Yeah, the neutral wire thing is a pain—I’ve seen way too many “smart” switches end up as glorified wall decorations. Here’s what I’ve run into:
- Battery-powered buttons are decent for renters or if you just don’t want to rip into drywall. Downside: batteries always die at the worst time.
- I’ve had folks ask me to fish new wires just for a single switch. Usually not worth the mess unless you’re already remodeling.
- Honestly, sometimes a dumb switch is just less hassle. Not everything needs to be smart, despite what the ads say.
If you’re not ready to patch holes or chase wires, those stick-on buttons are about as good as it gets... but yeah, it’s not perfect.
Totally get what you mean about the neutral wire headache. I tried to swap out a couple switches last year and ended up staring at a mess of wires, realizing I’d need to either pay an electrician or just give up. Ended up sticking with the old switches and using smart bulbs instead. Not as elegant, but at least I didn’t have to patch drywall or run new wires. Sometimes the “dumb” way is just easier on the wallet and the nerves.
Sometimes the “dumb” way is just easier on the wallet and the nerves.
Honestly, I think you made a smart call. There’s something to be said for not tearing up your walls just to get a few more features. Have you noticed any quirks with the smart bulbs, though? I always wonder if I’m missing out by not going all-in with switches. But yeah, staring at a tangle of wires is enough to make anyone rethink their life choices...
staring at a tangle of wires is enough to make anyone rethink their life choices...
Couldn’t agree more. I’ve done the “rip out the switches” thing before and honestly, it’s not worth the headache unless you’re doing a full reno anyway.
- Smart bulbs are fine for most rooms. Only real quirk I’ve had is if someone flips the wall switch off, then you lose remote control until it’s back on.
- Price-wise, bulbs are way cheaper than smart switches, especially if you’re outfitting a bunch of rooms.
- If you ever move, you can just unscrew them and take them with you—try doing that with a hardwired switch.
I get the appeal of going all-in, but sometimes simple just works better for real life.
If you ever move, you can just unscrew them and take them with you—try doing that with a hardwired switch.
That’s such an underrated perk. I’ve seen people spend hours patching drywall after yanking out switches, and for what? Unless you’re chasing a super clean look or need multi-way control, bulbs are just less hassle. The only thing I’d add—if you’re picky about color temp or dimming, some bulbs are better than others. Worth testing a couple before buying a dozen.
