Building your dream home is a thrilling journey but doesn’t end with the architectural plans. In today’s world, where technology is evolving rapidly, integrating smart home technology into your self-build can elevate your living experience to unprecedented heights.
The smart home industry offers a variety of options, each designed to make your life more convenient, comfortable, and secure. This article will explore the top 10 smart home technology options and their estimated costs to transform your self-build house into a hi-tech haven.
1. VOICE ASSISTANTS: THE HEART OF YOUR HOME
Virtual voice assistants like Amazon’s Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple’s Siri lead the smart home revolution. These intelligent companions serve as central hubs, allowing you to control many devices with simple voice commands. Alexa seamlessly integrates with a vast ecosystem of compatible devices, while Siri works seamlessly with Apple HomeKit. These voice assistants make controlling your smart home a breeze, offering convenience at your fingertips. These devices can cost between £50 - 200, but drop in price as newer models release.
2. SMART LIGHTING: A PALETTE OF POSSIBILITIES
Smart lighting solutions like Philips Hue, LIFX, and Nanoleaf are your gateway to illuminating creativity. These systems offer a broad spectrum of colours, enabling you to set the perfect ambience. Whether you desire vibrant, energising lights to start your day or soft, warm tones for winding down, smart lighting can adapt to your every mood. With smartphone apps, you can effortlessly adjust brightness levels, program lighting schedules, or synchronise your lights with your favourite music.
Our personal choice is the the Philips Hue Starter Kit, which can range between £70 - 170.
3. THERMOSTAT INNOVATIONS: YOUR HOME’S ENERGY GUARDIAN
Smart thermostats like Nest and Ecobee go beyond temperature control; they learn from your preferences and fine-tune settings to optimise energy efficiency. Save money while staying comfortable with these energy-conscious devices. The price of your thermostat depends on your available options, but between £100 - 200 is a good estimate.
4. ENHANCED SECURITY: VIGILANCE AT YOUR FINGERTIPS
Investing in smart security cameras like Ring, Arlo, or Nest adds an extra layer of protection to your Self Build abode. These cameras offer high-resolution video, two-way communication, and motion detection, ensuring peace of mind whether you’re at home or away. Additional cameras for both indoor and outdoor use can further enhance your security infrastructure. This article from CrimeRate provides good price estimates for security cameras in the UK.
5. SMART LOCKS: KEYLESS CONVENIENCE
Keyless entry is the future of home security. Devices like August and Schlage smart locks enable remote access control, guest access management, and seamless integration with your voice assistant. The use of fingerprint-locking systems is also becoming more popular. Keyless entry pads can be installed on any internal and external locked entrance to your home. Your more simple smart lock will cost between £100 - 200, with more advanced, fingerprint-activated locks reaching over £250.
6. VIDEO DOORBELLS: KEEPING YOU INFORMED
Video doorbells, exemplified by Ring and Nest Hello, provide real-time video feeds and two-way communication with visitors. Whether you’re in the living room or miles away, you can keep a watchful eye on your front door with many of these devices now offering phone apps that enable you to do this. A Ring doorbell can currently be purchased for just under £100.
7. SMART SPEAKERS AND DISPLAYS: BEYOND ENTERTAINMENT
Smart devices like the Amazon Echo Show and Google Nest Hub offer more than just audio entertainment. They provide visual information and act as central command centres for your connected ecosystem, making managing your smart home a breeze. Your higher-end smart speakers can cost between £200 - 350.
8. SMART PLUGS AND OUTLETS: EFFORTLESS AUTOMATION
Transform ordinary appliances into smart devices with plugs and outlets from brands like TP-Link and Wemo. Control power remotely, set schedules, and effortlessly save energy. Consider incorporating wireless charging options for added convenience. Smart plugs are one of the cheapest and easiest ways to integrate smart technology into your new or existing home, with many falling under the £20 price point.
9. SENSING THE FUTURE: MOTION AND MORE
Motion sensors, door/window sensors, and water leak detectors enhance your home’s security and automation capabilities. Get real-time alerts on your smartphone for unexpected events, ensuring you’re always in the know. More basic motion sensors can cost between £10 - 20.
10. MOTORISED BLINDS AND CURTAINS: ELEGANCE MEETS CONVENIENCE
Motorised window coverings add both sophistication and convenience to your home. Control them remotely or schedule adjustments to optimise natural light, privacy, and energy efficiency. This article from Checkatrade provides good cost estimates.
DESIGNING A SMART HOME
When designing a smart home, it’s crucial to consider how these technologies will fit your lifestyle. Some factors to consider include room usage, future changes to room functions, integration of different functions, and your budget. Discussing smart home ideas with your architect during the design stage ensures seamless integration into your self build home. This can also help to ensure that integrating smart technology into your design suits the functionality of the living spaces.
DIY OR PROFESSIONAL INSTALLATION
While numerous smart devices are designed for DIY installation, it’s essential to recognise that larger-scale smart home setups might demand more intricate wiring and integration. In such cases, professional installation can be invaluable. These experts possess the expertise needed to seamlessly integrate devices throughout your entire home, ensuring they work cohesively. When considering DIY installation, it’s important to evaluate the scope of your project and whether it necessitates the skills of a professional. Additionally, thoughtful planning is crucial to determine where and how smart technology will seamlessly fit into your home’s design, preserving aesthetics and functionality.
INTERNET CONNECTIONS/WIFI
A robust and reliable internet connection and a strong Wi-Fi network are indispensable for the seamless operation of smart home technology. Smart devices rely on internet connectivity to communicate with each other and with remote servers, enabling you to control them remotely. Every aspect of smart home technology hinges on a stable internet connection, from streaming content on smart TVs to receiving real-time notifications from security cameras.
A strong Wi-Fi network also ensures that devices within your home can communicate efficiently, reducing lag and ensuring prompt responses to your commands. Without a dependable internet connection and Wi-Fi network, the full potential of your smart home ecosystem may be compromised, leading to frustration and diminished functionality.
*All figures fact-checked and deemed correct at the time of publishing
Integrating smart home technology has become a necessity for modern homebuilders. The options discussed here represent the tip of the iceberg in the ever-evolving world of smart homes. When selecting smart devices, consider the specific needs of your household, and don't go overboard kitting out your home with hi-tech gadgets you won't use. With careful planning, your self-build home can be boastfully beautiful, incredibly intelligent, and rapidly responsive to your every command.
For more Self Build advice, take a look at the learning centre or follow the link below to arrange a free initial consultation with one of our team.