Smart home technology has transformed the way we interact with our homes. In fact, one of the most prolific hallmarks in recent years is the integration of rapidly evolving technology into custom home design. These innovations are now considered “must-haves” for homeowners looking for the latest in comfort, convenience, and safety.
While smart homes are not necessarily new, the dizzying speed of technological advancement has made integrating these features more straightforward and affordable than in the past. Ten years ago, smart thermostats and programmable security systems were the extent of the options. However, two information technology trends – namely AI and the Internet of Things (IoT) – have significantly elevated the playing field.
Today’s smart home technology products represent an extensive inventory of devices, from voice-controlled assistants to smart lighting systems. Custom smart homes deliver a myriad of benefits, including:
Personal Convenience: Since the advent of smart home technology, the primary benefit to homeowners is convenience. Voice assistants can control temperature, entertainment, and lighting systems without input, and smart appliances can make grocery lists, adapt automatically to your clothes’ soil level, and keep your floors sparkling clean. All of this can be accomplished with very little input from the homeowner.
More Robust Security: The latest smart home security systems offer advanced features such as facial recognition, remote monitoring, and motion sensors to protect your home and family. Smart video doorbells are now commonplace in new homes, while smart locks allow access to guests even when you are not at home.
Energy Efficiency and Sustainability: Smart technology can “learn” and adapt to your habits and preferences. By adjusting your home’s temperature automatically – or independently turning off lights and shutting blinds when no one is in the room – these devices can save homeowners a significant amount of energy usage – and money. Of course, these technologies also contribute to local and global sustainability efforts.
What is the Internet of Things?
The Internet of Things (IoT) refers to a network of physical devices, vehicles, appliances, and other objects equipped with sensors, software, and network connectivity to collect and share data. In a custom smart home, all connected devices work together seamlessly. IoT devices are increasingly reliable and efficient as data transfer speeds up and automation becomes more complex. For instance, gesture control is the next generation of the conventional voice assistant, utilizing facial recognition to interact personally with any family member in the room.
Health monitoring has now moved well beyond smartwatches and wearable fitness trackers. One such innovation is smart mirrors, which can assess skin condition and quality and offer personalized skincare recommendations. These types of technologies have the potential to transform even the most mundane of our daily activities.
Integrating Technology into Your Custom Smart Home
Designing an efficient and advanced smart home begins with your architect or builder, who can ensure that the home’s infrastructure can support all of the necessary technology. They can also help you identify and purchase devices that are most appropriate for your preferred lifestyle. Before meeting with the design team, think about your daily routines and how you want to utilize smart technology to facilitate those routines.
It would be best to decide which technologies to incorporate into your home during the design stage. This strategy will guarantee that all devices are compatible and can be controlled through a single application, avoiding the necessity for multiple apps and remotes. Devices should be compatible with popular platforms (such as Alexa) that allow you to control all devices through a single interface. Be careful to select devices that can be upgraded or easily replaced as new innovations evolve.
Smart home technology is not a futuristic pipe dream – it’s a current reality that is already revolutionizing our daily lives. As technology evolves, we can expect to move ever closer to entirely autonomous homes that offer the ultimate in convenience and security.
Bruce Williams Homes brings 50 years of reputation and experience to the design process – while fully embracing the most cutting-edge trends and smart home capabilities. Call today to learn more about building your dream home on the Florida Gulf Coast.
Smart home technology has transformed the way we interact with our homes. In fact, one of the most prolific hallmarks in recent years is the integration of rapidly evolving technology into custom home design. These innovations are now considered “must-haves” for homeowners looking for the latest in comfort, convenience, and safety.
While smart homes are not necessarily new, the dizzying speed of technological advancement has made integrating these features more straightforward and affordable than in the past. Ten years ago, smart thermostats and programmable security systems were the extent of the options. However, two information technology trends – namely AI and the Internet of Things (IoT) – have significantly elevated the playing field.
Today’s smart home technology products represent an extensive inventory of devices, from voice-controlled assistants to smart lighting systems. Custom smart homes deliver a myriad of benefits, including:
Personal Convenience: Since the advent of smart home technology, the primary benefit to homeowners is convenience. Voice assistants can control temperature, entertainment, and lighting systems without input, and smart appliances can make grocery lists, adapt automatically to your clothes’ soil level, and keep your floors sparkling clean. All of this can be accomplished with very little input from the homeowner.
More Robust Security: The latest smart home security systems offer advanced features such as facial recognition, remote monitoring, and motion sensors to protect your home and family. Smart video doorbells are now commonplace in new homes, while smart locks allow access to guests even when you are not at home.
Energy Efficiency and Sustainability: Smart technology can “learn” and adapt to your habits and preferences. By adjusting your home’s temperature automatically – or independently turning off lights and shutting blinds when no one is in the room – these devices can save homeowners a significant amount of energy usage – and money. Of course, these technologies also contribute to local and global sustainability efforts.
What is the Internet of Things?
The Internet of Things (IoT) refers to a network of physical devices, vehicles, appliances, and other objects equipped with sensors, software, and network connectivity to collect and share data. In a custom smart home, all connected devices work together seamlessly. IoT devices are increasingly reliable and efficient as data transfer speeds up and automation becomes more complex. For instance, gesture control is the next generation of the conventional voice assistant, utilizing facial recognition to interact personally with any family member in the room.
Health monitoring has now moved well beyond smartwatches and wearable fitness trackers. One such innovation is smart mirrors, which can assess skin condition and quality and offer personalized skincare recommendations. These types of technologies have the potential to transform even the most mundane of our daily activities.
Integrating Technology into Your Custom Smart Home
Designing an efficient and advanced smart home begins with your architect or builder, who can ensure that the home’s infrastructure can support all of the necessary technology. They can also help you identify and purchase devices that are most appropriate for your preferred lifestyle. Before meeting with the design team, think about your daily routines and how you want to utilize smart technology to facilitate those routines.
It would be best to decide which technologies to incorporate into your home during the design stage. This strategy will guarantee that all devices are compatible and can be controlled through a single application, avoiding the necessity for multiple apps and remotes. Devices should be compatible with popular platforms (such as Alexa) that allow you to control all devices through a single interface. Be careful to select devices that can be upgraded or easily replaced as new innovations evolve.
Smart home technology is not a futuristic pipe dream – it’s a current reality that is already revolutionizing our daily lives. As technology evolves, we can expect to move ever closer to entirely autonomous homes that offer the ultimate in convenience and security.
Bruce Williams Homes brings 50 years of reputation and experience to the design process – while fully embracing the most cutting-edge trends and smart home capabilities. Call today to learn more about building your dream home on the Florida Gulf Coast.
