Home Automation – From Simplistic to Grandiose, A Solid Addition to Builder’s Repertoire
By Lesley Boyd

Until fairly recently, the words "Home Automation" were synonymous with wealth, privilege and a dash of futuristic dreaming. Today, however, many uses have been developed that have pushed the idea of a "smart home" into the mainstream minds of millions of homebuyers nationwide. Home automation technology is no longer reserved for the upper eschelon, but is being utilized to both attract new home buyers and solidify deals.

"Now, as opposed to 10-15 years ago, home automation systems are no longer considered a luxury item, with nearly half of homes being pre-wired for additional home technologies," said Dan Fulmer, CEO and Founder of FulTechSolutions, Inc. and NAHB Home Technology Alliance (HTA) member. "Ranging from a simple programmable thermostat to full home automation, builders need to keep up with their competitors by ensuring a quality infrastructure to handle additional home technology upgrades. Structured wiring may not necessarily add value to your home, but if it doesn’t have the pre-wire installed, builders are losing value and already starting out below their competition."

Home automation integrates the control of three or more systems in a residence. Although a truly smart home integrates systems such as light and climate control, control of doors and window shutters, security and surveillance systems through a central computer, each of these systems on their own are considered part and parcel of home automation technology and individually requested from potential homebuyers. Additionally, systems such as multi-room audio and video, home entertainment systems and various applications such as pool monitoring and remote access are included under the home automation umbrella.

Every homebuyer is different, and appealing to the masses can be a tricky situation for builders in both spec and model homes. In this market, nearly nine out of ten builders agree that home technologies are important for marketing their homes according to CEA’s Annual State of the Builder Technology Market Study (supplement to the NAHB Annual Builder Practices Survey). The three common denominators, though, are comfort, safety and easy of use. When installing technologies in a model or spec home, the technology should not only enhance the ambiance, but also be approachable.

Home automation systems, when integrated properly can control a number of systems through the use of touch screens, wall panels and a central computer. The added benefit of tying all of the systems in your home together (ie: lighting control, security, temperature) through a computer system is the ability to control your property remotely. For instance, a homeowner can log on to his home account from work and ensure that before he arrives home, the security lights come on both outside and inside, the temperature of his home is lowered to a comfortable level and even decide if he wants music playing.

"People are not only looking for comfort and security for their homes, but they also want their technology to be easy, intuitive," said Brian Post, President of LouisClark, Ltd. and recipient of three TechHome Mark of Excellence Awards. "For our clients, we utilize a myriad of remotes and touch panels that give feedback with the touch of one button. It’s simple and easy to use. An added benefit to home automation is the potential for energy savings for the homeowner, which is a growing concern for buyers these days."

Continued Post, "A major consideration for people with second or vacation homes, home automation systems alert consumers about potential problems via the Internet. All of our systems monitor homes in real time and contain back-up generator systems. If, for instance, our system detects a leak, the homeowner and security monitoring system are alerted immediately and are able to avoid a potentially expensive repair by dispatching a service technician as soon as possible."

Weather can dictate which additional automation options a builder should offer. For LouisClark, a very popular request is that of a flow detection device to indicate to the homeowner via online monitoring that there is a leak or crack in a pipe. For hurricane-prone areas such as Florida and states along the Gulf of Mexico, automatic hurricane shutters can block out damaging winds through a remote command through the internet.

"It is extremely important, though, for builders to partner with an experienced electronic systems contractor (ESC)," added Post. Electronic systems contractors (ESCs) design and professionally install the whole-home networks that are becoming standard in today’s home.

"Ensure that the ESC has the correct balance of IT and AV expertise to create a solid home automation system for your clients. Additionally, it is imperative that you include your ESC early in the design phase of the home because it is much easier to place cables throughout before the walls go up, and a lot less costly to both the homeowner and builder alike."

Although manufacturer’s certifications abound in the home automation industry, it does not prove that an installer is able to integrate various systems nor does it provide additional guidance and training. Until recently, there wasn’t any widely accepted certification that would indicate a home technology integrator was sufficiently trained to install home technologies.

The possibilities where home automation is concerned are nearly limitless, but it takes a lot of education to understand what consumers want and how to apply available technology to satisfy that need. Builders should partner with a qualified ESC to help them get educated about up-and-coming technology and the uses for each. ESCs with installer certifications are key in looking for a qualified partner and integrator. 

"Most ESCs are more than happy to meet with the builder, his subs and clients to educate and discuss what their systems can offer, can do and how they work," commented Fulmer. "A good integrator knows that educated builders and consumers are much better than those who are not as it can lead to additional upgrade discussions and result in further revenue for the tech-savvy builders."

Lesley Boyd is a freelance writer out of Orlando. She offers an objective and unique perspective on up-and-coming technology, applications and integration in the CE arena. She can be reached at LesleyABoyd@gmail.com.

 

< Previous Article | Next Article >

[ return to top ]