Remember when a home intercom system was considered hi-tech? It’s fair to say that technology and consumer expectation have evolved considerably.
There are many products on the market that claim to make life easier, with SMART HOME being a term that’s bandied around a lot. When investing in SMART technology, there are some points you need to consider. Ask yourself:
- What technology will be the most beneficial, having true paybacks rather than just being novel?
- If I sell my property, what will buyers want, and what will they be willing to pay for?
- Who will my target audience be if I sell?
In a world where information is available at the touch of a button, it’s easy to be sucked into believing everything else should be too. Automation of lighting, window dressings, the coffee machine; where does it end? Here’s a few potential investments that are relatively affordable and will be appreciated by buyers, if and when you do sell your property.
Smart Thermostats
SMART thermostats can save considerable money by reducing heating and cooling costs. They allow you to manage your home’s temperature by creating schedules that can be overridden if usage patterns change. Some thermostats go next level, tracking daily routines and your heating and cooling use over time, and then recommending a revised plan. Initial rules and required changes can be made via a smart phone app.
Home Security
It’s now simple and affordable to monitor your home from afar. A SMART home security system connects via your Wi-Fi network, allowing you to monitor and control it with a smart phone app. An entry-level system should include a few door and window sensors, a motion detector and a hub that communicates with these using wireless protocols. If you’re not sure you want to commit to this yet, many smart locks and doorbells have camera functions; this might be a good starting point.
Smart Locks and Doorbells
There are abundant options on the market that supplement or replace your front door lock and these now provide more than just keyless entry. Imagine being able to allow friends and family, delivery drivers or tradespeople access to your home whilst you’re away from it. They ring your smart doorbell, you visually confirm who wants access, then remotely unlock the door to let them in; all via your smart phone. And let’s face it, you may also use this function if you’re home on the couch and watching your favourite show on Netflix!
Whilst LED lights and solar panels don’t increase your ease of lifestyle, they’re also attractive additions when selling your home, as people perceive the outlay of these to be significant.
One thing’s for sure; the market is flooded with choice, and this will increase as companies take advantage of consumers seeking SMART HOME options. As with any investment, do your research. Understand the true benefit vs. the gimmicks, and investigate what’s available and the outlay, remembering if the price seems to good to be true it probably is.
