There is a lot of buzz these days about smart home technology, especially in the custom home building industry.
So what exactly constitutes a smart home? In the most basic definition, smart homes offer the ability for lighting, heating, and electronic devices to all be controlled and managed from a remote device, such as a smartphone or tablet.
But the burning question that many homeowners have is if a smart home really a smarter investment?
For sophisticated homeowners wanting a custom home, making smart upgrades (wireless thermostats, programmable locks, pre-wired walls for flat screen TVs, etc) to the home can be a wise decision for resale value.
While these upgrades likely would have cost upwards of $30,000 just 5 years ago, many custom home builders today are pre-wiring houses for smart upgrades such as security systems, doorbell webcams, and automated light switches.
So what are some of the most desirable smart home systems? Here is a quick run down of some of the most coveted smart upgrades you can make to your home to potentially yield you a smarter investment:
Keyless Entry
There are a number of keyless entry/smart lock providers that you can choose from, and you'll ideally want to find one that offers a Grade 1 security rating and the ability to have multiple separate user codes.
Home Security
A popular trend now is to create your own DIY security system for your home. You can purchase an alarm hub, window sensors, door sensors, security cameras, and motion sensors to best accommodate the needs of your home. All of your home's security needs can be conveniently managed via your smartphone or tablet.
Climate Control
A programmable thermostat has become a no-brainer for most homeowners, and you can take this one step further by being able to control the comfort of your own home via your smartphone or tablet. Some smart thermostats will even learn your routines and preferred settings and will adjust them automatically.
Home Theater System
For many, a home theater system was an introduction to home automation and smart technology. The equipment for today's home theater system will typically include wireless speakers that can be controlled centrally via a remote or app.
In summary, upgrading to a smart home can prove to be advantageous to your investment if you incorporate technology and features that future homebuyers would want in a property.
Please contact us at Empire Custom Builders to learn more about smart home trends to consider for your own custom home or remodeling project.