Transforming Your Homes’ Intelligence

Integrating smart home technology into your homes incentivizes buyers as they look for smarter, more efficient spaces

By Daryl Friedman

In an age where technology is seamlessly integrated into our daily lives, it’s no surprise that our homes are becoming smarter too. From controlling your thermostat with voice commands to monitoring your home’s security from anywhere in the world, the possibilities seem endless, and navigating the vast array of options can be overwhelming. However, with the help of a smart home professional, buyers can confidently enhance their lives with connected technology that is easy to use and seamlessly integrated. 

Before diving into specific products, it’s important to understand what smart home technology entails. Much like a home’s HVAC, plumbing or electrical system, at the heart of every smart home lies a whole-home system that connects various functions. Home entertainment, comfort, security and lighting can all be easily controlled by a user-friendly control center. And rather than multiple remotes hiding around the house, or dozens of apps on a phone, a professional smart home can be controlled simply and seamlessly by voice or through a simple app on a phone or tablet. It’s also important to consider the integration of smart devices into the existing home infrastructure. 

As you begin thinking about what smart home devices you may want, a great place to start is with smart speakers. Whether they’re for streaming music, enjoying podcasts or enhancing movie nights with rich sound, smart speakers can redefine the audio experience in a smart home environment and elevate entertainment and connectivity. Beyond the audio, they offer voice-controlled access to a wide range of features and services, like providing weather forecasts and news updates, creating shopping lists, setting reminders and controlling other smart devices. When choosing a smart speaker, consider factors like sound quality, compatibility with other devices and additional features like built-in screens or smart displays.

Security is often a top priority for buyers, and there is a plethora of smart home devices available to bolster your homes’ defenses.”

Security is often a top priority for buyers, and there is a plethora of smart home devices available to bolster your homes’ defenses. Smart locks, for instance, allow homeowners to lock and unlock their doors remotely using a smartphone app, keypad or voice command. Pair them with smart doorbell cameras so they can see and speak to visitors at their doorstep, even when they’re not home. For comprehensive security coverage, consider investing in a smart home security system that includes motion sensors, window and door sensors and a central hub to monitor and control everything from a single interface. 

If you’re looking to reduce your buyer’s environmental impact and utility bills, home energy management systems enable users to automate and enhance their energy use. These systems are designed to monitor and control various aspects of energy consumption in the home, including lighting, heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) and household appliances. By managing these areas, these systems encourage efficient energy use, reducing waste and conserving resources. They also provide practical advantages by lowering utility costs, which over time, can add up substantially, making them an attractive financial option for many buyers and homeowners.

There are also smart sensors and monitoring systems that can be strategically placed throughout your buyer’s home, so they can gain insight into what’s happening, even when they’re away. Imagine them being able to check in on their home anytime, anywhere, with just a few taps on a phone or tablet. Remote monitoring and control allow users to ensure everything is running smoothly and securely, while customized alerts and notifications keep them informed about specific events or activities, such as alerting caregivers or family members if there are any deviations or unusual patterns, which can be early indicators of health issues. Smart home technology empowers users to live in comfort and confidence, knowing that their home and loved ones are safe and secure.

As technology continues to evolve, so does the potential to transform our homes into smarter, more efficient spaces. When you’re ready to start integrating smart home devices, consult a smart home professional to assess your needs and design a customized plan that fits your lifestyle and preferences. The allure of DIY smart home projects may seem tempting, but the benefits of enlisting the help of a smart home professional far outweigh the risks. By partnering with an experienced professional, you gain access to tailored solutions, expert guidance, seamless installation and integration, comprehensive support, and, most importantly, peace of mind knowing your smart home is in capable hands. 

Daryl Friedman is global president and CEO of CEDIA, the association for smart home professionals.