Smart home features are worth considering, but I do not think every connected device belongs in every house. The best systems solve real daily problems: lighting that is easy to control, climate settings that make sense, security that feels practical, and technology that guests can still understand.
Smart home systems are easiest to live with when they are planned before construction so wiring, switches, lighting scenes, network equipment, security, window coverings, audio, and privacy all work with the home instead of being patched in later.
For a custom home, I would rather start with daily routines than gadgets. What do you want to happen when you leave the house? How should lighting work at night? Where do you need strong Wi-Fi? Who will service the system when something stops working? Those answers matter more than the logo on the equipment.
Pros of Smart Homes:
- Convenience is King: Who wants to waste precious time fiddling with knobs and buttons when you can control your home with a quick tap on your smartphone or by barking commands at your smart speaker? With features like voice control, remote access, and automated routines, you’ll feel like you’re living in a futuristic palace.
- Energy Efficiency = More Money in Your Pocket: With smart home solutions like smart thermostats, you can potentially reduce your energy consumption and lower your monthly utility bills. Who says being eco-friendly can’t be profitable?
- Security? No Sweat! Smart homes are designed to keep you and your loved ones safe. With features like security cameras, smart locks, and burglar alarms, you can sleep soundly knowing that your home is protected. And if someone does try to break in, you’ll receive an alert and can call the police with a quick tap on your phone. Automating lighting scenes during your Christmas vacation away to keep an appearance you might be home, or even activating sound or music are all possibilities. Who says you can’t have your cake and eat it too?
- Entertain Me!: Smart homes are not just about convenience and security. They also offer a wide range of entertainment options, including whole-home audio integration, movie servers for all devices, and whole house networking. Imagine being able to play music in every room of your home with just a few taps on your phone. No more fumbling with CDs or fighting over what to listen to! Or plug your vintage record player in and experience sounds of nostalgic originality.
Cons of Smart Homes:
- Ain’t Nothing in Life is Free: Adding “smart” to your build can get expensive. There is a wide range of types and services available, which can range from expensive to very expensive.
- Not for the Technologically Challenged: Smart homes require a certain level of technical proficiency to operate and maintain, so you might need to brush up on your tech skills. Maintenance is the keyword here. It’s important to pick a local provider who has a strong business presence in the area you live. That can survive the varying business environments of today so that they will be around to service the issue that will eventually present themselves. But don’t worry, once you master the art of smart home management, you’ll feel like a tech wizard and eventually you might be able to depend less on the supplier.
- Privacy Concerns: With so many connected devices in your home, there’s always a risk of your personal data being compromised. This is one of the biggest issues for me personally. I don’t like the idea of my sensitive information and personal household activities being monitored or used without my consent. And unfortunately at this time, consent is required. When their are listening devices in everyone room and video cameras spread out for security, it makes me wonder who is really watching and with those in the home, you have given up your rights to privacy to some extent.
Here Are Some Popular Smart Home Solutions To Consider:
- Crestron: This is one of the more expansive options for a smart home. Crestron is a well known industry leader in smart home technologies and their systems will be easy to find at your local suppliers.
- Control4: Control4 is another well known industry leader. Top of the line equipment and many options. Also should be easy to find at your local supplier.
- Savant Systems: Savant is another leader in the industry. You can’t go wrong with this system and it should be easy to find with a local supplier.
- Vivint: The Vivint Smart Kit is a great starter system which includes door and window sensors, smart locks, and security cameras. With this kit, you’ll be ready to tackle anything life throws at you (and your home).
- Lutron: A staple in electrical switches, dimmers, and outlets, Lutron offers a more basic level of automation than the others. But quality is top notch.
- Elan: I am not familiar with this brand, but might be something to consider depending upon availability in your area.
- Dwello Smart Home: With this smart home platform, you’ll have complete control of your home’s lighting, heating, and appliances from your smartphone or tablet. Who needs to actually get up from the couch anymore.
- Hubitat: This system is not for the technology challenged, but for someone who is the DIY type, this is a great way to save some money and manage the system yourself.
- Matter Smart Home: This is a very popular smart home protocol that has taken the CES 2023 by storm. This smart home platform uses open-source technology, making it more affordable and accessible to a wider range of people. Now even those on a budget can live like royalty. Expect to see this system expand quickly and may be a good entry price point for your new home.
What We Plan Before Choosing Devices
- Network reliability: access points, equipment locations, low-voltage wiring, and serviceability.
- Lighting control: switches, dimmers, scenes, exterior lighting, and how guests will use the home.
- Security and privacy: cameras, door access, monitoring, data sharing, and what should stay offline.
- Future flexibility: conduit, spare wiring, and panel space for systems that may change later.
- Local support: the system should be serviceable by someone who can actually show up when needed.
When Smart Home Features Are Worth It
Smart home features may be a good fit if you want simpler lighting control, better security visibility, coordinated audio, automated shades, or energy tracking. They may not be worth the complexity if the system depends on too many apps, requires constant troubleshooting, or makes basic tasks harder.
FAQ: Smart Home Planning
Should smart home planning happen during design?
Yes. It is much easier to plan wiring, equipment space, lighting control, and network coverage before framing and electrical rough-in are complete.
What smart home mistake should custom home clients avoid?
Avoid choosing devices before deciding what the system needs to do. Start with routines, support, privacy, reliability, and long-term service.
Connected-home features should be planned before rough-in, especially on a custom build. Start with custom home planning so wiring, controls, storage, and daily-use details fit the house from the beginning.
Planning technology for a custom home?
We can help think through smart home decisions with the design, electrical plan, budget, and construction sequence in mind.