Affordable ways to create a smart home
Voice-activated thermostats. Smoke detectors that send texts. Video-enabled doorbells. These are examples of smart technology that can add convenience, security and resale value to your home. In fact, 86% of millennials are willing to pay more for a tech‑savvy property.1
Here are some products that are relatively inexpensive and easy to install:
Thermostats
According to a Coldwell Banker survey,2 77% of home buyers want programmable thermostats. There are plenty of affordable models under $200 with features such as voice and automatic temperature control.
Smoke detectors
Another popular item among homebuyers is smoke detectors. Smart ones can send alerts to your phone when the battery runs low. Prices for detectors vary widely from $120 to $600.
Video doorbells
Video doorbells activate either by motion or when someone rings the bell. The bell will then record who’s at your front door and send an alert to your phone. Some require a hardwire connection, but others are battery-powered. Again, prices of doorbells vary, but most fall within the $100 to $300 range.
Smart lights
You can also control your lightbulbs by phone or tablet. Smart lights require less energy and can use your phone’s GPS location to automatically turn off whenever you leave a room. Smart light bulbs are more expensive than traditional ones. Each bulb can cost $45. However, a starter kit provides two for $50.
Putting it all together
Smart technology can be connected and controlled through a central hub. You can adjust the thermostat, dim your lights, or lock the front door by voice control with a smart speaker such as the Amazon Echo Show. The cost is between $150 to $350.
Using the above ideas to add affordable smart technology can bring security and resale value to your home.