Integrating the Internet of Things into Your Home Remodel
The Internet of Things has moved into home remodeling, and offers a chance to improve your home life. As connected kitchen appliances and other devices continue to grow as an industry, it’s important to consider how we use appliances in general, and how an internet connection could improve the experience.
When you hire us to remodel your home, we can integrate connected appliances to help improve your efficiency and quality of life. Integrating new connected appliances while renovating ensures each appliance is compatible, and that your new kitchen maintains cohesiveness.
What Is the Internet of Things?
The Internet of Things describes the on/off switch on connected devices. When an appliance is connected to the internet, it can communicate with other devices, like your refrigerator to your phone.
As Forbes describes, “The new rule for the future is going to be, ‘Anything that can be connected, will be connected.'”
Connected devices can help improve a home’s efficiency, as well as your own. Forget what you have in the fridge? Pull up the company’s app to take a look.
Samsung is one of the pioneers of smart appliances, including their Family Hub Refrigerator. It offers time, weather, groceries, and communication, all on its touchscreen.
How the Internet of Things Has Shaped Home Remodeling
As more devices become capable of connecting to the internet, the home remodeling industry is changing. While any home can be upgraded with connected devices, the cost and effort can vary depending on when the home was built.
The real boost in efficiency comes with a home remodel focused on connecting your home appliances.
When a homeowner is looking to combine the Internet of Things with their home remodel, there are a number of aspects to consider:
- Desired connected appliances
- Your budget
- Sufficient infrastructure
Which Appliances Do You Want to Connect?
When considering the Internet of Things-compatible appliances you want to use, it’s important to know your needs and habits. When you know your preferences for which home appliances you want connected, we can create a home renovation plan tailored to your needs.
For example, if you don’t need a smart oven but you would like a smart refrigerator, we can plan for those specific appliances now rather than later. Not all appliances are created equal, so a home remodel is the best time to upgrade.
Does Your Home Have Sufficient Infrastructure?
When determining how to transform your home with connected appliances and devices, you’ll need the right infrastructure. In order to create a successful connected home, you need the right network capabilities to handle each device, or you may experience glitches.
When designing with these smart devices in mind, it’s important to ensure that there are enough outlets and network ports in each room. Many connected devices are equipped with WiFi, so you may not need an ethernet cable, but they will need to access your home’s network and they may need a boosted signal.
However, knowing each device you want to use will help us create a floor plan that can accommodate your needs.
Benefits of Creating a Connected Home
Aside from the obvious benefit of controlling appliances with your device, there are a number of other perks to with your smart home remodel.
These are most evident when converting an entire home to connected appliances and devices, though you will still notice it if you pick and choose what to connect.
- Improved efficiency
- Remote access
- Alerts for mechanical issues
A Connected Home Offers Improved Efficiency
There are two types of efficiency that a connected home offers. The first is energy efficiency, which comes from a smarter use of resources.
A thermostat can be controlled from your phone, which means if you need to lower the AC or if the scheduled changes aren’t applicable, you can use your device to make changes. Or, instead of leaving lights on all day so you have it when you get home, you can create a schedule. (This is similar to programmable thermostats.)
The second type of efficiency is time-related. When your appliances are connected to your devices like a phone or tablet, you’ll benefit from less wasted time. Instead of opening your refrigerator to see what you need for dinner, you can check your phone.
If you forgot to close the garage door rushing to work one morning, your device can help you instead of driving back home. You and your family are busy, and connected appliances and devices can help you efficiently move through the day.
Choosing the Right Appliances for your Connected Home
Some families may choose to purchase all connected appliances, but that’s not necessary. To successfully install a connected home, it’s crucial to create a plan, which includes the appliances or devices that would benefit your family the most.
When we meet to discuss your home remodel, we’ll discuss how connected appliances can help your lifestyle, and which would specifically meet your needs. If you have teenagers that are coming and going, a security system with remote access can be highly beneficial.
If you enjoy spending time in the kitchen, upgrading to smart kitchen appliances can improve the time preparing meals each day.
When considering a connected home, we’ll use your needs to create a plan that will give you the benefits of the Internet of Things while also providing a home you’ll feel comfortable in.
The smart home industry will continue to grow, but these changes will only benefit your family if you can plan the integration into your lifestyle. This can be a challenge with some homes, which is why we recommend upgrading your appliances during a home remodel.
We can then ensure that your home’s infrastructure can support connected appliances. The future of home improvements is focused on the Internet of Things, and with the right planning you can bring it into your own home and experience the difference.
To learn how we can integrate the Internet of Things with an artistic vision for your home, give us a call at (651) 748-1304 or email us.
