Hi everyone! 
I’m thrilled to be part of this amazing community and I’m reaching out for some advice as I embark on building my smart home from scratch. I’ve been using SmartThings for a while now, but I’m looking to expand and integrate more devices, especially ones that work seamlessly with both SmartThings and HomeKit. 
Let me start by sharing a bit about my setup. I recently moved into a new home and I’m in the process of setting up everything from scratch. I’ve got a good network infrastructure in place—plenty of CAT6 cables and solid Wi-Fi coverage. My main focus is on creating a lighting system that’s both efficient and easy to control. I’ve heard great things about Meross Wi-Fi switches, which support both SmartThings and HomeKit natively. 
They seem like the perfect middle ground between flexibility and simplicity. However, I’m a bit hesitant about relying solely on Wi-Fi for all my devices. I remember the zWave issues I faced in my previous home, where devices would drop off the network or fail to respond. I’m really leery about going down that path again. That’s why I’m leaning towards Wi-Fi devices that offer the best of both worlds—ease of use and reliable connectivity. I’m also exploring other ecosystems and devices that might complement my setup. For instance, I came across the Govee Cylinder Lamp in a recent giveaway and I’m curious about integrating it into my smart home. The vibrant colors and customizable settings sound amazing, but I want to ensure it works well with my existing system. 
Another area I’m focusing on is energy monitoring. I’ve been looking into the Aeon Labs Home Energy Meter v2, which seems like a solid choice for tracking my energy consumption. However, I’m a bit puzzled by the fluctuating readings I’ve seen in some forums. I’d love to hear from anyone who has experience with this device and how they’ve optimized its performance. 
As I plan my setup, I’m also considering the importance of maintaining local control for non-tech savvy family members. I want to ensure that everyone can easily interact with the smart home without needing to dive into apps or settings. This means having physical switches that work alongside the smart system, providing a seamless user experience. I’m really excited about the possibilities here and I can’t wait to start bringing my vision to life. If anyone has tips, recommendations, or even cautionary tales, I’d love to hear them! Let’s make this a success story! 
Thanks in advance for your insights and support! 