|
A
Smart
Home
is a
house
or
apartment
that
is
equipped
with
special
structured
wiring,
enabling
occupants
to
program
and
remotely
control
an
array
of
automated
home
electronic
devices
by
entering
a
single
command.
A
technology
called
Powerline
Carrier
Systems
(PCS)
is
used
to
send
coded
signals
along
a
home's
new
or
existing
electric
wiring
from
a
control
center
to
programmable
switches
or
outlets
where
they
are
received
by
the
“appliance,”
then
enabled.
From
a
compact
video
touch
panel
or
computer,
you
can
manage
your
home
theater,
audio
distribution,
security,
heating,
air-conditioning,
lighting,
Internet,
lawn
sprinklers
and
more.
You
can
start
the
kids’
movie
downstairs,
shut
the
blinds
in
the
living
room,
turn
on
patio
music
for
your
guests,
control
your
internal
climate
or
arm
your
security
system
by
simply
selecting
Good
Night
on
the
screen.
In
the
morning,
check
your
stocks
online
while
waiting
for
the
preprogrammed
coffee
pot
to
finishing
brewing.
Additional
options
include
being
able
to
access
your
Smart
Home
remotely
using
a
mobile
phone
or
laptop.
Residential
integration
key
to
home
automation
While
you
likely
already
have
the
beginnings
of a
home
automation
system
with
your
programmable
thermostat,
that’s
a
long
way
from
a
complete
system.
There
are
more
than
5,000
individual
home
automation
tools
and
options
on
the
market
today.
The
key,
however,
is
linking
the
systems/appliances
so
that
they
can
be
centrally
controlled.
Most
likely,
there
are
already
companies
in
your
area
providing
these
“resident
integration
services.”
Most
provide
connectivity,
equipment,
software
and
services,
and
are
happy
to
sit
down
with
you
and
help
you
select
the
products
and
options
to
suit
your
lifestyle
and
budget.
Before
signing
a
contract,
do a
little
front-end
research:
- See if your integrator is certified by a professional organization such as the Custom Electronics Design and Installation Association – the global trade association for companies that specialize in planning and installing of custom electronic systems for homes.
- Ask for references where similar installations have been performed and call or visit them if possible.
- Makes sure your contract covers difficult access since older homes may present surprises such as double bricking or plaster walls.
- If you are building a house, the integrator can put in the “structured wiring” to serve your home automation needs. They can also retrofit existing homes.
- Can your existing computer be used to offset some of the cost? Possibly, however, that will depend on its generation, speed, storage and other factors you can explore with your residential integrator.
As
Smart
Homes
have
yet
to
become
the
norm,
also
think
of
what
a
fantastic
resale
feature
and
added
value
upgrading
to a
Smart
Home
system
will
contribute
to
your
home.
Contact
Me
I can help you with every
aspect of buying or selling your home because I’m
experienced, because I am a Better Homes and Gardens
Rand Realty Real Estate Professional . . .and because I
care.
As
your
Better
Homes
and
Gardens
Rand
Realty
Sales
Professional,
I
will
provide
you
with
the
information
you
need
to
make
an
educated
decision.
The relationship between a home buyer or seller and their agent is based on trust, shared goals and understanding. I strive to continually improve and to do this I listen and take the needs and wants into consideration.
For assistance with any of your real estate needs, please contact me, whether it's to get started on helping you realize your goals and dreams, or just to ask a question - no pressure, no hassle, no obligation - just a friendly conversation. I would welcome the opportunity to make a difference for you. |
