Building a Smart Home: Where to Start?

These days you’re able to control just about everything with the click of the button. Want a hot pizza? There’s an app for that. Want to get a manicure without leaving your couch? There’s an app for that too.

You can control almost all aspects of your life using just your smart phone! The same goes for everyday items around the home. You can unlock your door, turn on the A/C, and turn the lights on using your smart phone. Everyday essentials are quickly being replaced with innovative products designed to make your day-to-day life easier.

Now we’re not claiming to be the most tech-savvy gals around, but we have been really intrigued by the idea of creating a SMART HOUSE to make our lives a little bit easier and perhaps even to save some money. So over the next 4 weeks, we’ll be diving into a series about CREATING A SMART HOME.

Today, let’s talk about the things you need to think about before you get started creating a “home, smart home.”

Before you get Started:

• Check your Home’s Wi-Fi Strength: Most home automation systems will use a bluetooth connection or Wi-Fi to work. You’ll want to make sure you have a strong Wi-Fi signal so all of your devices will work easily. The more products you add, the more your signal will be strained.
• Figure out what you want to Automate: Do you want more security? Cool features to impress your friends? Items to make your everyday life easier? You’ll want to figure out what you want to automate before you get started. The good news is you can easily do things bit-by-bit, so you can dip your toe in the water with 1 or 2 new innovative products. Plus, most new products will simply replace your existing product, so often times you won’t need to re-wire anything.
• Consider using a Hub: If you’re planning to incorporate multiple devices into your home, you may want to consider investing in a single smart home controller (called a hub.) That way you won’t have to open a different app every time you need to change something. This hub will be the central controller of your home and it can communicate with each device.
• Figure out your Budget: Many of these items are super cool, but they also come with larger price tags. You may save money in the long run with some of these innovative products, but you need to figure out a budget from the start so you can buy products accordingly.

We’ll be going into greater detail about all of the innovative products currently on the market in the coming weeks. But here’s a little teaser of the many items available to bring your home up to the 21st century.

The Smart Possibilities:

• Beginner Ideas: Light bulbs, LED strips, Robot Vacuums, CO & Smoke Detectors
• Intermediate Ideas: Programmable Thermostat, Motorized window treatments, Sound System, Smart Phone controlled Outlets
• Advanced: Front Door Lock, Doorbell, Security System, Entertainment System

Bottom Line: If you’ve got Wi-Fi in your home and a smart phone in your pocket…you are on your way to building a smart house of your own.