Homeowners embrace technology in living spaces

Southern Nevada homebuilders are encouraging new-home buyers to consider smart and connectedtechnologies within their living spaces.

KB Homes tested the market for high-tech gadgetry when the homebuilder developed the Tevare community within the Paseos village of Summerlin. The homes not only include energy-efficient appliances and smart HVAC systems but also featured more home intelligence upgrades that used Z- wave communication technologies. Wireless touch-screen keypads enable control systems throughout the home that can monitor windows and doors through proximity switches and motion sensors. Security can also be enhanced by multiple cameras connected to a two-way front door bell monitor and intercom. The cameras also allow remote vision into the living spaces when the homeowner is away, as well as control of keyless door locks from a mobile phone.

The home entertainment system can become a hub that connects all these smart devices together, by allowing the owner to not only access them remotely through ubiquitous video screen menus but also by voice control and even gesture recognition.

A smart-home electronics hub is always on and always connected to these smart devices as well as to a cloud of computer servers that provide instant access by a homeowner to apps and services on mobile phones and wireless tablets.

Early consideration of smart home entertainment systems and appliances with regard to their layout in a building floor plan can save buyers money over the lifetime of the home. Sitting down with an electrician or smart-home subcontractor to discuss lifestyle choices and desirable home amenities can not only give the homebuilder a better idea of interior living space design but also show potential homebuyers some new technologies they may not have considered.

Foundational cable installations for high-speed Internet, entertainment systems, lighting, smart thermostats, and security may only cost a few hundred dollars extra during the initial construction of a new home but can pay off in terms of cost savings later as a homeowner upgrades to new and emerging technologies over the decades.

Eagle Sentry originally started installing and monitoring alarm systems in 1986, then branched out to installing central vacuum cleaning systems and intercoms. Building contractors also requested the subcontractor include cabling for audio speakers while wiring up the alarm systems.

During the 1990s, home entertainment centers became popular, led by Dolby Pro Logic and Dolby Digital technologies. Audio systems were expanded with more speakers to create “surround-sound” that also enabled dedicated cinema rooms with large projection screens.

Security cameras became less expensive and more versatile with new CMOS semiconductor technologies, allowing for the expansion of their use in home security systems and the ability to monitor multiple cameras through split-screen TV applications.

After the turn of the millennium, semiconductor technologies became even more affordable and integrated, allowing for the use of touch-screen panels and control systems throughout the house that could tie together home security and alarm systems with smart lighting, home entertainment systems, temperature controls and motorized devices.

Better mobile cellular phone technologies and the rise of a “cloud” of server systems connected to the Internet-enabled consumer device manufacturers to embed smart and connected features inside their devices.

Apple Home Kit, Google Nest, Samsung SmartThings, Amazon Alexa and Iris by Lowe’s are just some of the high-tech ecosystems being introduced by major manufacturers who are able to mass produce and market their interconnected devices to consumers on a worldwide scale.

“Integration is the key to what we do,” said Greg Simmons, co-owner of Eagle Sentry. “For example, home theater room should be designed so that video, sound and lighting systems all work together to create a comfortable and engaging living space.”

Because of the wide variety of choices in the newly developing “Internet of Things” industry, most homebuilders are allowing their electrical subcontractors to work directly with buyers to choose custom options they would like installed in their new home, rather than offering standard features for home entertainment, environmental controls, lighting, security, water conservation, and energy-efficiency.

Eagle Sentry has often staged display offices within model-home communities to talk about these options before a homebuyer committed to their purchase. The company also maintains a multiroom showcase of integrated appliances at its office space where homebuyers can meet with technical advisors to review their new home floor plan and talk about what types of new technologies they would like to include in their homes.

Wandering through these home technology showrooms can be a real eye-opening and ear-opening experience, as well as an exciting glimpse into the future.