5 Mistakes People Make When Buying Tech for Their Home

Home technology has never been more available (or more overwhelming). With smart lights, audio systems, video doorbells, and everything in between, it’s easy to get excited and start buying devices.

But not all tech works well together, and not every “smart” product is worth the investment.

At CAVES, we see a lot of homeowners who’ve run into the same problems before calling us. Here are five common mistakes we help people avoid. Following this mini-guide can help you build a setup that actually works the way you want it to.

1. Buying Devices That Don’t Talk to Each Other

Not all tech plays nice together. You might buy a smart doorbell from one brand, a lighting system from another, and a speaker setup from somewhere else - only to realize they all use different apps and don’t connect at all.

Solution: Plan for integration.
We help homeowners choose smart home systems like Control4 or Alarm.com that tie everything together; Lights, locks, speakers, and security all run from one app (or voice assistant).

2. Underestimating the Power of Wiring

Wi-Fi is great! Until your devices start dropping out, or your speakers lag, or your streaming cuts out mid-movie. Many homeowners try to run entire tech systems wirelessly, but that creates problems fast.

Solution: Think wired where it counts.
Hardwiring speakers, data connections, and TVs during a remodel or new build makes your system faster and more reliable. We offer pre-wiring services that future-proof your space and keep everything clean behind the walls.

3. Choosing Sound Bars Over Real Audio

We get it: sound bars are easy. But they’re not the same as a true audio setup. If you want clear dialogue, balanced music, or anything close to theater-quality sound, you’ll need more than a bar and a sub.

Solution: Go with a real speaker setup.
We install custom home audio systems with built-in speakers, multi-room audio zones, and subwoofers that actually add depth. It doesn’t have to be over the top, it just has to be done right.

4. Forgetting to Plan for the Room

Technology isn’t one-size-fits-all. A system that sounds great in a large open living room might not work in a small basement theater. A single camera might not cover your long driveway. Room layout, acoustics, and furniture all matter.

Solution: Design around the space.
We work with your floor plan to place cameras, speakers, and screens where they actually perform best (not just where there’s an outlet). That’s the difference between a system that works and one that gets ignored.

5. Installing It All Yourself (and Hating It Later)

DIY can work, but more often, it leads to messy wires, glitchy apps, and regret. You don’t want to be resetting routers or patching holes in drywall just to get your TV to stop buzzing.

Solution: Let professionals handle the install.
We make tech simple, clean, and invisible where it should be. You get one team, one plan, and a setup that works the first time.

Planning a tech upgrade? Let’s talk before you buy.
We’ll help you avoid the common mistakes, get the gear that fits your life, and make sure it all runs smoothly; No app juggling or wiring nightmares.

Contact Us

CAVES Bismarck
701-751-1162

CAVES Dickinson
701-483-2283

CAVES Minot
701-420-2765