I guess my approach is boring then. I replaced most of the switches with z-wave switches, added a Vera controller, added an echo dot and now it all can be managed using a browser or a phone or voice(this turned out to be greater than i expected). It's all UL certified and wired to local code so my insurer should be happy.
Cool, working on a similar project, but having a different stack
1. Z-wave switches/outlets/locks - all lamps, receptacles and locks controlled by Vera Edge;
2. DSC alarm system - door/flood sensors, integrated with Vera;
3. Nest cameras - not integrated;
4. Nest thermostat - integrated with Vera and Alexa;
Currently trying to integrate Vera and Alexa to have fully voice- controlled home.
it's not feasible. But it's not the point for Russian authorities, otherwise they would have to ban a lot of different sites:
a) any Internet store - like Amazon, Ebay, AliExpress you name it, as they all hold some 'private data' including name, address, cc info etc.
b) any booking site - same as Internet stores
c) any website which deals with Russian citizens - e.g. foreign embassies :)
so the point is to try to block a big Internet entity and check if there is any backslash, any reaction or any anything :)
As a green card holder, living in Seattle I travel a lot to Vancouver, BC (15-20 times a year). I haven't had a single problem with US CBP, but Canadian one gives me a hard time every other visit. Though it's an anecdotal evidence of course.
i mentioned it because i have an anecdotical evidence right now - a friend of mine is fighting with his HOA trying to replace windows in his appartments. The only solution he came up by today is to become a part of HOA committee and then change the rules they have. i have another solution in mind - to stay away from HOA in the first place.
i bet they can be soundproof but what i see here is that the builders are trying to cut every corner they can, trying to build as much as possible houses/condos which are sold even before the construction begins (http://www.seattletimes.com/business/home-prices-soar-again-...).
it might be hard due to HOA/condo rules; and if you rent the place than good luck trying to change anything there.
and given the way condos built in the US/canada it's just impossible, i was pretty surprised when i saw a six floors condo built with wooden frame, something like that:
https://imgur.com/usO1i9r
townhouse is almost a house in that regard, now try a highrise where you can't choose quality construction. once when i rented appartments on the sixth floor i had to call the police to stop an argument happening on the 4th floor in the middle of the night. and i'm not even talking about some kids showing off theirs 'sporty' bikes/cars at 2am.
no, i'm not attached to my car, i just want some privacy and a quite area. i used to leave in 3 countries, changed a number of cities (from 50K to 10M) lived in all types of appartments and i finally have had enough of noisy neigbours in the middle of night.