KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Every day people perform routine tasks by talking to their homes. It may sound strange or even impossible but it’s happening. The lifestyle change is driving sales of what are called Smart Homes.
A Smart Home is a house connected to Wi-Fi that has devices and applications installed intended to make life more convenient, efficient and secure. Owners can order a coffee, set their alarm system and even be alerted to water in their basement. All without moving an inch.
“There are some really basic smart homes and then some really integrated smart homes that have hundreds of devices,” explained Nathan Franck, who develops homes with Smart technology.
Across the Kansas City metro, he is building new homes with the capabilities already included like a newly-constructed house in Prairie Village.
“You’d be really amazed at the people that didn’t ask for it are the people who enjoy it the most.”
He also retrofits older homes.
Jay Arthur just installed smart devices in his decades-old house in Overland Park house.
“I want convenience. I want the ability to do something quickly and the best way to do it right now — smart home is the way to do it,” he said.
He has his sprinklers, sound system, HVAC and even his vacuum cleaner tied into his Smart Home.
“It continues to change every day so I’m always looking on the web seeing what's new out there.”
Jay is one of a growing group of homeowners opting to tap into to connected living. A recent study projected more than half of all homes in North America will be Smart in the next three years.
“I think the catalyst for it all is the voice control. That's something that's dominated by Amazon Alexa and Google Home,” Franck said.
He says buyers cite three main reasons for adapting the Smart Home way of life; convenience, efficiency and the cool factor.
“I think it’s so cool,” explained Chelsea Long who just moved into a Smart Home in Prairie Village.
She uses the technology to get updated briefings on her schedule in the morning, monitor her heating and cooling systems and play her favorite music.
“I believe in cooking with music and I asked Alexa to play Fleetwood Mac and the first song she played was my favorite song!”
“The cost of Smart Home technology varies depending on what features you want. The range can be anywhere from $1,500 to $10,000 or more,” explained Franck.
He includes Smart Home features at no additional cost in new construction builds.
If you would like to add Smart Home functions to your house here are some steps Nathan Franck has some tips you need to keep in mind.
Wi-Fi
You must have a strong Wi-Fi. Technicians can add special technology to increase your signal in your house if necessary.
“As long as you have a strong Wi-Fi signal then you can build a system,” explained Franck.
User Ability
Smart Homes can be outfitted with a few devices or several devices depending on your level of experience with technology.
“If you are not tech savvy it's going to be hard to integrate a full smart home you'd have a basic smart home with a handful of devices.”
Preferences
What tasks do you want the Smart Home to perform? Lock doors? They can monitor HVAC systems and even control sprinkler systems. Many people also prefer voice-activated assistants like Amazon Echo and Google Home.
“There is a little bit of learning curve sometimes that turns people off but in reality, they're getting better and better every single week.”
The technology is not flawless. A few glitches are common as companies build apps that are then programmed to work together. But for the people who love gadgets and automation like Arthur, it’s a perfect match.
“A smart home is probably the best of everything.”
