Smart homes are the wave of the future. Living with helpful technology can be exciting, but it can also be a bit daunting to know where to begin. Whether you’re at a loss or you simply want to start with the basics as you build your smart home from the ground up, there are a few details you need to know about when designing. You can customize anything in your house, from your windows to your showerhead, and you can make anything smart. That can seem a bit overwhelming.
Whether you plan to make your whole house a technological paradise or you simply want the aid of a few smart devices to make day-to-day life a bit easier, there are a few need-to-knows you should probably start with.
1. Begin With Smart Lighting
Smart lighting is often the entry point to building a smart home, and for good reason. It’s easy to install, simple to set up, and can be a lot of fun. While you can find independent smart lights that use their own system, you can also hook them up to a larger platform if you plan to smarten up the rest of your home.
2. Add Doors and Entryways
Doors and entryways can use their own independent systems as well as larger, more connected platforms that control the rest of the home. Usually, these work through smartphone apps. While some require you to be close to any given door to unlock it, some will allow you to control entryways no matter where you are. You can even find smart controls for your garage door that can work from anywhere.
3. Install Temperature Controls
Another important feature to know about is smart temperature controls and thermostats. These are great when it comes to conveniently control your home’s temp, having specific settings for daytime and nighttime, and even making changes when you’re away. However, perhaps the most appealing detail is that smart thermostats can save money on your electric bill and help reduce your carbon footprint.
4. Plan Your Entertainment Systems
You can have a lot of fun with your home entertainment choices. One of the most important things you can do when setting up your system is to have at least a rough plan in mind so you can prioritize. While some people might be satisfied stopping at a smart TV, others might want to connect their gaming systems, music stations, or other forms of entertainment. Think about what you want before diving in. That way, you can shop around and incorporate all your priorities at once.
5. Invest in Home Security
While security might not be the flashiest smart home feature, it’s one of the most worthwhile. Aside from peace of mind and increased safety, these security systems are often reasonably priced and simple to install. Even high-quality versions often won’t break the bank — all while remaining far superior to traditional alarms.
Design Your Smart Home for Your Lifestyle
Each family is different, and therefore each smart home will have its own unique features and priorities. By keeping some of the basics in mind as you get started, you can learn and grow in the process. That way, as your home gets smarter, so do you.