If you are just starting your first DIY project—perhaps you’re inspired by my Ultimate Smart Shed series—you’ve likely realized that a simple screwdriver isn’t going to cut it. You go to buy a power tool and see two things that look almost identical: a Combi Drill and an Impact Driver. They both spin, they both…
We’ve been busy — and not just with the Smart Shed! We’ve created the Built By Pete Article Index. As the Built By Pete library has grown from simple networking tips to full-scale DIY construction projects, we realised it was getting a little crowded in here. Whether you are looking for that specific guide on…
Home Tech Security Audit. We spend a lot of money on smart cameras, high-speed routers, and clever home automation, but how much time do we spend securing them? A single “weak link”—like an old smart bulb or a default password—can give a hacker a doorway into your network and your private data. You need to…
Concrete Anchor Bolt Install. When you’re building a structure like the Ultimate Smart Shed, you need to make sure it isn’t going anywhere. Whether it’s high winds or shifting ground, a heavy timber frame needs to be physically anchored to its concrete base. In this guide, I’ll show you how to install concrete anchor bolts (specifically non-expansion…
1. Introduction to Router Placement Router Placement. You pay for blazing-fast internet, but in some rooms, it feels like you’re stuck in the dial-up era. Before you shell out hundreds on expensive mesh systems or new hardware, what if I told you the solution might be absolutely free? More often than not, the biggest culprit…
PoE vs Wi-Fi Cameras. If you are planning to install security cameras for your home or garden office, you face one major decision: Should you go with PoE (Wired) or Wi-Fi (Wireless)? With brands like Reolink, Ring, and Arlo flooding the market, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the options. While Wi-Fi cameras are popular…
Check Hard Drive Health. Is your computer running slowly, or are you worried about losing your photos and files? Before you rush out and buy a new hard drive or SSD, you should check the health of your existing disk. Windows actually has powerful diagnostic tools built right in—you just need to know how to…
POE Explained. If you’ve ever tried to install a security camera on the outside of your house or an access point in a garden shed, you’ve run into the same headache: How do I get power to it? Usually, this involves hiring an electrician to run a new power socket or faffing around with ugly extension cables….
Build a shed from scratch. Are you tired of flimsy, overpriced, off-the-shelf garden sheds? Most store-bought kits are built to a price point, not a quality standard. They often feature thin timber, basic security, and almost no room for customization. In this new series, I am building the Ultimate Smart Shed from the ground up. We aren’t…
Internet Failover. We’ve all been there: you’re in the middle of an important Zoom call or a gaming session, and suddenly—the internet cuts out. Whether it’s a provider outage or a physical line issue, being offline is more than just an inconvenience; it can disable your home security cameras, smart home automations, and remote work…