Home Automation Ideas to Make Your Life Easier
Here's a list of home automation ideas and examples that we think provide the most value to our clients' homes.
Smart Hubs
A command center, or smart hub, allows you to manage your smart home from one source. A properly setup home automation system allows you to operate all of your house's electronics from one simple interface. The most common mistake we see is those who set up smart devices without intention and then have to use multiple apps to connect or troubleshoot.
With a smart hub, you can control your home’s technology from corner to corner. Lighting, security, audio, and thermostats are all devices you can manage through a central hub. A powerful control center is the first step to creating a smart home that works for you.
You can also set up zones in your home with these devices. Is the upstairs a quiet study sanctuary while the downstairs has a dance party? Control lighting, audio, and more based on each area's utility.
Audio
Surround sound is not a thing of the past! Whether you are looking to level up a home theatre or control music throughout your whole house, with smart speakers you can control what rooms are playing what. From zones to exact rooms, you can play your favorite music with the click of a button.
Window Treatments
Set schedules based on your lifestyle. Want to wake up to the sunrise rather than an alarm? Automatic window treatments are your solution. Depending on your budget, you can set up curtains and blackout blinds and control them from your app. Proper window treatments are also cost-effective and block out the hot sun in the summer months.
Remote Monitoring
Whether you are away for a few days on a business trip, a weekend vacation, or simply want to make sure your child arrived home safely from school, remote monitoring allows you to keep an eye on your home. Security cameras and smart locks allow you to not only view your home remotely, but also safely lock or unlock a door from any location.
Audio, video, lighting, shading, climate, network, and security are examples of home technologies that can be managed remotely.
These options are great for:
- Preventing theft while on vacation, make your home appear occupied.
- Keep your rental secure from a distance.
- At vacation homes, check in on the status of appliances, flood detectors, and AC.
- Keeping an eye on your children when you need to work late
Home Automation by Room
Entryway
Smart Locks
We’ve all been there.
- You forgot your keys at work and are now locked out.
- You just got to the airport and can't remember: did you lock the back door?
Forgetting your keys is a source of anxiety and annoyance! With smart locks you can easily lock or unlock your home from an app (and check on the status of your home). Some locks allow for customized codes, so you know exactly who is entering your home and when.
Smart locks are designed for security and your peace of mind.
Depending on your needs, there are a variety of locks to choose from. Some locks look like traditional deadbolts but can be controlled remotely. More modern devices have a keypad with codes that can be changed from the app. The most upgraded devices can sense your smartphone and automatically unlock when you get home.
Any smart lock will give you the extra security to check on your home-even from thousands of miles away.
Living room
Smart lighting
Smart lights are almost essential in this day and age. Turning lights on and off may not seem like an inconvenience, but that’s if you haven’t had the luxury of turning them off with a simple Alexa request.
For the sake of ease, smart lights can be programmed to fit your schedule. They can dim, change color and turn on/off all at designated times. They are also energy savers, as most use LED technology and can be turned off at any location. Smart light bulbs last ten times longer than standard lights and use only 8.5 watts of electricity, compared to 60 watts for traditional bulbs.
Installation can be as easy as switching out your lightbulb. After connecting the devices to your home hub, you can use any smartphone to control them.
Extra-living smart home applications
- Entry sensors: Home security systems can notify you if a door is open or left unsecured. You can set up notifications to alert you when someone unlocks doors or windows.
Kitchen
Smart speaker
Kitchens are usually the heart of a home. Families gather for meals, cooking, or just to hang out. This is one of the best spots for a smart speaker like the Echo Dot. You don’t have to interrupt your baking for web searches anymore; just ask Alexa: what is the best substitution for eggs?
Smart devices like the Dot or Google Nest allow you to quickly search for terms, listen to music, add items to your shopping list and more with a simple command.
Bedroom
Smart plug
One of the easiest devices to implement smart home technology is a smart plug. With smart plugs, you can control virtually any device. Custom lighting that doesn’t have a remote feature can be plugged into smart plugs and controlled via your phone. Speakers can also be set on a timer if you want to listen to music or a podcast as you go to sleep. You can even plug your hair tools into these-and never ask "Did I turn the flat iron off?" ever again.
Hallway
Smart thermostat
A smart thermostat is one of the key ingredients to creating an energy efficient home. These have been on the market for a while, and their technology keeps improving.
Just as with other smart devices, you can set up schedules to heat and cool your home based on your lifestyle. With one of these thermostats, you can customize your system to use less energy.
A smart thermostat is a great way to save time and money while also reducing your carbon footprint.
Basement
Intelligent leak detector
Most of us who have lived in the cold have experienced or heard of a major basement flood caused by a burst pipe.
Although we use preventative measures like leaving a drip, sometimes burst pipes or other water source malfunctions are unavoidable. The most important thing is a fast response time.
Leak detection is useful to alert you if a water leak starts and can prevent flooding from happening.
This is especially useful for home management or vacation properties that do not have tenants at all times.
Backyard
Security camera
Was that the neighbor's dog or an intruder? With smart security cameras, you can check in on the security of your home from bed. Security cameras can be used in conjunction with smart lights to trigger them automatically based on movement.
When equipped with analytics, security cameras can help reduce unnecessary recordings by only recording what you ask it to record. Catch a potential intruder but not the neighborhood squirrel.
Depending on the device, you may be able to communicate through a speaker.
Security cameras are also useful for your front door. Doorbell cameras have been proven to prevent intruders and package theft.
Garage
Garage door control
Just like your front door control, smart devices can be used for your garage door for extra security and ease. Along with most smart home tools, you can open and close your garage from afar, and check to make sure you closed it when you left!
Similar to your front door control, you can set up notifications to let you know when the garage door has been opened or closed.
Final word
Smart devices are built with you in mind. Set schedules, save money, and amplify your home security using the devices best suited for your needs. You can always expand on your smart home-we often see homeowners who just want security come back for a whole setup! When you professionally install the technology, there shouldn't be any headaches in figuring out which app controls what.
Hire a Home Automation Expert
Building a smart home is meant to make your life easier! However, if you don't have experience with the different brands, setups, or applications, it can be more of a hassle than it's worth. Contact our experts to help you customize a smart home designed for you.
Whether you want to install it now or are curious about your options, our team will give you expert advice on the technologies you can implement in your home.