Home Automation & Residential Security Systems
A lot of decisions go into building a new home and home automation & residential security systems should be at the top of your to-do list. Smart homes have become the norm instead of the exception because of the long list of financial and lifestyle advantages.
Home security technology has come a long way in recent years, making it possible for you to monitor your home no matter where you are. Home automation also plays a role in keeping your home and family safe and secure when you are away, while also boosting energy efficiency and streamlining the use of your home’s electric features. No time is more appropriate for considering security and home automation than during the construction phase.
You don’t have to have any building experience to know that things like electrical wiring and plumbing need to be designed before the home is finished. This allows you to run water and electricity into all areas of the home seamlessly and out of sight once construction is complete.
Home automation & residential security systems work in much the same way. Now is the perfect time to consider the types of systems you need and have the wiring in place before the house is completed.
What Is Home Automation?
The term makes it sound like your home is moving on its own and, in a way, it is. Home automation used to be limited to high-end homes and commercial buildings. Today, it’s an option used in homes of all sizes.
The automation refers to lighting, heating and cooling, appliances, and electrical components, all of which are remotely controlled from a computer, cell phone, or other mobile device. Planning ahead makes it easier to create a system that works flawlessly from the day you move into your new home.
Determining which systems to implement into your home automation and security plan is just step one. The next step is to learn everything you can about the new technology. There’s a bit of a learning curve behind these gadgets. Once you decide which systems to use, it’s a good time to start studying up on them. That way, you’ll be ready to put them to full use as soon as you move in.
Best Home Protection Methods in 2018
The game between burglars and homeowners has been going on forever. We know the tips about keeping shrubbery away from the home and having mail and newspaper delivery stopped while you are away. There’s also the issue of lights going on and off at the right time. Not only should your home not be dark or light around the clock, but the times different lights go on and off need to vary.
Home automation allows you to program and schedule various functions on your network. This includes having the lights turn on or off at the times you specify. You can also link events together such as having the lights turn on if someone tries to tamper with the security alarm. You can even determine when to close the blinds to keep the evening sunlight out. If you have someone who arrives daily at a pre-set time, such as a sitter or dog walker, you can set your system to automatically unlock and lock the door for them.
Today, it pays to be smarter about home security. After all, burglars have gotten smarter about how they gain access to our homes. Since burglaries are the greatest threat to our homes, it pays to implement the most state-of-the-art security equipment into the bones of your new house.
How It Works
Home automation systems let you see who’s at your door from any location. This modern technology relies on affordable cameras to send live or recorded video to your device. The system is also capable of sending text or email alerts with images so you always know who is there and who isn’t.
This technology is great for anyone who wants to keep an eye on their kids, their pets, or just monitor their home in general. Whether you are on the other side of the street or the other side of the country, you never have to worry about what goes on at home. If you just boarded the plane and think you forgot to turn off the coffee pot, no problem. Just use your cell phone to do it for you. All you need to keep you connected is one smart app.
If frequent travel is a condition of your career, leaving your family at home alone probably isn’t your favorite thing to do. Put your mind at ease by making built-in home automation & residential security systems a priority.
Home Security Systems
Most home automation services come hand-in-hand with security services. Even if home automation isn’t a priority for you right now, your circumstances could change in the future. It’s a good idea to go ahead and wire your new construction for home automation now. Then, when you need it in the future, it will cost a lot less to add than it would to run the wiring through a completed structure.
Don’t let living in a good neighborhood fool you. Living in a “good neighborhood” can easily instill a false sense of security. It turns out that most burglars aren’t interested in breaking into homes where there is nothing of value to take. They prefer nicer homes where they can find valuables like expensive jewelry or cash.
Whatever your decision on home automation, don’t miss the chance to install a home security system. This one factor alone often deters burglars.
So, where does security come into play in your new home construction? For one, consider whether you want closed-circuit television to monitor key locations around your home. The best approach is to have an expert security company put the wiring in now. Think about the areas inside and outside that you want to see.
Keep in mind that once the house is finished and your security system is in place, the location of the video cameras will determine which areas you can see in real time. There are also pan/tilt cameras you can access via the web or a mobile device to view different locations. The front door is the most obvious choice. The rest depends on how your house and property are designed and the purpose of your monitoring.
How Home Automation & Residential Security Systems Improve Energy Efficiency
Next to home security, energy efficiency is one of the leading concerns when building a new home. Focusing on efficient design, including automation, makes for easy implementation of energy-saving strategies.
Your new energy smart home starts with a smart thermostat which governs how much to heat and cool your home when you aren’t there. It facilitates the best use of energy and keeps use down when there’s no one at home to feel the impact.
Home automation builds on the thermostat’s principle of minimal using by allowing you to control lighting, electrical appliances, and the aforementioned blinds to drive energy use and cost down. You have the power to control functions according to the time and even to the days of the week. If you really want to set your system up for automation, program in the seasons. There’s no more leaving appliances running all day when you don’t need them. The system controls it all.
Home Automation & Residential Security Systems: Not Just for Homeowners
It’s one thing to plan your home automation & security system during the construction of the home you plan to spend the rest of your life in. But what about a home that you plan to rent or sell?
Your goals differ when talking about investment property vs your dream home. You might think that creating curb appeal or installing the newest appliances will help the property attract a higher class of buyers or renters. While this might be true, home automation and security actually have the potential to increase your property value tremendously.
Smart homes are here to stay. The only thing to expect in the future is even wider acceptance and use of these devices. The reasons go beyond improvements in safety. Although older homeowners tend to lean towards security as their primary concern, younger buyers like the convenience of automation and the options to customize their systems for their personal use. These goals probably shift in the other direction once they have families and other responsibilities.
That means, no matter whom your target buyer or renter is, wiring your new construction for home automation & residential security systems will help you get more for your investment. The average home buyer doesn’t want less technology; they want more options, better energy savings, and dependable security that is easy to use.
Treat Automation and Security Technology as an Investment
Whatever the future of your new construction, you should carefully consider the choices you make in home automation and security. A feature that grows stronger in demand every day will cost you hundreds to thousands less during the construction than it will later on. It also offers a big ROI. Not only will it pay off financially, but also in security and convenience for you or any family who lives there.
What to Look for in a Home Automation & Residential Security Systems Company
Some of the must-have features in home automation & residential security systems include lighting, built-in speakers, and shade control. The right security company offers a variety of options to meet all of your needs. You don’t want a company that tells you what you need based on what they offer. Instead, you need custom solutions to fit your lifestyle and your budget.
What area of concern is more important than security when hiring somebody to provide that very feature in your new construction? That means finding a company that is well-known in your area and who has a good reputation for service and results. Put technology to the test and go online to find a company that other customers recommend.
Start with reviews from previous customers and read the details. Look for a company that inspires trust in the people whose homes they have already worked in. Also, check to see if they are a Better Business Bureau (BBB) Accredited Business. Look for recommendations that have substance and you may even find some ways to save on your new service.
Once you know you have found a company you can trust, look at the company’s website and see what kinds of products and services they offer. Having the right choices is just as important to your satisfaction as getting the best quality products.
In the overall scheme of things, including home automation & residential security systems in your new construction really isn’t that big of a decision. It’s one huge step you can take towards optimizing your home or investment property.
Once you have your new home wired, you can go ahead and starting using the automation and security features you prepared for, and experiencing a safer, more efficient, personalized way of life.
There’s an added reason to set up your smart systems now, on top of all the advantages you will enjoy. As a new homeowner, you not only have the responsibility to your family to keep your home safe; but also to the entire community. Every home that takes a stand against theft makes a contribution to the entire neighborhood. Looking out for each other is an old-fashioned idea that supports the newest smart home technology.
Smart Shield Systems is a San Diego home automation & residential security systems company that offers the best in smart home and lifestyle technology. They serve the entire state of California to provide homeowners with the safe homes needed to build safer communities.
Whether your home is still under construction or you want to bring modern technology to an older home, give us a call. We’re here to give you real solutions with cutting edge home automation & residential security systems that are right for you.
