About Me

Hi, I’m Aled, the creator and experimenter behind Home Hacker Lab! Welcome to my little hub on the web—the only hub I’ll ever willingly tolerate. Unlike those so-called “smart” home hubs that multiply like rabbits, demand half your Wi-Fi bandwidth, and still refuse to work without an app update, this hub doesn’t need plugging in, rebooting, or troubleshooting (Well I guess it technically does, but that’s not your responsibility). You’re safe here.

This is a space where tech, tinkering, and a few bits of creativity spark smarter living solutions.

My journey into home automation began in 2021 when I decided to build my own very simple automation system. It wasn’t fancy—just a few devices working together to handle basic tasks—but it opened my eyes to the incredible potential of automating my living space. From there, I discovered Home Assistant, and everything changed. This powerful, open-source platform became the foundation for taking my automation setup to the next level, giving me the freedom to customize and expand my system in ways I never thought possible.

Now, I’m obsessed with finding new ways to integrate technology into everyday life, creating solutions that save time, improve efficiency, and just make home life more fun. At Home Hacker Lab, I document this journey—the wins, the challenges, and everything in between—and share practical advice, creative ideas, and step-by-step guides to help you build your own smart home.

Here’s what you’ll find on the blog:

DIY Projects: From simple automations to more advanced setups, I break down the process so anyone can follow along.
Tech Reviews: Honest, hands-on insights into the tools and gadgets I’ve tried, so you can make informed decisions.
How-To Guides: Tips and tricks for setting up and troubleshooting your own home automation systems.
Creative Inspiration: Ideas to help you dream big and think outside the box with your automations.

Home automation is about more than just convenience—it’s about creating a space that truly works for you. Whether that’s lights that adjust to your routine, smart systems that save energy, or clever integrations that bring your home to life, the possibilities are endless.

If you’re just getting started or looking for ways to level up your current setup, I hope Home Hacker Lab has something to inspire you. My goal is to make automation accessible and fun for everyone, regardless of your experience or budget.

Thank you for stopping by! Let’s hack our homes together and create spaces that are smarter, more sustainable, and uniquely tailored to the way we live.

Stay curious and keep tinkering,

Aled