Technology is continually evolving and has come a long way in just the last decade. Throughout our everyday lives, we can see how mobile phones and smart technologies have become an ingrained part of our activities and society. A home automation system, or smart homes, would have once seemed like something from a sci-fi movie, but more homeowners are embracing smart technology in their houses. So let’s get technical and explore whether it’s smart to have smart home designs. We’ll look at both the pros and cons and some of the considerations you should take on board when making your home smart.
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What is a smart home design?
A smart home is a house setup that has a network where various features can be operated and controlled through smart devices or internet-enabled equipment like a mobile phone or smart pad. Some of these features can include lights, air conditioning, heating, garage doors, coffee machines, television, security devices, door locks and more.
Simply having smart devices in your house doesn’t make it a smart home. Rather, a smart home requires all devices to be part of a network that can be controlled from within the house or remotely.
A smart home system usually only requires an app and devices with are smart-enabled, creating a network through which all other devices can connect.
Popular Smart Home Systems
Some of the most popular systems on the market include:
Google Home
Amazon Alexa
Apple HomeKit
Samsung
What are the key features & systems of a smart home design?
Smart TVs: These televisions have become a staple in Aussie homes, featuring internet connection, recording capabilities and, in some cases, voice recognition.
Air Conditioning and thermostats: Allows you to control the temperature of your home whether you’re in the house or not.
Smart Lighting: Motion Sensors make your home more secure and save money on lighting.
Garage Doors: The humble garage door has come a long way, allowing you to open it slightly to allow a parcel to be delivered or check the history of when it’s been opened.
Audio Systems: Crank up the tunes without having to leave your chair.
Security Features: Motion sensors, cameras, alarms and locks can all be connected to your smart network providing extra peace of mind when you’re away.
Kitchen Appliances: Whether it’s making the perfect cup of coffee or pre-heating the oven, it can be done from the convenience of your smart device.
Pet Care: Automated feeders can ensure your furry friends don’t have to suffer a rumbling tummy when you’re running late or out for the night.
Smart home design pre-build considerations
- Not everything in your house needs to be part of your smart home network. You may choose to have your entertainment devices and lighting on the network while keeping everything else separate.
- Certain networks work better with certain devices. It’s like how not all chargers will work with your model of phone. It’s worth doing research about any smart device before making the purchase to ensure it’ll work with your setup.
- There may be a learning curve to any new device and different learning speeds among family members. Your teenagers may pick it up within two minutes while your spouse is still swearing at their phones months later.
What are the pros and cons of smart home designs?
Pros of a smart home
Convenience
The biggest appeal of a smart home is making your home more convenient. Ever been driving to work and wondered whether you left the garage door open? With a smart home, you simply need to check your app and if you have left the garage door open, you can close it. You can also turn the heating on as you leave work so your home is nice and warm by the time you get home.
Energy Efficiency
Smart devices actually can make your home more energy efficient. Along with being able to program when heating, cooling, lighting and more operate, the app on your devices allows you to remotely turn off any devices you’ve accidentally left on. Smart devices often use the latest technologies which are more eco-friendly than older designs.
Added security
Your home is your castle, so it’s only natural you want it to be safe while you’re gone. From cameras you can check on your phone, to smart locks which you can change the password on, there are a variety of security devices to help keep your home safe.
Remote operation
Are you stuck in traffic, but the school bus is about to arrive at any minute? With a smart home, you can let the kids in through the garage door from wherever you are. On a scorching summer’s day, you can turn the air conditioning on so that you’ll be greeted with a refreshing, cool home.
Makes your home more useable for everyone
One of the most encouraging benefits of smart technology is that it can make life easier for those with disabilities, kids, and the elderly. For someone with mobility issues, a smart home allows them to operate various features in the house from the convenience of their phone.
Cons of a Smart Home
Needs a reliable internet connection
It’s no secret that Australia’s overall internet service leaves a lot to be desired. A smart home requires a reliable internet service to work, and there are huge rural areas where that is simply not viable. If the internet goes down, your home won’t become unusable, as most devices can be used offline as well, but if you’re putting the time, money and effort into a smart home, surely you want it working more often than not.
The perceived complexity
Not everyone is tech-savvy and some people are outright hostile to technology. While most smart devices are easier to use than ever, they aren’t for everyone. If you’re someone who is easily frustrated by smart devices or just doesn’t like the idea, it’s probably not the option for you.
Data privacy and security issues
Like any technology, it is possible for someone to hack into your smart devices and steal personal data. While encryption and other security are always improving, this is one of the main concerns expressed by consumers about having a smart home.
Expensive
Though prices are dropping, smart devices still aren’t cheap. The more popular a technology gets, the more affordable it tends to become. Therefore, it may only be a year or two before a smart home is well within your budget if it isn’t already.
Get free advice on building your new smart home
Buildi is here to help you every step of the way with your building journey. Get in touch today to talk to an experienced home broker about how we can help you.
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