Build.com for Pros: New Smart Home Technology

When you're remodeling any home, incorporating the right smart home gadgets is a great way to bring modern convenience to a finished design. Any client is sure to appreciate the streamlined way smart devices make a home operate. Fortunately, there are many different ways you can utilize technology in a home design or remodel, whether it's simply trading out existing bulbs for smart light bulbs or making sure the entire home is operated by a smart home manager.

What Is a Smart Home System?

Smart home systems utilize a variety of smart home devices and connect them all to a common tablet or smartphone for easy control from anywhere. This helps to maximize convenience and minimize home energy costs, making them an environmentally friendly addition to a home design. Some smart home devices are even compatible with Amazon Alexa, the hub, Google Home, or Apple HomeKit.

Bluetooth Vs. Wi-Fi Enabled Smart Home Technology

As you start to shop for new smart home technology to incorporate in client designs, keep in mind that every item will either be Bluetooth enabled or Wi-Fi enabled. Bluetooth devices need to be within close proximity of the smartphone or tablet used to control the device. This means that Bluetooth smart home technology won't be able to be controlled from a remote location.

Wi-Fi enabled smart home devices are a better choice because as long as there's an internet connection in the home, they'll be able to receive commands from smartphones anywhere. This gives clients the freedom to make adjustments to their devices while they're away from the house. When you choose a piece of smart home technology that's Wi-Fi enabled, it's best to choose all the rest of the smart home technology to be Wi-Fi enabled as well.

Smart Home Technology to Incorporate in the Design

With so many types of smart home technology available today, it's easy to integrate it into different aspects of any home design. Check out our list of the best smart home devices to incorporate in any home design and see the difference they can make in everyday life.

Security Systems

Keep both the family and their belongings safe on a daily basis by adding a smart home security system to a home design. This system often includes motion sensors, outdoor cameras, indoor cameras, and smoke detectors.

Smart Door Locks

A client can know exactly who is entering and leaving home when you install smart door locks. These locks can be controlled remotely, so no one will wonder if they remembered to lock the door again. Smart locks for home use are also ideal for those with a cleaning service that comes while the family is out or at work.

Smart Speakers

Indoor and outdoor speakers designed for control from a phone or tablet give clients the freedom to listen to their favorite music from any room of the home. These systems also provide an immersive television viewing experience when used as part of the surround sound system.

Smart Thermostats

Make the home run as efficiently as possible by featuring a smart thermostat in the smart home system. These thermostats automatically adjust the temperature whether home or away to ensure the home is at the ideal temperature for comfort while keeping energy costs as low as possible.

Smart Appliances

You can't eliminate chores with smart technology, but you certainly can make them more convenient. When selecting appliances for the home, consider adding items designed to work with the smart home manager. Washers, dryers, dishwashers, and other household appliances all provide the option of controlling the device remotely. Clients can load up the laundry before leaving the house and turn on the washer 45 minutes before anyone gets home. That load will be ready to transfer the moment they walk in the door.

Smart Indoor Lighting & Outdoor Lighting Solutions

Choosing smart outdoor lighting and indoor lighting solutions means your clients will never have to come home to a dark house again. Smart indoor lighting solutions are also ideal for anyone who travels a lot, because it gives them the freedom to control what lights are on and off at different times of day, giving the home the appearance of being occupied even when they are away.

Smart Light Bulbs

Sometimes, you don't have to trade out the entire light fixture to incorporate new technology. Today there are smart bulbs available that can be controlled from a cell phone or tablet. This affordable option is a great intro into smart home technology and makes a magnificent choice for apartment dwellers that may not want to invest in larger smart home technology options.

Window Coverings

Control the light that enters the home at various times of day with smart window coverings. You can pre-set different settings throughout the day, ensuring the home is bright and dark when needed most. This smart home technology can even be used to put the whole home to bed at the end of the day.

Smart Light Switches

Take ultimate control of the lights throughout the home by trading out traditional light switches for smart switches. When it's time to settle in for the night, clients can go to bed with all the lights on and use their phone or tablet from bed to turn off all the lights.

Smart Outlets

Turn on a light, appliance, or electronic item plugged into hard-to-reach outlets from the comfort of a tablet or smartphone when you utilize a smart outlet. These outlets look like any other, but users won't have to reach for them on a switch to control whatever is connected to them.

With so many different new smart home devices available, finding the best smart home devices for any client requires looking at their specific needs. Before taking on a project, make sure to complete an initial consultation that goes through what the client desires from their space. Discuss the option of adding smart home technology to their design and see what smart home gadgets best appeal to them.