Yes. I can review unreliable routines, disconnected devices, and confusing integrations. The goal may be a focused fix or a simpler arrangement using the equipment you already own.
Independent expertise / Pittsburgh + remote
Home automation that fits your home
Home Assistant, smart-home automation, IoT troubleshooting, and private remote access. Help with devices, Docker or virtual-machine hosting, and useful routines in Pittsburgh and remotely.
One point of contact. A clear next step.
DRANTECH / IN PRACTICE
At a glance
- Who I help
- Individuals, home offices, and small organizations.
- Where
- Pittsburgh and Southwestern Pennsylvania; remote help elsewhere when practical.
- Typical labor
- $90/hour residential · $150/hour business. Larger projects are scoped first.
- Next step
- Describe your goal or symptoms. I confirm scope and availability before work begins.
Provided by Jeff Dran, owner of Drantech LLC. Call (724) 344-8478 or send a text.
What I can help with
A connected home should be easier to live with. I help set up home assistants, connect compatible devices, and build automations around what you want to happen. The work starts with your existing equipment, network, daily routines, and preference for local or cloud-connected control.
- Home Assistant and other home-assistant setup and configuration
- Smart lights, sensors, hubs, notifications, and everyday automations
- IoT device pairing, compatibility checks, and connection troubleshooting
- Local-control options, remote access, and integration planning
- Private VPN access with WireGuard, OpenVPN, Tailscale, and other suitable tools
- Caddy and other reverse-proxy tools for hostname routing and HTTPS access to home dashboards and self-hosted apps
- Docker container deployment and management, or virtual-machine setup where appropriate for the home platform
- Testing routines, documenting the setup, and explaining how to maintain it
Before you request help
List the assistant or hub, device brands and models, your network equipment, and the routines you want. Mention what already works, what is unreliable, whether local control is a priority, and who needs access while away from home.
Common questions
That depends on the devices, protocols, and integrations. I can assess local-control options and explain which functions still rely on an internet connection or an outside service before you commit to equipment.
Yes. I can help set up private remote access using WireGuard, OpenVPN, Tailscale, or another suitable tool. The configuration depends on your router, internet connection, devices, and who needs access. Where needed, subnet routes can provide access to compatible devices on your home network.
Yes. I can configure DNS and Caddy or other reverse-proxy tools so compatible dashboards and self-hosted apps use clear hostnames and HTTPS. We agree on which services stay on the local network or VPN, how users sign in, and any service intended to be publicly reachable.
Yes. I can help choose and configure a suitable deployment for your home services, including Docker containers or virtual machines where supported. We review device access, storage, networking, updates, and recovery so the setup remains manageable after installation.
Yes. I can help with Home Assistant setup, device integrations, automations, and troubleshooting. Share your current hardware and the outcome you want so the work can be scoped.
Before we get started
How to arrange service
- On-site service
- Pittsburgh and Southwestern Pennsylvania, by arrangement. Include your general location so I can confirm whether an on-site visit is practical. Travel costs are agreed before work begins.
- Remote service
- Available elsewhere when the device, connection, and issue allow it. Tell me whether the affected device starts and can reach the internet.
- Scheduling & handoff
- Start a request, call, or text. I confirm availability, the service location, and any device handoff or shipping arrangements before you make a trip or send a device. Submitting a request does not reserve an appointment.
- What to send
- Include the device model or website, the symptoms or goal, when it started, and any deadline. Mention backup status for repairs. Keep passwords and recovery keys out of the initial request.
- Scope & approval
- Typical labor is $90/hour for residential work and $150/hour for business work. Parts are separate. Residential repair and troubleshooting pauses after two hours ($180 in labor) for approval before more time is billed.
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Let’s make your
technology work for you.
Tell me what needs fixing, building, or figuring out.