Converting your home into a smart home is a wonderful investment because it will not only make home life easier for the entire family, but also increase your property value. Nowadays, there are so many home automation products available with endless options to choose from. Whether you want to control your lighting at home using a smartphone or add smart locks to your property, new products are being introduced to the market each and every day, and by the looks of it, the future is only going to bring more smart devices to our doorstep.

According to IHS Market (Rapid Expansion Projected for Smart Home Devices, IHS Markit Says), 47 million connected smart home devices shipped globally in 2015 and the smart home market is estimated to increase at a compound annual growth rate of 60%, which means 477 million smart home devices are expected to ship globally by 2020. This is why investing in home automation products can be just as important as investing in hardwood floors, tiled bathrooms, or open kitchen designs. Just think about it – what generation is most likely going to shop for homes in the future that come with smart devices? Baby boomers, generation X, or millennials? They all will.

According to a study done by Scripps Networks Interactive (NKBA 2016 Press Release) where over 700 homeowners of all ages were surveyed:

• 85% of millennials indicated they are likely to add smart home technology to their home.
• 73% of generation X indicated they are likely to add smart home technology to their home.
• 67% of baby boomers indicated they are likely to add smart home technology to their home.

So the question now is which smart home devices do you invest in? For the most part, you don’t have to automate everything all at once. You can always start small and slowly build up your home automation network as your budget allows.

For those who want to start off small, these are the easiest home automation products that can be installed by tech-savvy homeowners (do-it-yourselfers):

• DIY Home Controllers
• Lighting and Appliance Controllers
• DIY Security Systems
• Smart Door Locks
• Access Controls
• Music Distribution Systems  
• Smart Thermostats

For those who want to make their homes even smarter, you can always consider adding these types of smart products and systems. But please keep in mind, some of these systems will need to be installed by professional integrators:

• Pro-Grade Home Automation Controllers
• Environmental Reporting Systems
• Smart Irrigation
• Intercom Systems
• Structured Wiring Media Systems
• Central Vacuum Systems
• Independent Living Products

Besides increasing your property value, most of these home automation products and systems can also lower utility costs. So basically, in the long run, you’ll be saving money living in a smart home and most likely be able to sell your home at a higher price. Now that’s living smart!

If you need help finding which type of smart home automation products to invest in, please don’t hesitate to contact us. Home Controls is always willing to help by offering free tech support and product advice. Just call our toll-free number at 858-693-8887 (7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Pacific, Monday – Friday).