We have some great builders here in the Auburn / Opelika area. Being in Real Estate I work with a lot of these guys and see a lot of new construction homes. I see all kinds of neat stuff in homes and really enjoy walking in and seeing something original and unique. Just last week I was onsite at a new construction home and saw a one of the coolest driveways I have ever seen. It was a large area made with dark concrete pavers. It was done really well and looked great. This came with a cost….. a $26,000 cost!!! The house was in the mid $800,000’s so I am sure that was a drop in the bucket for the home owner. The inside of the house was really nice as well and featured a lot of major upgrades throughout the interior. After I walked out and drove off the technology geek in me got to thinking. Why have I not seen a complete home automation system in any new homes? The only house I know of that really has a whole house system is a 10,000 square foot house formally owned by a certain ex Auburn head football coach who now lives in Texas.
In my opinion, this is a market that is TOTALLY untapped. Builders are always looking to out spec the guy next door with lavish tile, appliances, bathrooms, and stone work and it is something that is so common now with high end new construction. Buyers walk in and EXPECT to see all these things. It isn’t anything “new” and “exciting”. Buyers want something new. They want something that is nice, but also something they can enjoy. Granted, not all buyers are looking for what I would consider a “want” or that is important to me, but there is a market for it. Technology is a huge part of our lives now. It is important (and MANDATORY in my line of work) to stay on top of it and use the awesome advances we have made. This is where builders come in. Building a house that features fully integrated lighting, security, audio, video, climate control and data would be a major selling point for most buyers. It could be done a lot less than that paver driveway too!
What exactly is home automation? Home automation gives you control of things around the home. You can control your whole house audio, video, all lighting, heating and air conditioning, security system, cameras, all your data stored on your computers, garage doors, irrigation system, powered shades, and even your door locks through a device such as a remote control, cell phone or personal computer. Basic systems have been around a long time, but they have been very expensive and complicated to set-up and operate. And in most cases you had to rewire the whole home. Over the last year there have been a number of advances in the technology and functionality of home automation. Prices have come way down on the systems as well.
Automated homes aren’t just a reality for the high end homes or the tech-savvy anymore. With the affordability and ease-of-use of the products on the market today, virtually anyone can automate their home. For instance, companies like Control 4 and the Crestron Prodigy product line offers affordable, functional and feature rich systems that were not possible years ago.
This is a video that demonstrate a control4 system installed in the new Aria hotel in Las Vegas:
You can even use Apple’s new Ipad as a controller!
Just some of the functions and benefits of home automation include:
Lighting and Appliance Control – Lights can be turned on or off from multiple locations. They can also be programmed to turn on or off along with other events from anywhere in the house or even by using the internet if you are away from your home. You can use motion sensors and have lights come on automatically when you enter a room and turn off when you leave the room a few minutes later.
Security Systems & Access Control – Your alarm system can be used as a part of the control system. Lights can be turned on and off automatically as you turn you alarm on and off. Your system can call, text and email you if there is an alert status. Additionally, you can unlock the front door to let friends in or close the garage door from your office via the internet. You can also control security cameras from anywhere in the world from the internet or even on your mobile device.
Entertainment Systems – One single controller replaces all of the remote controls in your house. You can press one button to dim your lights, close the drapes, turn on the TV, start the DVD player and setup your audio for the movie. In-wall speakers can be placed throughout your home to provide audio wherever you like.
Communication Systems – Telephone, intercom and internet. Phone systems which are usually used for small business applications are surprisingly convenient in the home. With caller ID and a home automation controller you can screen your calls for only those you wish to cause your phone to ring. You can talk to anyone from in the house, or even at your door from your couch.
Thermostats – Remote control thermostats allow you to adjust the temperature from bed at night or even from a cell phone while on your way home. They can even trigger a notice to you if the temperature gets too low or too high. This can save quite a bit on your energy bill!
Irrigation – Set your sprinkler system to turn on only when it’s dry, turn them on from your office at work, or even while you are on vacation.
Data Systems – Multiple computers can all be networked together and access data from any TV in the house.
The advances in technology have opened a whole new world of possibilities. If you are starting to build a new house or even wanting to do some “upgrading” to your current house, do some research and see just home automation can do for you!
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