Replacing a switch is one way, a pass through on the socket is another--you plug the smart device into the socket and your actual stuff into the smart device. That won't hit all devices (not everything is plugged into a socket), but would be a good way to get the more casual user involved.

> Getting an SMS if one of my doors opened during the day might be nice.

And what will you do in response? :)

> that's DOA

I don't know what DOA is, but replacing a light switch is the same whether it comes from the Home Depot or from a home automation start-up.

If I got an SMS that my front door was opened in the middle of the day, I'd call my wife to see if she went home early. If she didn't, I'd call my neighbors and/or the cops.

My point on light switches is that (unlike outlets, which could just have a pass-through unit) they require someone actually un-attach and re-attach wires, which many/most home owners aren't super comfortable with. Even if they are, it's a meaningful time investment in comparison.

DOA is short for "dead on arrival".