Luxury condos have smart home technology for residents.
Smart home technology has become the wave of the future in making people’s lives easier, safer, and more accessible.
According to AndroidAuthority.com’s article, What is a Smart Home?,
various factors influence homeowners to embrace technology. Influences include the potential to save energy and money, have better security and safety, and the ability to handle household tasks.
Will Breaux, business development and ALA Lighting Specialist with Iconic Systems, said smart home features in demand depends on the buyer. Some are looking for a full-featured home, and others need only a few simple items to make life
easier. Hot items range from shades to music as well as climate and lighting control.
“What were once an option or special feature is now becoming a standard,” Breaux said. “We say it is like power door locks in a car. This is the case even more so in other markets, but now Houston is quickly starting to catch up. Depending on the price point of the unit, music distribution, lighting control, and climate (or smart thermostats) are definitely more of a standard.”
Homeowners do have the DIY option, but most have become savvy enough to expect a single app home said Breaux. With an app, features can be controlled at your fingertips.
“The systems we install do this 100 percent, but add a layer of customization that the homeowner can do on their own. Being able to set up your own scene to turn on lights, open shades, set the temp, and power up your favorite music is not only possible, it’s easy,” said Breaux.
SafeSmartLiving.com reported that 81 percent of smart home users said they would be more apt to purchase a home that had connected technology, and that the U.S. was the largest consumer of smart home technology in 2019 in their article, 16 Smart Home Statistics & Predictions.
Shades and/or music are the most requested items with 75 percent of condo buyers wanting either one or both of these features, Breaux said.
“Being able to listen to music throughout a home is a common request. Many units will have this feature as part of a basic prewire. If the speakers can match the size and shape of the light fixtures, they can almost disappear while giving better performance,” Breaux said.
Motorized shades are a form of light control and offer energy savings.
“Even buyers who are not tech savvy will often want motorized shades because of all of the benefits. Shades have quickly moved to the exterior, too. Exterior shades can cut down on dust and insects, add privacy, and contain a good amount of conditioned air if patio doors are opened. This can turn a terrace or a balcony into a four seasons outdoor room,” said Breaux.
Developers are staying on track with buyers’ demands, but there are some developers that are more strict and will only allow a preset scope of upgrades to be done during construction. Anything else will have to be done after closing, Breaux said.
“Systems integrated within the developer’s scope are quickly becoming the norm,” said Breaux. Curated packages can be offered, demonstrated in a sales center, and available for installation during the construction stages as an upgrade. The buyer then is more comfortable with the purchase of the unit because they know they can get the features they require and gets it done in the build.”