Smart tips to automate your new home

Like to turn your new home into a smart home? Imagine simply tapping a button on your iPad or smartphone to turn your lights or air conditioning on, or play your favourite TV show. There’s so much you can do at the touch of a button now, and it’s becoming more affordable than ever!

These days, there’s a fantastic choice of smart home automation systems on the market, that give you the ability to control just about anything in your home – from lighting, heating, air conditioning and ventilation, to your security system and entertainment systems – all from your iPad, tablet or smartphone. Your device literally becomes the control centre for just about everything electronic in your home.

What’s the best system for you?

When it comes to home automation products, there’s now more choice than ever. Usually, the first choice you need to make is which system suits your needs best – now and in the future. This is a valuable investment in your home, so it’s important to get it right first time.

Make sure you compare different product ranges, research their reliability, and consider each system’s value for money, so you can make an informed decision based on what’s important to you.

Here are some more handy tips to consider if you’re thinking about making your home a smart one!

Plan ahead
This is a must when you’re installing a home automation system. Do you just want to control lighting and air conditioning, would you like to integrate a security system, or do you want to include your home theatre as well? If you have a clear idea of what you want, you’ll be able to give your installer a better brief, so you’re all on the same page. This will help the installer give you a more accurate quote and make sure they meet your needs and expectations.

Talk to an expert
When it comes to the complex world of home automation, it’s a good idea to consult people with experience in this specialist area – especially if you’re integrating smart home technology like pool pumps, irrigation or a solar energy system.

Consider data cabling
Even if you have a good router giving you a strong signal, you may still like to consider installing Ethernet networking cable to at least one data point in every room in your house. This will give you more smart home choices, now and in the future.

Invest in a good quality wifi router
Buying a quality wifi router is a must if you’re installing a smart home system. Having a strong wifi signal throughout your home means all of your smart home devices will be able to communicate with each other without dropping out, so it works every time, without any annoying delays.

You don’t need ‘smart’ appliances
Generally speaking, it’s the smart home controller (tablet or smartphone) that does all the work, so products like your lighting and air conditioning don’t necessarily need to be ‘smart’ themselves.

Leave electrical jobs to a professional
If you need to do any work that involves your home’s 240-volt electricity wiring or your in-home telephone line, it’s illegal to do it yourself. You must engage a licenced electrician. It’s simply not worth the risk, so always talk to an expert.

Make your Hallmark home a smart one.
At Hallmark Homes, we’re more than happy to incorporate smart technology into your new home. We encourage you to chat to your sales consultant about it early in the process, so we can plan for it and make the process as smooth as possible.

If you’re thinking of building a new home in South East Queensland, the team at Hallmark Homes is ready to help. Come and check them out for yourself at one of our display centres. If you have any questions about our home designs or house and land packages, please contact us today.