Most of us want better things for our homes. A bigger kitchen, home office, a top AV or hi-fi setup, right through to new security network or lighting systems. These structural modifications add conveniences and comforts to our domestic lives by offering a larger, more modern living space in which to relax, entertain or just go about our daily grind.
But space is only one factor in a home design. A home must also possess a certain level of intelligence to truly accommodate the needs of a 21st century family. Intelligence for a home comes in the form of technology components and systems.
There are security systems that flash the lights when an alarm trips, lighting systems which adjust the exterior lights gradually as the sun sets, entertainment systems that fill the home with digital quality music and video. These and thousands of other electronic functions and features are the cornerstones of ultimate comfort and convenience and the keys to a smarter home and lifestyle.
Building or renovating a house follows a certain process. You hire an architect, they draw up the plans, you organise carpenters, bricklayers and other assorted subcontractors, and building begins.
The integration of smart technology adds a completely different dimension to the construction of a home. It requires certain system design and installation specialists, and just as you need to be careful in selecting finishes likes tiles or carpets, you also have to pay close attention to the choice of smart house technology.
Deciding to invest in a smart house is often the most difficult. Once this decision is made, it's a case of gathering information and finding the right partners. The only way to feel confident about your decision to integrate sophisticated technology into your new home is by understanding the benefits and value these systems can provide. This series will be an essential guide for anyone wanting to build or renovate, or for a property investor looking for a commercial advantage.
Of course, your home building budget will influence your decision on including certain electronic amenities to your home. In this feature, we also offer some financial advice on how to roll systems into the mortgage.
Now the real work begins. Depending on the types of systems you decide to integrate into your new home, you or your builder will need to contact specialists to design and install those systems. The skill level of each specialist is ultimately what affects the performance of the house, so finding and hiring the right people is one of the most important steps in the process.
