We live in a very digital world. Just about everything that we do is driven by technology or can be enhanced with technology. Your house is no different. Home automation technology oversees fast-paced developments, much in the same way that other forms of technology do. You don’t have to be like billionaire Bill Gates with his multimillion-dollar smart home, where even the guest house is high-tech. Instead, you can work with Texas custom home builders who share your vision for comfortability and convenience. Let’s discuss what the process looks like for getting started with your custom smart home.
Internet of Things Devices
Otherwise known as IoT, the Internet of Things are products that don’t normally connect to the internet, but do. They are devices that are identifiable through digital networks, allowing you to easily turn them on and off via apps or your voice. Here are a few examples of common IoT devices that Texas custom home builders can help you with.
Thermostats
Achieve cost and energy savings with a smart thermostat. They have a real impact on your HVAC energy consumption. Customize your controls so that you can keep the temperature of your home to specific minimums and maximums. One example is the Nest thermostat, which comes with integrated Wi-Fi. It is able to adjust itself for maximum efficiency after learning your behaviors.
Security Systems
Keep an eye on your home from many miles away. With a smart security system, you can receive automatic alerts to your smartphone. Invest in smart locks that secure your house immediately upon exit, and video doorbells or security cameras to notify you of motion. Some companies, such as ADT, require the professional installation of these products.
Lights
Have you been one to leave a light on but didn’t want to get up from bed to turn it off? As one of the most affordable IoT devices, smart lights are easily adjustable. The two options for light automation are smart light switches or smart bulbs. You are able to program them to brighten, dim, or change colors from your phone or tablet.
Speakers and Displays
According to the Wall Street Journal, 94 million Americans were reported to own at least one smart speaker in 2021. This number comes as a major increase from the year prior, at 76 million. Smart speakers and displays work similarly in that they both have built-in voice assistants. However, displays are more expensive because they offer features for entertainment options.
Home Automation System Features
While IoT refers to objects, home automation is what you are capable of doing with them. Ultimately, every electronic in your home is capable of being touched by this revolution in technology. These are some of the ways you can simplify your life, thanks to the ever-growing IoT market and the work of Texas custom home builders.
Voice Assistants
Control your IoT devices with just your voice. The three main voice assistants available today come from Amazon, Google, and Apple. Instead of having to use a mobile application, you can call out your demands or questions to your IoT devices and they will answer. Each of these options has an impressive rate of understanding and correct responses.
Energy Monitoring
Energy-efficient home improvements are currently all the rage. With an energy monitor, you will know exactly where your money is going. Smart home energy monitors can fit in with your house’s electrical panel and wirelessly connect to other devices. You can even link them with your smart thermostat so that you receive a more detailed description of the energy consumption data.
Mobile Application
Have you ever been away from home and been concerned about whether you left a light, a sink, or the oven on? By having home automation at the tip of your fingers, you never have to worry about rushing back to check. Make a personalized account on an app and customize your IoT devices. Cloud-based home automation allows you to be well outside of the vicinity of the devices, while apps needing a Bluetooth connection don’t.
Home and Away
Geofencing is a location-based app service. Its two components consist of the area that is fenced and the location of the device that is interacting with that fence. Take advantage of this technology by connecting your smartphone’s GPS and your IoT devices. One way that this helps is that you can unlock your doors without the need for keys when you are nearby.
Setting Up Your Smart Technology
Whether you are creating a new home or participating in a remodeling project, partner with Texas custom home builders to design a home that fits your unique needs. With a transparent company that listens to your needs, such as Bat City Builders, you can inject more of your personality and values into your living spaces. Now, how do you create a smart custom home?
Ecosystem
As previously mentioned, Amazon, Google, and Apple have dominated the home automation industry. The ecosystem that you go with should essentially rely on the devices that you already have. For example, if you are a home full of iPhones and Macs, you may want to lean toward an Apple Homekit. Each of these ecosystems collects data on your usage habits to provide you with the best home automation experience.
Control Protocol
The most used type of control protocol is Wi-Fi. It’s so common because all it requires is a regular internet connection, as opposed to an additional hub. Even so, although almost every IoT device requires a reliable Wi-Fi connection, a dedicated smart hub could be beneficial. They offer more stability, on top of reducing router traffic.
Installation
There are many IoT devices that you are able to install yourself. We can all appreciate a solid YouTube tutorial to walk us through the process. That being said, as previously mentioned, some companies do expect professional installation. Smart glass products for your windows, for instance, may need to be taken care of by an expert.
Customization
In general, the goal of Texas custom home builders is to make your house as livable as possible. This is the same case as with home automation technology, which should be catered to your lifestyle. Perhaps you are concerned with a combination of medical care, your kitchen, and your television. Figure out which devices will most help you in your day-to-day and set them up for easy access.
Look to professionals to make your home automation journey run smoother. Bat City Builders consists of Texas custom home builders who want to make your dreams as a homeowner a reality. As a design-build company, we provide a personalized experience from the project’s inception to its completion. Contact us to talk more about how we can help build a house that fulfills all of your modern-day needs.
Photos, in order appearance, by:
- Pixaline on Pixabay
- Moritz Kindler on Unsplash
- BENCE BOROS on Unsplash