Are Builders Ready to Embrace Home Automation as Standard?
Home automation is finally reaching a level of maturity that takes the concept beyond novelty to actual usefulness. That is good for the industry, but it’s also good for consumers as well. With increased function and usefulness comes higher demand. But will that demand translate into builders embracing home automation as standard? Some people seem to think so.
A recent Forbes piece discussing the future of home automation includes fifteen predictions relating to home automation and new home construction. Almost all the predictions, offered by various industry insiders, relate to technologies that are already available. The general consensus is that home builders will start incorporating the technologies into their homes as standard features.
It is expected that builders will market the features to wealthier buyers first. Eventually, as demand increases and prices come down, the features will be built in to middle class homes as well. At least that is the thinking.
Remotely Accessible Components
Among the many predictions in the Forbes peace is one that suggests builders will start installing smart home components that can be accessed remotely. Truth be told, they already are. A typical smart thermostat can be controlled from anywhere in the world with a smartphone app. It is standard fare for builders.
The idea of remote access cuts to the very core of the smart home concept. Smart homes are not just more efficient homes. They aren’t homes merely equipped with programmable devices. They are homes with devices that can be accessed remotely. Remote access is a core principle of the smart home concept.
Artificially Intelligent Devices
Another industry expert predicts that homebuilders will soon start installing artificially intelligent devices. But that is already happening, too. Perhaps not to the extent that it will be at some point, but the same smart thermostat offering remote access is likely capable of artificially learning a homeowner’s routine and adjusting itself appropriately.
Not every smart thermostat has such capabilities. Many do, and more are being added to the list all the time. It would make sense for any builder choosing to install a smart thermostat to offer one with built-in artificial intelligence.
The Technology Is There
Even though experts are predicting that homebuilders will start adding more smart home technologies to their builds in the near future, it is important to know that the technology is already there. Everything from smart thermostats to smart locks and automated lighting are already available. So are smart speakers capable of giving homeowners voice control over many of their automated devices.
Companies like Vivint Smart Home professionally install systems that combine home automation with home security. Other companies offer DIY devices and complete systems. Anyone with the financial resources and a bit of technical knowhow can turn a typical American home into a smart home.
Builders have not yet jumped on the smart home band wagon for whatever reason. It could be a lack of demand. It could be their own lack of familiarity in the smart home space. Regardless, industry experts believe it is only a matter of time before builders get on board.
Smart Homes a Decade from Now
If predictions hold true, the smart homes being built a decade from now will look a lot different. They will be tech-heavy homes with automated devices that make for more efficient, comfortable, and safe living.
In the meantime, none of us need to wait for builders to get on board. Home automation has matured to the point that anyone can benefit from the technology. More and more, it seems like homeowners are doing just that. Welcome to the future.
