Is your home as smart as you think it is?

What’s the difference between a home filled with dozens of connected devices and a truly “smart home”? While a modern home incorporates all the latest tech gadgets, a fully-integrated smart home will take it a step further and redefine how one actually lives. Keep reading to learn more about the difference between modern homes and smart homes, and see how home tech experts can combine seemingly unrelated features in the home - such as shading and home security - into one, easy to use system.

Smart devices don’t equal a smart home

A modern home may have gadgets that are convenient or aesthetically pleasing, but that convenience isn’t meant to go beyond what’s on the back of the box. A voice-controlled speaker, for example, might have functionalities that are useful, but it doesn’t mean this device will be compatible with other digital devices in the home, even if they seem complementary. 

You can decide to integrate them yourself later on but you may find that this requires more time and upkeep than you expect, spoiling the convenience of the modern gadgets to begin with.

A real smart home works as an ecosystem

A true smart home will have devices that connect, integrate and work seamlessly with other devices on the same system. A smart home system allows different systems, like lighting and HVAC, to not only be customized, but work hand-in-hand. For example, instead of minimal lighting and air conditioning customization, you can have lighting that responds to your heating and cooling conditions, and vice versa.

“Theatre mode” that’s even more than stellar audio visual

When you think of your dream home theater, for example, you might start with visuals and audio - after all, the theater experience is all about giving the room the right atmosphere. But when you’re at the movies, you can zone in to the visuals and audio so well because there are no outside distractions. No need to make your rounds to draw the shades, hit the lights and adjust the AC - when all of your devices are connected to one system, one swipe on the tablet will shift your theater into Movie Mode. Shades and lighting can also be customized to respond to daylight to reduce glare and sun damage, and automatically draw at night for optimal viewing.

When your own home can welcome you back
Exterior sensors can do more than just home security - a sensor can let the system know when you’re home for the day, switching on the living room and kitchen lights to a custom brightness that allows you to start relaxing sooner. We prefer this to guessing which switch does what on the six-wide panel in the mud room, but that’s just us! Exterior lighting can also be programmed to turn on at sunset, whether you’re home or away on a trip. Combined with an effective home security system, you can rest assured that your home is safe and sound.

How can you make sure you’re creating an ecosystem, and not a house full of disjointed devices?

The only surefire solution is to find a professional that’s an expert in home technology and smart home integrations. They won’t just be worth it for their experience - although a portfolio of successfully completed projects never hurts! A wealth of knowledge from designers, architects and home technologists means you’ll have a dedicated team to give you knowledgeable recommendations, with the ability to cater to your needs and preferences on a custom basis. An out of the box solution may fulfill some of your needs, but, it just won’t be made for you in the same way that a customizable smart home system will. Here’s what you can expect from a smart home ecosystem: 

• A full-service experience that doesn’t begin and end with installation - your home tech team should collaborate on design, making product recommendations that are strategic and conscious to your preferences; 
• Designers and technologists that will make installations with an eye for detail and future-planning; 
• Finally, your team should help you get the full benefits of the system through a continued service and maintenance partnership. Modern technology changes quickly but so can your needs. A home tech team that offers continued service will be the best bet for a reliable product and building relationship. 

Want to work with a team of home technology experts on your next project? Let’s talk.