Building a DIY smart home control panel is an excellent way to customize your home automation setup while saving costs. Unlike commercial smart home panels that may have limited customization options, a DIY solution allows full control over the software, hardware, and integrations.

Whether you're using a Raspberry Pi, an old Android tablet, or a touchscreen PC, a DIY smart home control panel can provide a centralized interface for managing smart lights, security systems, thermostats, and more.

In this guide, we’ll cover:

• The benefits of a DIY smart home control panel

• The hardware and software options available

• How to set up your control panel

• Why Portworld’s smart panels might be a great alternative

2. Benefits of a DIY Smart Home Control Panel

(1) Cost-Effective Solution

Building a DIY smart home panel can be significantly cheaper than buying a commercial product. You can repurpose an old tablet or Raspberry Pi, reducing costs while gaining a customizable home automation dashboard.

(2) Full Customization & Flexibility

Unlike proprietary smart home control panels, a DIY panel allows:
✔ Custom user interfaces (UI)
✔ Integration with multiple smart home platforms (Home Assistant, SmartThings, Tuya, etc.)
✔ Support for voice assistants like Alexa and Google Assistant
✔ Offline control (no cloud dependency)

(3) Compatibility with Multiple Devices & Protocols

A DIY smart home control panel can support multiple protocols:

• Wi-Fi, Zigbee, Z-Wave, and Bluetooth

• Smart home ecosystems like Google Home, Amazon Alexa, and Apple HomeKit

• Platforms like Home Assistant, OpenHAB, and Node-RED

3. Choosing the Right Hardware

(1) Raspberry Pi-Based Smart Panel

A Raspberry Pi is one of the most popular choices for a DIY smart home hub due to its affordability and flexibility.

Recommended Specs:

• Raspberry Pi 4 (or newer)

• 7” or 10” touchscreen display

• Case & power supply

• MicroSD card (32GB or more)

• Zigbee/Z-Wave USB dongle (if needed)

(2) Repurposing an Old Android Tablet

An Android tablet can serve as a great DIY smart home control panel using apps like:

• Home Assistant Companion

• ActionTiles (for SmartThings users)

• Fully Kiosk Browser (for a web-based dashboard)

(3) Using a Mini PC or Touchscreen Monitor

For advanced users, a mini PC with a touchscreen monitor can be a powerful alternative, supporting Windows-based automation software like HomeSeer or OpenHAB.