TECH TRENDS

Design with home automation in mind

By Connie Sutton

We’re living in the golden age of technology. In just a few decades, society has transitioned from relying on wall-mounted phones to tucking tiny wireless computers in our pockets. If smartphones were the major technological development of the 2000s, the next big step is integrating technology into homes. Those that build their home have a unique opportunity to add smart automation into the design for the best results.

BEYOND ALEXA

Creating a smart home isn’t about buying individual devices like Alexa, Ring and Nest. These internet-connected gadgets can help you achieve a certain level of control, but they have limitations. Getting various devices to work together and create a holistic automation system can be a challenge, particularly when they all have their own apps. A true smart home starts with a technology-savvy infrastructure. One that has data access points that can withstand future innovations, not just the latest and greatest of today. Remember that a house is built to last a lifetime, so it will need to be capable of accommodating advances in technology. One thing to keep in mind is that integrated smart home technology won’t necessarily increase the value of your home. Any smart additions you make need to benefit you and your family in some way to make it worth the expense.

WHERE TO START

Before you begin, as a starting point, ask yourself what you are hoping to gain with your smart home solution. Perhaps your goal is saving energy with an automated system, or maybe you want to create an amazing home entertainment suite. Understand your needs from the beginning. Don’t get distracted by the shiniest gadgets on the market if they don’t support your lifestyle needs and end goals. Consider how you and your family spend your time at home. Depending on your household, people are probably browsing the internet via their cell phones, working or learning remotely, and streaming their favorite series on various devices. Determine what your family needs before adding unnecessary bells and whistles.

TYPES OF TECHNOLOGY

The core elements of smart home technology include lighting, heating and security but there are many other things in your home that can be automated. Audio options include multi-room systems that can play music across every ‘zone’/room or choose different music in different zones in the house. Lighting choices can include options that allow you to turn on/off and dim lighting in a room or throughout the house or intelligent lighting