Upgrading to smart home technology can be much easier than undertaking a significant home improvement project and may increase your selling price and entice the next generation of buyers to step inside with the potential to sell faster.
If you’ve plugged in a lamp, for instance, you can turn it on or off no matter where you are. And most smart plugs also offer some form of scheduling. If you simply want to turn your connected coffee machine on at the same time every weekday morning, you can do that with any of the plugs on this list.
Smart bulbs use light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and a variety of technologies to work, so they are more expensive than traditional bulbs. That’s important to keep in mind, especially if you want to upgrade your entire house. But smart bulbs also use less energy and last a lot longer—meaning you can save money in the long run.
Replacing your thermostat can help you save a considerable chunk of money by reducing your heating and cooling costs. Many of the latest smart thermostats contain humidity sensors that will trigger an alert when it detects high or low humidity levels, and track your daily comings and goings. Some use your phone’s location services to let the thermostat know when you have entered or exited a virtual perimeter around the house and even open and close your garage
Some let you check their status through your phone so you can make sure things are working properly and that you have enough ice. Others, have their own touch screen and can function as a communication center for your home, some even have cameras inside so you see what you’re low on.
Smart doorbells stream real-time video to your smartphone, tablet or desktop, showing you who is at your doorstep and allowing you to speak with them. Other features to look for include face recognition technology that identifies visitors by name, motion sensing technology that knows the difference between people, cars, and animals, color night vision video (most doorbell cameras use infrared LEDs to provide up to 30 feet of black-and-white video), and a choice of chimes that will help you differentiate between a doorbell press and a motion trigger.
A smart lock is arguably the most important part of a truly smart, connected home. Not only will it allow you to come and go as you please, it will also monitor who is entering and leaving your home while you’re away Some security systems offer smart sensors (little devices that detect breaches on windows and doors), smart locks (control your bolts from anywhere in the world), doorbell cameras, outdoor cameras and an element thermostat. Other possibilities from home security systems include text notification for alerts, fire, carbon monoxide and flood monitoring
Smart sprinklers are designed to replace the existing sprinkler controller for your in-ground sprinkler system. Most smart sprinklers monitor the weather for you, so they’ll automatically be on top of the fact that it’s raining and you won’t see your sprinklers start running in the first place. They’re generally aware of rain in the forecast, and they’ll adapt your watering schedule accordingly. mart sprinklers can cost anywhere from $100 to $280, but they’re likely to pay you back over the course of the next couple of summers.
One thing home buyers are looking for are features that keep heating and cooling costs low. Installing smart blinds is one of the most economical options. Retrofit existing window coverings with a device that allows you to move them up and down, or set a timer remotely.
Source: REMAX: 7 Creative Smart-Home Ideas to Increase Your Home’s Value
