Home automation setup for STR: the complete smart home stack

Category: Tech & Automation

By: Daniel Kowalski

Posted: 2026-02-02T11:08:40.048Z

I want to automate everything possible in my STR — locks, thermostat, lights, check-in/checkout, noise monitoring. Currently I manage everything manually and it's not sustainable as I add more properties. What's your complete smart home tech stack? What integrations work best together?

Reply by Chris Nakamura:

Here's my full smart home stack that runs across 5 properties with minimal daily management: **Lock:** Schlage Encode Plus ($250) - WiFi connected, no hub needed - Unique codes per guest via Hospitable integration - Codes auto-activate at check-in, expire at checkout **Thermostat:** Ecobee Smart Thermostat ($180) - Occupancy sensing (knows when guests are home) - Remote temperature control to prevent guests from cranking to 60°F in summer - Set temp limits: heating max 74°F, cooling min 68°F - Auto "away" mode when property is vacant (saves $30-50/month) **Noise monitoring:** Minut (https://minut.com) ($99 + $12/month) - Decibel monitoring 24/7 - Occupancy estimation (Bluetooth device counting) - Cigarette smoke detection - Real-time alerts to phone **WiFi:** Google Nest WiFi Mesh ($200 for 2-pack) - Covers entire property with no dead spots - Remote management, speed testing, guest network **Lighting:** Smart plugs + Hue bulbs ($50-100 total) - Porch light auto-on at sunset for guest arrivals - Interior lights on timer for "lived-in" look when vacant - Outdoor lights on motion sensors for security **Water leak detection:** Govee sensors ($15 each) - Under every sink, by water heater, by washing machine - Smartphone alerts for leaks before they become floods - Saved me from a $5K water damage claim last year **Security cameras:** Ring Doorbell + Ring Floodlight Cam ($250 total) - Exterior only (indoor cameras banned on Airbnb) - Motion alerts, package delivery confirmation **Integration hub:** The PMS ties it all together. Hospitable (https://hospitable.com) or Hostaway (https://hostaway.com) integrates with the smart lock for automated code management. Everything else runs independently via their own apps. **Total investment per property:** ~$800-1,000 **Monthly savings:** $100-200 (energy savings + time savings + damage prevention) **ROI:** 4-6 months

Reply by Anika Sharma:

Great stack. I'd add one more: a smart garage door opener if the property has a garage. myQ by Chamberlain ($30) lets you remotely open/close the garage and see if it's been left open. I include garage access in my check-in instructions: "The garage door will open automatically when you arrive." It's a small touch that feels premium and eliminates the "where do I park?" question.