SPECIAL SECTION : Spring Home Renovation Guide
Smart House Home Improvement
Advances in smart home technology make it easy to transform any house into a smart home .
With the aid of modern technology , it ’ s now possible to convert virtually any ordinary house into a smart home filled with features that make daily tasks more convenient . These technologies allow for greener living , customization of your living space to personal tastes and the peace of mind that you can control key home systems with your smartphone .
Converting to a smart home may seem like an intimidating task at first , but if you break the process into manageable steps you ’ ll find it ’ s not so hard to choose and install the best smart devices for your home and lifestyle . You can begin turning your house into a smart home by following these three simple steps :
1 . Set a budget . All of the technology and gadgetry that comprise today ’ s smart homes were once viewed as luxury , reserved for the rich and famous and those whose lives played out on the big screen . What once seemed impractical for the average homeowner is now quite attainable . When you consider that some smart devices such as light bulbs have a life span of up to 25 years , you may end up saving money , too . How much money you ’ ll ultimately spend to create your smart home depends on numerous factors — the size of your home , number of systems and appliances you wish to automate , and the level of integration you desire .
Assuming your home is already wired for a high-performance broadband connection , you can get into the smart home game for under $ 100 with a thermostat that you can manage remotely . On the other hand , adding smart-home technology throughout the whole house will likely cost in the thousands .
Pay attention to the levels of integration various products offer . Purchasing products from brands that partner with many other smarthome device makers will help ensure the products you add in the future will work with those you install now . Selecting highly integrated products will save you time during the installation process , help you avoid unnecessary expenses down the road and improve your overall smart-home experience .
2 . Brainstorm ideas for each room .
Once you ’ re past the nuts and bolts of practical considerations , it ’ s time to start imagining . The key about designing the perfect smart home is to remember that the very essence of smart devices is their ability to make your life more convenient . Choosing the products and how you connect them is all about your lifestyle — there ’ s more than just one way to build your smart home .
Go room to room and think about the activities that occur in each space . Consider which of these can become easier or more enjoyable with the support of smart technology . The living room , where you
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