Most of us have a keen interest in utilizing smart technology in our home to some degree. However, an impending home remodel makes for a great time to take action. With a lot of work already being done inside and out of your house, you’ll have opportunities to more easily integrate smart home technology. 

Where to start smart?

Often times, a home remodel is the best time to research and install a variety of more permanent smart home technologies. While there are some simple pieces of smart tech you can buy and install quickly, such as a voice-enabled smart speaker, they have limitations without more extensive installations.

Many home remodels require walls to be torn out, electrical to be redone, and aesthetics to be upgraded. Since much of the most beneficial smart technology is integrated into these areas of your home, it’s the perfect time to add this advanced technology.   

Before making a decision, spend some time researching what's involved in your home remodel. Determine whether you'll be hiring out the bulk of the work or doing the remodel yourself. Websites like SawsHub.com can help you understand what goes into various home DIY projects, and what opportunities you’ll have to integrate smart technology.  

From there, you can evaluate different smart home opportunities to see what works best for you. Here are three of our favorites to consider during a home remodel.

1. Smart Outlets 

Most of what we use in our home gets plugged in. This is a huge opportunity, since pretty much anything you plug in can be turned into a smart accessory. 

The secret is to focus your smart home transformation on the outlet itself. This allows everything plugged into that outlet to operate in a “smart” environment.

From lights to fans, a smart outlet allows you to control the outlet’s on/off functionality. With the Wi-Fi enabled Wall Outlet by iDevices, you can sync with Siri, Alexa and the Google Assistant for voice control (voice assistant device sold separately). As with most smart technology these days, you have access through your phone to monitor and control whatever's plugged into the outlet. The added kicker with iDevices' Wall Outlet is in-depth energy tracking available in the iDevices Connected app. 

To be fair, replacing regular outlets with smart ones isn’t really any easier to do during a remodel. It's a simple process that can be done any time. But, a remodel makes for the perfect time to add this to your to-do list.  

2. Smart Switches 

Adding lighting to your smart home’s repertoire is a fantastic addition and will enhance the ambiance and style of whatever remodel you’re doing.

You can use smart lighting inside and outside. The benefits are numerous, allowing you to schedule out which lights on your house go on and off, while also often times controlling the hue and brightness. Smart bulbs are a nice addition in certain spots, but a full remodel calls for integrated smart switches. 

The biggest benefit to a smart switch is you can use whatever light bulb you want. It doesn't have be an expensive model with built-in smarts, which will same you money over the long haul. You also don't have to worry about the size of the screw-in base. This will make the selection process easier, and limit your risk over the long run as you’re not tied to an individual brand of light bulbs.

In addition, smart switches keep getting smarter, allowing you to do even more with technology packed neatly inside your walls. For example, Alexa is no longer limited to an Echo speaker. Amazon's voice assistant is now built into a light switch, allowing you to harness the power of Alexa, including music streaming. 

3. Smart Security

Long gone are the days where you need to pay a security company to protect your home. In the past, you would have to pay expensive set up fees, and then there would typically be monthly monitoring services and charges in addition.

Security systems nowadays look a lot different. While more expensive options still exist, simple smart home security options are now readily available. 

There are a lot of different smart security options nowadays that will pair with your phone, alerting you when anything is sensed. Many will pair their security system with a front doorbell as well, so they can track when packages are delivered and monitor potential intruders.  

While its possible to add smart security setups outside of a remodel, it is a lot easier to build for this when you are remodeling your home. There are two reasons for this: 

● Power: Whatever security cameras you opt for, they will need power. Many operate on batteries, but you’ll have to change them semi-frequently. Others operate on solar power, but this can be challenging when the sun isn’t out. The best option is to hardwire your cameras in, and this is easiest implemented when you’re already working on your home.

● Aesthetics: Aside from power, camera units will also be visible in some capacity. As such, the aesthetics of what you choose and how it is installed will be important. Considering this while you’re also considering other things on your home, like paint and trim colors and styles, will go a long way.

Wiring your home for security while you’ve got the walls torn up will maximize your dollar and preserve the look of your home’s exterior.  

Are you remodel ready?

A home remodel marks a perfect time to add various pieces of smart technology to your home. Rather than having to go to extensive efforts on an individual basis, most of the work is already being done for the remodel. Consider adding these favorite options during your next home upgrade or remodel.