Smart home technology has moved from novelty to everyday convenience. When you’re building a new home, you have a unique opportunity to plan for technology from the start, which is much easier than retrofitting it later. Here’s a look at smart home technology worth considering for a new build and how to plan for it.
Plan the Infrastructure First
The devices you choose will change over time, but the wiring and infrastructure inside your walls are much harder to update. During construction, consider:
- Strong Wi-Fi coverage: Plan locations for wireless access points so signal reaches every room, the garage, and outdoor spaces.
- Wired network connections: Ethernet to key spots, such as a home office or entertainment area, can provide reliable speeds.
- Conduit: Empty conduit in walls makes it easier to run new cables in the future.
- A central equipment location: A dedicated spot for your modem, router, and other equipment keeps things organized.
- Extra outlets and power: Outlets in places like ceilings, eaves, or entry areas can support cameras, sensors, and lighting.
Smart Thermostats and Climate Control
Smart thermostats can learn your schedule, adjust temperatures automatically, and be controlled from your phone. Some homes also use zoned heating and cooling so different areas can be set to different temperatures. These features can add comfort and may help reduce energy use when used thoughtfully.
Security and Entry
Smart security features are among the most popular additions:
- Video doorbells to see who’s at the door from anywhere
- Smart locks for keyless entry and temporary access codes for guests or service providers
- Security cameras around entries and the property
- Door and window sensors connected to a monitoring system
- Smart garage door controllers
Smart Lighting
Smart lighting lets you control lights by schedule, voice, or app. It can make a home feel more welcoming, add security when you’re away, and make it easy to create different moods for different activities. Smart switches can be a good choice because they work with standard fixtures and remain easy for guests to use.
Whole-Home Audio and Entertainment
If music and movies are a big part of your life, consider pre-wiring for speakers in key rooms or outdoor spaces, along with the right connections for a media room or family room television. Planning during construction allows cleaner installations with fewer visible wires.
Energy Monitoring and Efficiency
Energy monitoring tools can show how much electricity your home uses and where. Combined with efficient appliances and good insulation, they help you understand and manage your home’s energy use. If you’re interested in solar panels or an electric vehicle charger, ask your builder about planning electrical capacity and wiring for them.
Water Leak Detection
Leak sensors near water heaters, washing machines, and under sinks can alert you to problems early. Some systems can also automatically shut off the water supply when a leak is detected, which can help limit damage.
Tips for Choosing Smart Home Technology
- Focus on features that solve real problems for your household.
- Choose devices that work with a common platform so they’re easy to control together.
- Prioritize infrastructure, such as wiring and conduit, that will support future devices.
- Keep systems simple enough that everyone in the home can use them.
- Consider privacy and security settings for connected devices.
Building a Smarter Home
The right technology makes daily life simpler without adding complexity. Planning during the design phase lets you build in what you need now and prepare for what comes next. To see what else buyers want in new homes, read about home features buyers are looking for, or contact Ashford’s team to talk about planning technology into your new home.
