An updated kitchen, an upgraded bathroom, an expansive addition — home renovations can add functionality, convenience, and space. While you’re planning your upgrades, make your remodel work even better for you with home automation technology. After all, the easiest time to retrofit home automation is when you already have professionals on site who know how to turn your home into a smart home. Here are the smart devices to consider during a remodel.
Locks
Smart locks can be tied to a security system, so you can remotely lock and unlock your doors. This not only gives you maximum control over your home’s security, but it can also help you protect your home while it’s under construction. You can give temporary access codes to workers, then change them when the work is finished.
Thermostats
Smart thermostats offer all the usual benefits of smart devices (remote control, automation, and programmability), but these benefits take on a new dimension when controlling the temperature in your home. A smart thermostat can save you big bucks on your heating and cooling bills, while keeping the house comfortable for everyone, as it adjusts the temperature according to your routines and behaviors.
Depending on the type of heating you have, changing the thermostat can require working with all the main utility systems of the house (such as gas, water, and electric), so it’s best to let a professional handle it. If you’re upgrading your HVAC system, or adding square footage, it’s a great add-on to consider during a renovation.
Leak sensors
Many remodels involve extensive improvements in the kitchens and bathrooms, and that means plumbing work. While you’re upgrading your pipes and faucets, help protect against leaks at the same time. WiFi-connected water sensors can detect — and, in some cases, even prevent — leaks in the system. Leak detectors can communicate to a smart water valve to shut off the water before the leak causes damage, saving you time and money. It can also send an alert to your smartphone to let you know of any issues as soon as they’re detected.
Lighting
Smart lighting is easy to install, so it’s a no-brainer to include smart bulbs in your renovation lighting plan. Depending on your system of choice, a home lighting automation retrofit may be as simple as screwing new light bulbs into your existing fixtures and downloading an app. More advanced systems will require you to connect a hub to your WiFi router, but even these are simple to install and can be done hassle-free.
Smart lights allow you to customize the color and intensity of the lights in your home, control them remotely, and integrate them with security systems so they can be triggered by motion sensors.
Security systems
All of these smart elements can be part of a smart security system, which is another great upgrade to consider while renovating your home. After all, your renovations are surely increasing your home’s value, so it’s a great idea to improve the protection of your property. Include door and window sensors and WiFi-enabled cameras that can alert you to activity on your mobile device.
Today’s wireless security systems, like Xfinity Home, don’t require hardwiring, so you can install them at any time during a renovation — no worries about ruining the new paint job or calling the electrician.
A well-thought-out plan to update your home (especially one created with the help of a professional) can save you money while making your home more comfortable and secure. Installing smart home technology is a great way to take your remodel to the next level. After it’s complete, relax and enjoy your updated, smarter home.
