Troubleshooting
Diagnose broken automations, configuration errors, integrations, and unexpected behaviour, then work through a practical fix.
Home Assistant consulting
Home Assistant Consulting That Gets Your Smart Home Working Properly
Practical help for people fixing an existing setup, planning a new system, or trying to make their smart home simpler and more reliable. Work with Phil on the parts that need expert attention, then move forward with confidence.
Book a Home Assistant consultationWho this helps
Support at any stage of your smart home
- You have an existing Home Assistant setup that is not behaving as it should.
- You are starting a new smart home and want a sound plan before you buy hardware.
- Your automations are unreliable, confusing, or difficult to maintain.
- You need devices or services to work together in one place.
- Your dashboard is hard to use or does not show what matters.
- You want an experienced second opinion before investing more time or money.
Services
Focused help, tailored to your system
Choose a single problem to solve or use a session to plan the next stage of a larger project.
New Home Assistant setup
Plan and configure a dependable foundation for a new system, including the hardware and protocols that fit your needs.
Automation design
Turn the routines you want into clear, maintainable automations and blueprints that suit how your household works.
Dashboard design
Create a dashboard that puts useful controls and information within easy reach for everyone in the home.
Device and integration support
Connect compatible devices and services, organise them clearly, and resolve the gaps between separate smart-home ecosystems.
System review and health check
Review an existing setup for reliability, organisation, upgrades, and sensible next steps before small issues become bigger ones.
One-on-one training
Learn how your system works and how to confidently make everyday changes after the session.
Follow-up support
Bring new questions or improvements to a later session as your system grows; ongoing managed support is also available where it is the right fit.
For a complete foundation built for you, see the Home Assistant installation service.
How consulting works
A clear path from problem to working system
- 01
Tell me what is going wrong
Share the problem you want to solve, your goals, and any relevant configuration or error details.
- 02
Review the system and requirements
I look at the current setup, constraints, and the result you are trying to achieve.
- 03
Recommend the right approach
You get a clear recommendation that balances reliability, usability, and the work involved.
- 04
Implement or guide the changes
I can help make the changes directly or guide you through them, depending on what suits you.
- 05
Test and document the result
We check that the result works as intended and leave you with the context you need to use it.
Availability
Remote support and Melbourne visits
Remote consulting is available wherever you are. If you are in Melbourne, in-person support is also available when hands-on help makes sense.
Supported technologies
Bring your ecosystem together
Home AssistantZigbeeZ-WaveMatterWi-Fi devicesPhilips HueApple HomeKitGoogle Home
Explore what a smart home can do, learn why Home Assistant is recommended, or see Home Assistant options for small business.
FAQ
Common questions
Can you help with an existing Home Assistant installation?
Yes. Existing setups are a core part of the service, whether you need to diagnose a specific issue, improve reliability, or make the system easier to manage.
Can you work remotely?
Yes. Remote support is available, and many configuration, automation, dashboard, and integration issues can be worked through without an in-person visit.
Do I need to replace my existing devices?
Not necessarily. The first step is to understand what you already have and whether it can be integrated or improved before recommending new hardware.
Can you help design automations?
Yes. I can help design, build, and explain automations around the routines and outcomes you want from your home.
Can you help with Zigbee, Z-Wave, Matter, or Thread?
I can help with Zigbee, Z-Wave, and Matter devices that are already supported on the site. If you are considering Thread hardware, we can review its compatibility with your wider setup before you buy.
Can you help me choose hardware?
Yes. A consulting session can help you compare options and choose hardware that suits your goals and existing ecosystem.
Do you provide training after setup?
Yes. Training and a practical handover can be included so you understand how to use and maintain your system.
Ready to make your system easier to live with?
Book a session to talk through your setup, your goals, and the right next step.
Book a session