Smart Devices and Doorbells: what a handyman does
A handyman can mount battery or plug-in video doorbells and swap a smart thermostat on a low-voltage system by following the manufacturer's instructions. We run no new wiring. Thermostats on line voltage, such as electric baseboard heat, and any HVAC work go to licensed trades.
Jobs we take on
Tap one to add it to your list.
- Mount a battery video doorbell with its bracket on wood, siding or masonry
- Install corner or angled mounts so the camera faces the walk
- Mount a plug-in wireless chime
- Set up plug-in indoor cameras and smart plugs on your Wi-Fi
- Attach door and window sensors
- Replace a low-voltage thermostat with a compatible smart thermostat, following the maker's steps
- Photograph and label thermostat wires before removal
- Patch and paint the old doorbell or thermostat mounting holes
Signs it is time to call
- No way to see who is at the door, or a doorbell chime you cannot hear
- A dead, buzzing or broken doorbell button
- An old thermostat you want to replace with a smart one
- A rental or older home where running wires is not an option
- Devices still in the box that you have not had time to mount
What is not a handyman job
We run no new wiring. Hardwiring a doorbell to a transformer, or any doubt about voltage, goes to a licensed electrician. High-voltage (120 or 240 volt) thermostats, such as electric baseboard heaters, need a professional, as do dual-fuel, dual-transformer and proprietary HVAC systems and adding a C wire. Alarm monitoring and network setup are outside our work.
Plumbing, electrical and roofing go to licensed independent contractors.
What a visit looks like
- We read the manufacturer's installation steps for your exact device and follow them.
- For a thermostat, we turn off the system power first and photograph the wires, and we stop if the system does not match what the maker supports.
- We mount at a sensible height and test the device with your phone app before leaving.
- You keep the accounts and passwords. We only help get the device on your Wi-Fi.
Common questions
Can a video doorbell go up without wiring?
Yes, with a battery model. Ring's install guide for its battery doorbell has a no-chime path that needs only a screwdriver and a mount, with an optional drill for masonry. It recommends fully charging the battery first and mounting about 4 feet above the ground.
Can you connect it to my existing doorbell wires?
Usually no. Ring says to shut off power at the breaker and to consult a licensed electrician if you are unsure, and notes extra chimes must be bypassed. We do battery or plug-in installs. Hardwired connections go to an electrician.
Will a smart thermostat work with my system?
Google says Nest thermostats suit most 24 volt systems, but not electric baseboard heaters, millivolt, proprietary or solid fuel systems. Its app checks compatibility during setup. Some systems need a common wire. If yours does not fit, a heating pro handles it.
Is it safe to install a thermostat myself?
On a compatible low-voltage system, yes, with the power off. Google's guide says to turn off the system at its switch or the breaker and photograph the wires first. High-voltage thermostats should only be installed or removed by a professional, so we do not touch those.