Include Home Automation in Your Design Plans
One of the fastest growing trends in home planning and design has been the inclusion of technology that keeps everything in home running smoothly and efficiently. A well-designed smart home provides comfort, security, energy savings, and assisted living – all controllable from the small handheld device that already goes with you everywhere.
As home automation transcends the boundary between luxury and need, it is important that builder, architects, remodelers and their clients have a clear understanding of how this technology works and the options that are available to them. By giving some thought to the planning, design, and support of smart home technology on the forefront, homeowners can achieve the longterm benefits they desire.
Smart home technology isn’t just for the indoors. As consumers shift toward enjoying outdoor living more, smart home technology has expanded to include outdoor lighting, heaters, pool pumps, sound, security and more.
Laying the Foundation
There was a time when the only connected devices in a home were an internet modem and a computer. Today, home networks are near mandatory and must be able to handle multiple products like computers, tablets, phones, printers, appliances, audio video equipment, security and heating systems, and more.
As technology advances and more products are added to a home, the network is required to process even more data. It’s important to start with a robust and reliable system that can provide both wired and wireless connections to manage traffic with minimal error. A good network design offers full Wi-Fi access to all your devices without dead spots or difficulties.
A well designed home automation system has a central “brain” that controls a myriad of things from lighting, temperature, and security to audio, video, shades and blinds.
Select a Good Dealer
In this age of DIY, it may be tempting to view home automation as just another Saturday project to tackle, but configuring various smart home devices to work properly and in sync is not for an amateur. The money you think you’ll save might actually cost you later in functionality or when you want to add products to your system. To get the most performance out of your smart home, turn to a professional.
Protect your Devices
Wireless technology is wonderful for adding products to an existing home, but it can have issues with security. Because Smart devices work on the Internet of Things (IOT) principle, they are vulnerable to hacking and infringement. A professional dealer can help you choose products that will securely safeguard your home network and keep your family safe.
Plan for the Future
A well-designed home automation system includes necessary hard-wiring, multiple access points, space for a central “home brain,” and options for future expansion. Technology is constantly evolving and putting technology in your home without a view towards the future can leave you with an outdated system. Experienced professionals will design a system that is suited to meet your needs today and in the future.
ARTICLE & PHOTOS PROVIDED BY CAV Integrated Home
