Since the early days of computing, the main goal of most technology concepts is to help make life easier for us, and there are many ways in which that is evident today. In recent years, many technology companies have begun focusing on houses integrated with technology. This includes products and software that helps homeowners to control aspects of their lifestyle, sometimes simply through an app on their smartphone.
Houses that are fitted with a variety of internet connected devices are referred to as smart homes, and while it is possible to retrospectively tech-up your home, isn’t it time property developers brought housing into the 21st century?
Smart from the Ground-Up
Creating the cities and homes of the future requires a lot of planning and investment. The best way to ensure all homes in the future have technology integrated is by building them that way from the ground up.
This is why developers should look to implement technology in all new build properties so that they can better meet the needs of the house owners of tomorrow. Currently, there are a number of devices that homeowners can buy and install in their homes to control things like security, heating, lights, and electric or gas use.
In most cases you have to purchase individual gadgets designed for each specific purpose and with their own apps but a smart home built with technology and connectivity in mind from the ground up will be able to manage all these on one single platform, or app.
According to the Professional house buyers at the Open Property Group, adding smart home technology to houses (besides saving homeowners money on energy bills) will increase the valuation by a minimum of £3000 – not bad when most of the technology can be bought and implemented for around £500.
A More Connected World
The case for developing new build houses that are smart homes also goes beyond managing your utilities to save energy and money as in the future nearly everything will be an internet connected device anyway.
Known as the Internet of things, or IOT, this means that our TVs, washing machines, toasters and other convenience electronics that we own will be able to communicate with your smart home. All this is geared to make our lives so much easier and should really be seen as the new standard.
To support the argument for smart homes, many connected appliances like dishwashers televisions, and washing machines are already available. Like wise, Amazons’ Echo device is a smart gadget that helps users do their shopping, – and even buses and trains now have USB ports!.
And so there is no reason why new build properties shouldn’t be more tech oriented from now on in order for there to be a seamless and hassle free integration and communication between devices and the home.
Final Thoughts
The pace of change in technology is relentless, and there is no doubt that smart homes are the houses of the future and as discussed above perhaps it is time we started building them with an eye on the future.
This calls for a new approach to property development, so that our homes can adequately meet the demands of an always-connected world. The benefits, and they are as many as they are varied, range from protecting the environment, saving money on energy bills, and homes that are more in tune with modern living.
