Build Your Own AI Home Assistant
A practical PDF + EPUB guide to installation, integrations, automations and private local AI.
Get the guide — £9.99Hands-on posts from a UK tinkerer
Gear I've actually bought.
Takes I actually have.
No press samples, no sponsored posts - just honest thoughts on the tech and tools that make their way into my home.
About meHome Assistant guides & automations
Practical, UK-focused resources built from the systems I run at home.
Home Assistant YAML Automation Pack
50 ready-to-use automations for lighting, security, energy, comfort and everyday routines.
Get the pack — £12Medical landing page experiments
Internal test routes that need a discoverable home-page entry point while they’re being validated.
Botox / TMJ / migraine consultation template
A fixed-proof landing page for the Botox, TMJ and migraine consult flow with a session-persistent safety line.
Masseter Botox calculator-teaser sibling
The promoted sibling route with a calculator-teaser first step layered onto the validated consult structure.
Featured guides
High-intent guides built to help people choose, compare, and buy.
Tools
Best caravan moisture control products for winter storage
Compare the best caravan moisture control products for winter storage in the UK. Choose between moisture absorbers, reusable silica gel, electric dehumidifiers, damp meters, and hygrometers.
Home Automation
Best Pet Monitoring Cameras UK 2025 — Real Tests with Dogs, Cats & Home Assistant
Hands-on comparison of the best pet monitoring cameras for UK homes in 2025. Tested with an Alaskan Malamute, Home Assistant integration, night vision, two-way audio, and PoE reliability.
Home Automation
Home Assistant Pet Monitoring Setup — The Way I Actually Watch Ice
How I use Home Assistant for real pet monitoring: camera choice, automations, AI alerts, two-way audio, and what actually works for a dog that lives indoors.
Pet monitoring tools
The fastest route from “I need a setup” to the page or guide that fits.
Home Automation
Pet monitoring setup finder
Route readers to the right Home Assistant pet monitoring path, then push them to the highest-fit Gumroad or camera CTA.
Pets
Home Assistant pet monitoring
The core article that explains how I actually keep an eye on Ice with cameras, automations, and AI alerts.
Pets
Reolink fisheye camera guide
The hardware guide that catches visitors who are already shopping for the camera that powers the setup.
Latest posts
Fresh from the workshop, server rack, or Amazon box.
Awning cleaner vs reproofer vs seam sealer UK 2026
A comparison article for the awning cluster with fast access to the care finder, seasonal checklist, brand-fit matrix, parts guide and repair estimator.
Best caravan awning cleaner UK 2026
A short awning-cluster article that routes visitors to the care finder, checklist, brand-fit matrix, parts guide and repair estimator.
Caravan awning care finder
A short mirror post that reinforces the caravan awning care hub and keeps the winter-storage article links working.
Caravan awning seasonal checklist
A short mirror post for the seasonal awning checklist so linked references remain live.
Tools
Best caravan moisture control products for winter storage
Compare the best caravan moisture control products for winter storage in the UK. Choose between moisture absorbers, reusable silica gel, electric dehumidifiers, damp meters, and hygrometers.
Garden
Best Solar Garden Lights UK 2026: Winter Performance Comparison & Buying Guide
2026 UK comparison of top solar garden lights including 4lite Antheia and Lights4fun. Tested for winter performance, eco/wildlife benefits, with Amazon UK filce-21 affiliate links. Comparison table and buying advice.
Garden
Solar Garden Lights UK 2026 Comparison Table: 4lite Antheia vs Lights4fun & Alternatives
Detailed 2026 comparison table of best solar garden lights for UK buyers. Features, prices, winter performance, eco ratings for 4lite Antheia, Lights4fun and more. Amazon filce-21 links.
Garden
Sustainable Solar Garden Lighting: Eco & Wildlife Benefits for UK Gardens 2026
Discover the environmental and wildlife benefits of solar garden lights in the UK. Expert-backed guide with 4lite Antheia and Lights4fun recommendations. Amazon filce-21 links included.
Smart Home
Best Motorised Smart Blinds UK 2026
Discover the best motorised smart blinds for UK homes in 2026. Comparisons of top brands like IKEA, Somfy and Hunter Douglas with Home Assistant integration, pricing and real UK installation tips.
CCTV
Best Smart Security Cameras UK 2026
Find the best smart security cameras for UK homes in 2026. Our testing covers wireless, PoE and battery options with real-world performance for British weather and privacy needs.
Smart Home
Best Smart Thermostats UK 2026
Compare the best smart thermostats for UK homes in 2026. Side-by-side picks from Tado, Hive, Nest and more with energy saving tips and Amazon links.
Smart Home
Smart Home Hub Comparison UK 2026
Comparison of smart home hubs for UK homes in 2026, including Home Assistant, Aqara and Samsung SmartThings.
Networking
Best PoE Switches UK 2026
Find the best PoE switches for UK smart homes and CCTV in 2026.
Home Automation
Best Smart Doorbells UK 2026: Ring, Arlo, Google Nest & More Compared
Find the best smart doorbell for your UK home in 2026. We compare Ring, Arlo, Google Nest, Eufy and Reolink models with real-world UK testing, video quality, subscription costs and Amazon links.
Smart Home
Best Smart Plugs UK 2026
Find the best smart plugs for UK homes in 2026. We tested top models for energy monitoring, Home Assistant integration, reliability and value. Includes affiliate links.
CCTV
Best PoE Cameras UK 2026: Top Security Picks for Home & Business
Find the best PoE cameras in the UK for 2026. Hands-on comparisons of Reolink, Hikvision and TP-Link models with setup guides, comparison tables and Amazon affiliate links.
Home Automation
Best Matter Devices UK 2026 — The Ultimate Smart Home Standard Guide
Looking for the best Matter devices in the UK for 2026? We compare top Matter-compatible smart plugs, bulbs, sensors and hubs with real-world testing, compatibility notes and Amazon UK links.
Home Automation
Best Home Assistant Hardware UK 2026 — Mini PCs, Raspberry Pi & NUCs Compared
Looking for the best hardware to run Home Assistant in the UK in 2026? We compare Raspberry Pi 5, mini PCs, Intel NUCs and more with real performance numbers, power draw, and Amazon links.
Networking
Best Mesh WiFi Systems UK 2026: Top Picks for Whole-Home Coverage
Find the best mesh WiFi systems for UK homes in 2026. Tested for large houses, thick walls, and smart home devices with Home Assistant integration. Real performance data and Amazon UK deals.
Home Automation
Best Smart Lights UK 2026
The best smart lights for UK homes in 2026. Compare Philips Hue, LIFX, Govee with real testing and Amazon links.
Smart Home
Best Smart Door Locks UK 2026: Top Picks for Home Assistant
Discover the best smart door locks for UK homes in 2026. Secure, Home Assistant compatible options with keyless entry, auto-lock, and real-world testing for British weather and properties.
CCTV
Best Outdoor Security Cameras UK 2026
Find the best outdoor security cameras for UK homes in 2026. We tested weatherproof models with night vision, smart home integration and reliable UK performance. Full comparison with Amazon links.
Networking
Best WiFi 7 Routers UK 2026
Looking for the best WiFi 7 router in the UK for 2026? We tested the top models for speed, coverage, and smart home compatibility. Full comparison with affiliate links.
Smart Home
Best Smart Thermostat UK 2026
Looking for the best smart thermostat in the UK? We compare Hive, Google Nest, Tado, and more to find the top picks for energy savings, smart home integration, and ease of use in 2026.
Home Lab
Best NAS for Plex UK 2026 — Synology, QNAP & What Actually Works
The best NAS for Plex in the UK: which models handle direct play, 4K transcoding, and shared family streaming without wasting money.
Pets
The Complete Pet Owner Tech Guide UK 2026 — Cameras, Comfort, Training & Monitoring
The complete UK pet tech guide for owners who want better monitoring, calmer dogs, and practical home upgrades. Cameras, comfort gear, training tools, and smart home setups that actually help.
Pet Tech
Best Dog Tech & Gadgets UK 2026 — Complete Guide for Dog Owners
Everything a UK dog owner needs to know about tech for your pet — from monitoring cameras and smart feeders to comfortable beds and health gadgets. All tested with an Alaskan Malamute.
Home Security
Best Smart Doorbell UK 2026 — Ring, Eufy, Nest & More Compared
The best smart doorbells available in the UK in 2026. Ring, Eufy, Google Nest, Arlo, and Reolink compared on video quality, subscription costs, Home Assistant compatibility, and value.
Home Automation
Best Video Doorbell UK 2026 — Ring, Eufy, Reolink & Google Nest Compared
The best video doorbells available in the UK in 2026, compared on video quality, subscription costs, Home Assistant compatibility, and real-world reliability. Ring, Eufy, Reolink, and Nest tested.
Home
Best Robot Vacuum UK 2026: Eufy, Roborock, Dyson & More Tested
The best robot vacuums you can buy in the UK right now. We compare Eufy, Roborock, iRobot and Dyson on suction, mapping, and value for money.
Home Automation
Home Assistant vs Hubitat vs SmartThings UK 2026 — Which Smart Home Hub Fits Your Setup?
Home Assistant vs Hubitat vs SmartThings compared for UK buyers in 2026. Privacy, cost, device support, and ease of use — honest breakdown to help you pick the right smart home platform.
Home Automation
Best 2.5G Network Switch UK 2026 — Multi-Gig Home Networking Compared
Upgrading to Sky's 5Gbps, Virgin Media Gig1, or full-fibre broadband? You need a 2.5G switch to actually use it. Here are the best 2.5G switches for UK homes in 2026, tested and ranked.
Home Automation
Frigate vs Blue Iris vs Agent DVR UK 2026 — Best NVR Software for Home CCTV
Comparing Frigate NVR, Blue Iris, and Agent DVR for UK home CCTV in 2026. AI detection, Home Assistant integration, cost, and hardware requirements — all tested for real home use.
Home Automation
Smart Home Devices UK 2026 — Cameras, Plugs & Gadgets Tested
UK-tested smart home devices — cameras, plugs, sensors and more.
Home Automation
SONOFF vs Shelly vs Tuya — UK Smart Home Comparison 2026
Which smart home ecosystem is best for UK buyers in 2026? We compare SONOFF, Shelly, and Tuya on price, features, Home Assistant integration, and real-world reliability.
Home Automation
Best Smart Bulbs UK 2026 — Tested for Home Assistant, Zigbee & Matter
The best smart bulbs available in the UK in 2026, tested for brightness, colour accuracy, Home Assistant compatibility, and value. Philips Hue, IKEA TRÅDFRI, Govee, Yeelight, and LIFX compared.
Home Automation
Best Home CCTV System UK 2026 — Complete Setup Guide
Everything you need to build the best home CCTV system in the UK: cameras, NVR, PoE switch, and cabling — with real product picks tested at home and full costs.
Home Automation
Complete Reolink Setup Guide UK 2026 — Cameras, NVRs, PoE & Home Assistant
Everything you need to build a Reolink home CCTV system in the UK: which cameras to buy, how to choose an NVR, PoE switch recommendations, and full Home Assistant integration. Tested on a real setup.
Tools
Best DIY Tools for Home Improvement UK 2026 — Tried & Tested
The best DIY tools for UK home improvers in 2026, tested hands-on. From hole saws to utility knives — honest picks that earn their place in your kit.
Home Automation
Best Outdoor Security Camera UK 2026 — No Subscription Needed
The best outdoor security cameras in the UK that work without a monthly subscription. PoE, WiFi, and battery options tested and ranked — Reolink, Hikvision, Annke, and more.
Home Lab
Best WiFi 6 Routers UK 2026 — Fast, Reliable Networking for Home
The best WiFi 6 routers for UK homes in 2026. We tested the top models for speed, range, and smart home compatibility — these are the routers worth buying.
Home Automation
Complete Home Network Setup Guide UK 2026 — From Broadband to Smart Home
Step-by-step home network setup guide for UK homeowners. Covers router placement, switches, PoE cameras, NAS, smart home hubs, and Home Assistant — everything you need for a fast, secure, and future-proof home network.
Home Automation
Smart Home Hub Comparison UK 2026 — Home Assistant vs Hubitat vs SmartThings vs Amazon Echo
A UK-focused comparison of smart home hubs — Home Assistant, Hubitat, SmartThings, Amazon Echo, and Apple HomePod — covering local control, compatibility, privacy, and setup.
Home Automation
Best Smart Home Starter Kit UK 2026
Build a smart home from scratch in 2026 with a practical starter kit for UK homes — focused on useful first purchases, clear setup steps, and no wasted money.
Home Automation
Reolink vs Hikvision UK 2026 — Which Brand Should You Buy?
Reolink vs Hikvision: a straight comparison for UK home buyers in 2026. Price, image quality, Home Assistant integration, PoE support, and long-term reliability compared side by side.
Pets
How to Monitor Your Dog When Away from Home — Complete UK Guide 2025
Everything you need to keep an eye on your dog when you're out: the best cameras, Home Assistant automations, training tools, and dog comfort gear — all tested with an Alaskan Malamute.
Home Automation
Best NVR for Home CCTV UK 2026 — Tested Picks for Every Setup
The best NVRs for home CCTV in the UK — from budget 8-channel recorders to serious 36-channel systems. Reolink, Hikvision, and Annke compared for UK buyers in 2026.
Home Automation
Best Smart Lock UK 2026 — Tested for Yale, Mortise & Home Assistant
The best smart locks for UK homes in 2026. Yale Conexis, Nuki, Ultion, and more — tested for UK door types, Home Assistant integration, and real-world reliability.
Home Automation
GiGaPlus 4-Port 2.5G PoE Switch + 10G SFP+ Cards — Unlocking Sky's 5Gbps XGS-PON
Upgraded to Sky's 5Gbps XGS-PON broadband and needed the hardware to actually use it. Here's the GiGaPlus 2.5G PoE switch and 10G SFP+ cards that made it happen — and what to know about the heat.
Pets
KSIIA XL Calming Dog Bed Review — Looked Good, Didn't Last
The KSIIA XL dog bed looked great out of the box but lost its shape after the first wash. Replaced quickly. Honest review for large dog owners.
Tech
Logitech K400 Plus Wireless Keyboard Review — The Best Homelab Keyboard You're Not Using
The Logitech K400 Plus lives in my server cabinet. Wireless, compact, built-in trackpad — no mouse needed. Perfect for homelab and media centre use. Honest review.
Golf
MagSafe Golf Trolley Phone Holder Review — Terrible, Don't Bother
Bought a MagSafe golf trolley phone holder expecting convenience on the course. It was terrible. Here's why.
Pets
Polegas Raised Dog Bowl Stand Review — Practical, Cheap, and Malamute-Proof
A no-frills elevated dog bowl stand that does exactly what it needs to. Adjustable height, plastic build, easy to clean — and sturdy enough to screw to the wall for large dogs who like to redecorate.
Home Automation
Reolink RLN36 NVR — 36-Channel Recorder for a Serious Home CCTV Setup
The Reolink RLN36 is a 36-channel NVR built for proper home CCTV. Set and forget once it's running. No PoE built in — here's what you need to know before buying.
Home Automation
DIY Smart Kitchen Display: Raspberry Pi 5, Touchscreen Monitor & Home Assistant
How I built a wall-mounted smart kitchen display with a Raspberry Pi 5, 27-inch 2K touchscreen, and Home Assistant. Recipes, calendar, cameras — all on one screen. Full build guide with parts list and affiliate links.
Tech
Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 Digital Black Review — Great Value Air Cooler with a Live Display
Replaced a failed Corsair 280mm AIO with this Thermalright air cooler. Quieter, cooler, and easier to install — with a live CPU temp display on top. Honest review from an i7-6700K build.
Home Automation
YuanLey 18-Port PoE Switch — Reliable, No-Fuss Power for Home CCTV
Running 5 Reolink PoE cameras off this YuanLey 18-port PoE switch with zero issues. Unmanaged, rack-mountable, and great value. Here's what to know before buying.
Home Lab
Best NAS for Home Lab UK 2025 — Synology, QNAP & WD Compared
The best NAS drives for UK home labs in 2025. Synology DS223, DS423+, QNAP TS-233, and WD My Cloud Home compared for storage, Docker, media serving, and value.
Home Automation
Best PoE Security Cameras UK 2025 — Tested & Ranked for Home Use
The best PoE security cameras available in the UK right now, tested for reliability, night vision, Home Assistant integration, and real-world image quality. Reolink, Hikvision, Amcrest, and Annke compared.
Home Automation
Best Smart Plugs UK 2025 — Tested & Ranked for Home Automation
The best smart plugs available in the UK right now, tested for reliability, energy monitoring, and Home Assistant compatibility. TP-Link Tapo, Amazon, Meross, and IKEA compared.
Home Automation
Best Zigbee Sensors UK 2025 — Top Motion & Door Sensors for Home Assistant
The best Zigbee motion sensors and door sensors for UK homes in 2025. Aqara, Philips Hue, SONOFF, and Xiaomi tested with Home Assistant — find the right sensor for your setup.
Home Automation
Best Pet Monitoring Cameras UK 2025 — Real Tests with Dogs, Cats & Home Assistant
Hands-on comparison of the best pet monitoring cameras for UK homes in 2025. Tested with an Alaskan Malamute, Home Assistant integration, night vision, two-way audio, and PoE reliability.
Home Automation
Home Assistant Pet Monitoring Setup — The Way I Actually Watch Ice
How I use Home Assistant for real pet monitoring: camera choice, automations, AI alerts, two-way audio, and what actually works for a dog that lives indoors.
Home Automation
Home Automation Starter Checklist
Quick reference checklist for setting up your first smart home with Home Assistant — hardware, integrations, and automations to start with.
Kitchen/Home
Industrial Candy Floss Machine Review
An honest first-hand review of an industrial-style candy floss machine that makes brilliant floss, but comes with awful instructions and pricey accessories.
Tools
DURI Bi-Metal Hole Saw Set Review
A practical hands-on review of the DURI bi-metal hole saw set, which offers very good value and solid cutting performance, despite weak packaging.
Tools
hsawbit 40x155mm Auger Bit Review
A first-hand review of the hsawbit 40x155mm wood auger bit, which made drilling joists far easier than a spade bit and comes in a surprisingly useful storage case.
Tech/Accessories
Miracase Magnetic Case for iPhone 17 Pro Max Review
An honest long-term review of the Miracase magnetic case for iPhone 17 Pro Max, with good protection and responsiveness but a frustrating dust problem.
Home Automation
Reolink PoE Fisheye Camera — Whole-Room Pet Monitoring
Hands-on look at the Reolink fisheye PoE camera: 180° room coverage, Home Assistant integration, two-way audio for pet monitoring. Real photos and practical notes.
Tech
WOLFBOX MF50 Compressed Air Duster Review
A cordless compressed air duster that's become indispensable for PC cleaning, floor maintenance, and even helping our Malamute with coat blowouts.
Tools
Milwaukee FASTBACK Folding Utility Knife Review
A serious upgrade from cheap utility knives — the build quality is in a different league.
Pet
Pet Corrector Dog Trainer — Does It Actually Work?
A simple canister that releases a sharp hiss — and actually stopped our Malamute puppy's biting in days.
Home Automation
SONOFF Zigbee/Thread PoE Controller Review
Upgraded from a USB stick — the difference in stability is night and day.
Home Automation
Getting Started with Home Assistant: What I Wish I'd Known
Home Assistant is genuinely great — but the learning curve is real. Here's what I'd tell myself on day one, plus a guide that goes deeper.
Tech
Welcome to Filce.uk
A quick introduction to the site — what it is, what I'll be writing about, and why I started it.