutions from Google, Amazon, or Apple, Home Assistant runs entirely on your own hardware - meaning your smart home keeps working even if the internet goes down.
With support for over 2,500 integrations, Home Assistant can connect virtually any smart device - from Zigbee sensors to Z-Wave locks, WiFi bulbs to Thread devices, and everything in between. It's the ultimate hub for unifying your smart home under one interface.
Privacy First
All data stays on your local network
2,500+ Integrations
Works with virtually every smart device
Lightning Fast
No cloud roundtrip = instant responses
HAOS (Home Assistant Operating System)
HAOS is the recommended way to run Home Assistant. It's a purpose-built Linux operating system that includes the Home Assistant Supervisor, which manages updates, backups, and add-ons automatically.
Recommended Hardware
Home Assistant Yellow
Official hardware with Zigbee built-in. Plug and play.
Mini PC (Intel N100)
Our recommended option. Powerful, affordable, and expandable.
Raspberry Pi 5
Popular entry point. Good for smaller setups.
💡 Our Recommendation
For most users, an Intel N100 mini PC with 16GB RAM and a 256GB NVMe SSD offers the best balance of performance, reliability, and value. Expect to pay $250-400 CAD.
HACS (Home Assistant Community Store)
HACS is an unofficial app store for Home Assistant that gives you access to hundreds of custom integrations, frontend themes, and dashboard cards created by the community. It's essential for unlocking Home Assistant's full potential.
Must-Have HACS Integrations
⚠️ Note on HACS
HACS integrations are community-maintained and not officially supported. Always check reviews and update dates before installing. Stick to popular, actively maintained projects.
Replacing the Default Dashboard
Home Assistant's default auto-generated dashboard is functional but not beautiful. The community has created incredible tools to build stunning, user-friendly interfaces.
Mushroom Cards
Mushroom is the most popular custom card collection for Home Assistant. It provides clean, minimalist cards that work beautifully on both desktop and mobile.
Dashboard Best Practices
- Start with a separate dashboard instead of modifying the default
- Use YAML mode for more control over layout
- Group devices by room or function, not by type
- Create separate views for desktop vs mobile (or use adaptive layouts)
- Add a "quick actions" section for commonly used controls
- Use conditional cards to hide irrelevant information
Remote Access with Tailscale
Accessing Home Assistant remotely is essential, but exposing it to the internet is risky. Tailscale provides a secure, zero-config VPN that creates a private network between your devices.
Why Tailscale?
No Port Forwarding
Works through NAT without opening router ports
End-to-End Encryption
WireGuard encryption for all traffic
Easy Setup
Install the add-on and authenticate - done
Free Tier
Free for up to 100 devices for personal use
Setup Steps
- 1Install the Tailscale add-on from the Add-on Store
- 2Create a free Tailscale account at tailscale.com
- 3Authenticate the add-on with your Tailscale account
- 4Install Tailscale on your phone/laptop
- 5Access Home Assistant via your Tailscale IP (100.x.x.x) or MagicDNS hostname
🔐 Security Note
Unlike Nabu Casa or port forwarding, Tailscale never exposes your Home Assistant to the public internet. Only devices signed into your Tailscale network can connect.
Need Help Setting Up Home Assistant?
Home Assistant is powerful but can be complex. We offer professional installation, configuration, and dashboard design services. From initial setup to advanced automations, we can help you build the smart home of your dreams.