Smart lights vs smart switches for yard setup?

I went through something similar, but ended up sticking mostly with bulbs because I wasn't confident messing with wiring myself (and hiring someone was out of my budget). I did find a workaround though - putting cheap bulb covers or housings over bulbs in exposed areas. It helped a lot with weather issues and was still pretty affordable. But now you have me curious...how complicated was installing those switches yourself? Maybe it's not as intimidating as I'm imagining.

"Maybe it's not as intimidating as I'm imagining."

I completely understand the hesitation - electrical work can feel daunting at first, especially if you've never tried it before. But honestly, installing smart switches isn't as complicated as it seems. Most kits come with clear step-by-step instructions, and there are tons of helpful video tutorials online to guide you through. If you take your time, double-check the power is off (safety first!), and follow the directions closely, you'll likely surprise yourself with how manageable it actually is. You've already shown resourcefulness with your bulb covers, so I bet you'd do great with this too.

I get what you're saying, but honestly, even with clear instructions, electrical stuff can still be tricky if you're new to it. I tried installing a smart switch myself last summer - thought it'd be straightforward - but ended up spending half the day troubleshooting wiring issues. Eventually got it working, but looking back, smart bulbs would've saved me a headache. Just something to consider if you're not super confident messing around with wires...

I had a similar experience when setting up my backyard lighting. Initially opted for smart switches because the bulbs seemed pricier upfront, but after spending several frustrating hours figuring out the wiring setup - turns out the previous homeowner had done some creative DIY wiring - I realized my savings weren't worth the hassle. In hindsight, smart bulbs would've simplified things considerably. So, if you're wary about wiring or uncertain about your home's electrical quirks, bulbs might indeed be the safer bet...

Totally feel your pain on that one - I've run into more than a few "creative" wiring jobs myself. It's amazing how quickly those small savings vanish once you're knee-deep in mystery wires and frustration. Smart bulbs do seem to simplify things, especially if you're not looking to dive into electrical detective work. But hey, at least now you've got some solid wiring experience under your belt... silver lining?