Builders Jamaica April-July 2021

Photo: Nest Learning Thermostat
developers can kick-start a buyer’s smart home journey
by installing smart switches from the construction stage.
Temperature
Smart thermostats like Nest, Ecobee, and Sensi allow you
to adjust the temperature of your home from your phone or
via voice command. Now you can turn on your A/C before
you get home so it’s nice and cool when you arrive.
Entertainment
Smart home entertainment systems give you complete
control of all of your media and devices through voice,
app, and remote control wherever you are in your home.
Now you can tell your smart home assistant to turn on
your TV or start your favourite music playlist. Connect your
smart speakers for a redefined sound experience. Dim the
lights to recreate the atmosphere of a night at the movies.
Systems like Amazon Echo and Google Nest are at your
beck and call.
Chores and more
Not in the mood to pull out the vacuum cleaner? iRobot
has you covered with Roomba (sweeping) and Braava
(sweeping and mopping). Another option that does both is
the Deebot Ozmo. Close or open smart window shades with
the touch of a button. You can also whip up an Instagramworthy
meal with smart kitchen appliances—even while
you’re away. Smart plugs and outlets help you monitor and
control energy usage via voice command. Outdoors, you
can keep your lawn in tip-top shape with a smart sprinkler
and a cordless robotic lawnmower.
Pros and Cons
Home automation has gone from a far-fetched, distantfuture
idea to a living reality for many people, whether it’s
a simple security camera setup or a house chock-full of
programmed gadgets and devices. There are many benefits,
including more comfort and convenience, improved safety,
and better energy efficiency. Another benefit homeowners
will love is the increased value of your property. In the
U.S., according to American Family Insurance, a home
integrated with smart features greatly appeals to potential
buyers, which can lead to higher resale value. Real estate
developers can also increase the appeal of their properties
by integrating smart home features during the building
process.
On the flip side, it can become an expensive undertaking,
depending on how deep you want to go with the
automation. There are so-called bargain options, but the
more comprehensive systems run into the hundreds of U.S.
dollars. You also have to consider the fact that technology
evolves pretty swiftly, which means the version you purchase
this year may go out of style by this time next year. Be sure
to carefully weigh the pros and cons before making the
investment.