How to Make your Home Smarter

The concept of smart homes has advanced significantly in the past two decades. Whether building a smart home from the ground up or simply adding in a few smart appliances, it has become common to have some element of smart home technology in your Grand Forks homes. After all, not only does this technology offer convenience, it also gives homeowners security as well as energy efficiency. Here are some tips for creating your own smart home.

Start with a smart hub, which allows different devices to communicate and work together. Among the most popular options are Amazon Echo, Google Nest Hub, and Apple HomePod. You’ll want to choose the one that integrates best with your existing devices. A smart hub simplifies controlling multiple devices through voice commands or a single app.

One of the earlier focuses of smart home technology is the thermostat. It helps to optimize heating and cooling for both comfort and efficiency. It can even be controlled via smartphone, making it easy to adjust settings on the go. These devices make it easy to set your home to adjust to a comfortable temperature right before you get home so you don’t waste energy – and money – when you’re not at home. Plus, if you forgot to adjust the temperature before leaving home, you can easily do it from wherever you are.

Smart lighting systems are another easy entry point into home automation. We’ve had dimmable and motion-sensor lighting, but now with smart LEDs, you can control your lighting remotely, schedule it, and even customize it for color and brightness. Systems like Philips Hue and LIFX offer extensive options, allowing smart lights to create ambiance, lower energy costs, and  enhance security.

Nowadays, smart appliances are changing household chores, such as refrigerators that can track your groceries, as well as track temperature and humidity, so that your groceries stay fresher longer. Best of all, with the use of smart plugs, you can turn regular devices into smart ones, allowing you to control them remotely and set schedules.

Ultimately, home security is often the top priority for many homeowners. Smart cameras, such as those from Ring or Arlo, provide real-time video feeds and alerts, enhancing safety. You can even speak to the person at your door, without having to open it – or even be home! Other security options include keyless entry and remote access control, all helping to deter intruders while giving you real peace of mind when you’re away from home, whether at work or on vacation.

If you’re ready to transform your home into a smart home, start with devices that offer the most significant impact on your daily life, and gradually expand your system. Whether you want to build one of the Grand Forks homes with fully integrated smart technology or want to add it to an existing home, the smart move is to contact Crary Real Estate today.

Categorised in: benefits of new construction, Design Tips, How to Make your Home Smarter, New Home Tips

This post was written by Crary Real Estate