After months of planning and a few bumps along the way, I’m thrilled to share my smart garage makeover journey! 
The Before: My garage was a basic 6x6m space with two electric doors controlled by remotes and a simple light switch. It was functional but lacked the smart features I wanted.
The Goal: I envisioned a garage where lights automatically turn on with motion, doors can be controlled via switches or my phone, and everything integrates seamlessly with my Homematic system.
The Challenges:
- Installing motion sensors that trigger both the lights and door movements was tricky. I ended up using two sensors to cover all areas effectively.
- Finding the right switch setup was another hurdle. I wanted a single switch to control both lights and doors independently. After some research, I decided on a HMIP BRC2 for door control and an FSM actor for the lights.
The Solution:
- I connected each garage door to a Shelly 1, which I integrated into my Homematic setup. This allows me to control the doors via my smartphone or the new wall switch.
- For lighting, I installed a motion sensor that activates the lights and now use an FSM actor to ensure everything works smoothly.
The Outcome: My garage is now smarter than I ever imagined! Lights come on as I approach, doors open with a simple press, and everything is monitored and controlled from my phone. The best part? It all looks clean and integrated, no messy wires or mismatched switches. 
Tips for Others:
- Plan your sensor placement carefully to cover all areas without overlap.
- Don’t hesitate to mix devices from different brands if it means getting the functionality you want.
- Take your time with wiring to ensure everything is neat and accessible for future updates.
If anyone has questions or needs advice on similar projects, feel free to reach out! I’d love to help others on their smart home journeys. 