Is Your Home Smart?
You may agree that technology is changing so quickly it's hard to keep up with. The effects of this can be seen in every segment of business and in the building industry, we are seeing it as well. Connectivity and today's smart phones have opened up doors to a whole new segment of home options. It's now, more than ever, that we are being asked to incorporate "smart technology" into the homes we design and build. So, what exactly is this technology, and what is a "smart home"?
The answer to that is still a little vague. With internet related household devises on the rise and the increased availability of smartphone-controlled features, the building industry has been working on a checklist for home buyers and sellers to know if their homes qualify as “smart”. By best definition, a “smart home” is one that has appliances, lighting, heating, air conditioning, TV’s, computers, entertainment audio and visual systems, and security and camera systems that are capable of communicating with one another and can be remotely controlled by phone or internet.
Home automation or “smart devices” can include items that provide comfort, security, energy efficiency, and convenience. The list of items is growing every day. The current definition states that a home must include an internet connection and at least three different kinds of smart technology and at least one should be security or temperature control. These home additions provide a level of convenience and save the homeowner time, money and energy.
Today, this type of technology is commonly seen in the luxury, custom home market where the technologies can be integrated into the home from the ground up. As smart devices and systems become commonplace, and as the computer generation has started to buy homes, these luxuries are being requested in more moderately priced homes as well.
Here are a few ways that smart technology can be integrated into your next home:
Temperature Control: Smart temperature control systems allow you to control the temperature of your home remotely which is not only good for the environment but easy on your wallet too!
Security: Security systems are very popular and not only survey the area by video, they also include features that will remotely unlock doors for guests, or allow you to see who has approached your home.
Lighting: Homeowners can set lighting to turn on and off which serve as an anti-theft device and provide another layer of safety.
Safety: Install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors that will alert you whether you are home or away when there is a problem.
Appliances: Remotely control your oven and coffee maker or just be alerted when a problem arises and you need repairs.
Heating and Cooling: Smart Heating and cooling systems control the heating, ventilation, air conditioning, vents, and fans. You can control the flow of air through your home by opening and closing vents which will reduce energy costs. Some systems can detect humidity and adjust to make a space more comfortable.
Paquin Design/Build is currently partnering with industry professionals to assist with the addition of this technology in our custom home builds and is also offering the option of these items in their Beacon Pointe Home division. These features will not only add to the livability of our homes but save our homeowners time and money along the way. We stand behind this new technology and the integration of it into our homes. It really is a smart idea.
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