I’ve always been a fan of smart home technology, but my recent garage automation project has taken it to the next level! 
I wanted to create a seamless experience where my garage door opens automatically as I approach, without needing to fumble for keys or my phone. After some research, I decided to pair my LiftMaster garage door opener with a Z-Wave motion sensor and a smart plug for the overhead lights. Here’s how I made it happen:
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Motion Sensor Setup: I mounted a Neo Coolcam V2 motion sensor near the garage entrance. It’s sensitive enough to detect movement but not so much that it triggers false alarms. I set it to low sensitivity to avoid any accidental activations.
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Light Integration: I connected the overhead lights to a smart plug, allowing me to control them via my home automation system. Now, when the garage door opens, the lights automatically turn on, creating a warm welcome.
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Automation Rules: Using my Hubitat system, I created a simple rule: if the motion sensor detects movement and it’s between sunset and sunrise, the garage door opens and the lights turn on. It’s been working perfectly for weeks!
However, I’ve encountered a small issue. Sometimes the lights stay on even after I’ve been in the garage for a while. I think it’s related to the motion sensor’s detection range. Has anyone else experienced this? How did you adjust your settings to prevent it? 
This project has been a game-changer for my daily routine. It’s the little things like this that make me appreciate smart home tech even more! 
If you’re thinking of automating your garage, I highly recommend starting small and building from there. The satisfaction of a well-executed automation is truly rewarding. 