Multiple AP setup - Residential

[HCHTech]

When you are setting up multiple APs, do you force non-overlapping channels on each AP or use the Auto setting? I've always struggled with the "best" answer to this.

In the past, I've noted other channels visible at each intended AP location and avoided those, but this seems haphazard since existing networks can be a moving target.

I had a large stone house (on the historic register!) in an urban neighborhood recently. Full plaster walls & ceilings. The main router was on the first floor, and we put APs in the basement, 2nd floor and 3rd floor to get full coverage. Each floor could see various neighbor-generated networks, so it was frustrating picking the right channels. Then, 2 months from now, a neighbor will get a new router and suddenly we'll have interference again.

Just wondering what other folks do.