We all want to add value to our properties, and while physical improvements can help, you can add substantial value by adding smart technology to your home or apartment. No matter where you live — from a small apartment in an expensive city like Pittsburgh to a suburban home in California — here are six ways you can quickly get smart:
HVAC
Remember that old thermostat that your parents had in their house? It was a round thing with a spring in it that moved with temperature changes and caused a blob of highly poisonous mercury to contact an electrical circuit.
That made the furnace turn on and off, and all adjustments had to be made manually. Finally, programmable thermostats appeared, but programming was so complex that you almost needed to be a coder to manipulate the settings.
Today we are lucky to have smart thermostats that allow users to easily lock in a variety of settings, and best of all, this can be accomplished on a smart device from anywhere.
If you still have that old thermostat, your energy bills are increasing, and you can’t seem to keep your home at a comfortable temperature, it may be time to get a qualified HVAC technician (with the right tools) round to replace your HVAC system.
Garden
Ever been embarrassed because you forgot to turn the sprinkler off before a major rain event occurred? With a smart garden app, this just won’t happen as some of the best actually interface with the local weather. Purchase a smart garden app and system and you’ll be able to set sprinkling times, test soil moisture levels, and never again have to worry about watering at the wrong time.
Lighting
Our first rule: Get rid of incandescent and fluorescent bulbs and fixtures.
Rule # 2: Replace them with LEDs. LEDs are quickly becoming cheaper, and while they may now even closely resemble old-fashioned light bulbs, they are more durable, last longer and throw a variety of light hues. After you have made the switch, get a smart lighting app and control everything from wherever you are.
Security
Security used to be your dog. Then, motion detectors appeared, and many alarm companies wanted you to sign contracts so that if they detected motion in your home, they would automatically call the police.
Motion detectors still have a role to play, but new smart systems employ an array of small cameras that interface with an app that can be controlled from any mobile device. In fact, you’ll get a notification when anything odd is occurring in your house like leaks, smoke, or even a door that is ajar.
Entryway
It was great when coded entryway doorknobs appeared because you no longer had to have a key to open your door, and you could—albeit clunkily—program the doorknobs with multiple codes for different purposes.
Again, the first programmable entryway hardware was a revelation, but now you can get a smart entryway system that includes a camera along with a way to communicate with whoever is at your doorstep. This can also help you with new home design ideas, as many of the bulky entryway hardware is no longer necessary and won’t be a sore on the eyes! Check out the following resource if you’re looking for energy-efficient home design ideas.
Automate It
Finally, if you really want to do this right, but a complete home automation system that includes all of the apps listed above. If you do this, you can control all of your home’s systems with one device like a pad or even a phone.
Check out the newest smart apps today and add value to your property immediately!
Ar. Anup Murdia and Ar. Sandeep Jain, the founders of Design Inc. share their journey of embarking architecture with the passion for understanding spaces. Design Inc. is an architectural firm situated in Udaipur, founded by Ar. Anup Murdia and Ar. Sandeep Jain in 2011. The firm believes in creating spaces with overall understanding of certainties […]
Jinal Mevada, the founder of Interior Factory, shares her passion for interior design, which was instilled since childhood. Interior Factory is an interior design studio founded by Jinal Mevada in Mumbai. The interior design studio balances functionality with aesthetics and client aspirations. In the following conversation with Jinal Mevada, she reveals her deep passion for […]
The world of interior design is always buzzing with exciting new trends. So much so that you can always find something new every single day. And this is especially true for condos and townhomes with plenty of refreshing design ideas. Whether you own a condo or you’re looking to buy one, the idea of refreshing your […]
There are a lot of challenges that one faces while designing the interior of the house. One of which is giving the right choice of the types of ceilings. While looking out for the theme a house sets, the elements through which the theme is directed are also important. One such important element of the […]
A well-organized walk-in wardrobe design is important for maintaining an efficient and visually appealing storage space, especially in Indian homes. In India, where space is limited, a walk-in wardrobe allows for optimal space utilization and customization that allows for the proper arrangement of clothing and accessories, ensuring that every item has its designated place. A […]
Gate Design is an important feature of any home. Numerous scopes for experimentation open up when delving into the design possibilities. Materials like wood and black steel are popular options in Indian homes. At the same time, designers also experiment with a combination of materials that suits their aesthetic. Buying mass-produced gate design has become […]
Wooden Door Design is an essential feature of every Indian home. It comes in a wide range of colours and shapes that can also be customised. Wall-height doors are a trend in most modern homes, which create a welcoming aura to the home. At the same time, experimenting with the position of the door is […]
Should I study architecture or Interior Design? This is a question every high school graduate comes across. Moreover, the difference is not as commonly clear as it seems. Students often end up getting wrong advice like ‘they both are very similar’ and ‘you only need to be good at drawing’ etc. Well, that’s not true […]
Turning an empty plot and executing an entire design from plinth to top is like taking a blank canvas and painting an entire story on it! Architects are creators; creators of spaces, giving life and meaning to them. The Architects not only represent their city, but are also extraordinarily responsible in shaping the city’s skyline.The […]
We have listed the 20 Best Architects and Designers in and around Ahmedabad, Gujarat who has shaped some of the best architectural residences and commercial spaces. Of the many architects in Ahmedabad, these shortlisted few are the ones with an array of award-winning projects done by them that puts them over the edge which will […]