Benefits of Adding Smart Technology During a Remodel

Integrating smart home technology during a renovation offers distinct advantages over trying to add it later. When walls are open and electricians are already on-site, you have a unique opportunity to hardwire devices for reliability and aesthetics. Other benefits of adding smart technology include:

• Increased Property Value – Smart home remodeling is a significant selling point in today’s real estate market. Buyers are increasingly looking for move-in-ready homes with modern tech already installed. A survey by Consumer Reports found that smart home features can boost a home’s resale value by up to 5%.
• Enhanced Aesthetics – One of the biggest downsides of adding tech post-construction is the clutter. Power cords trailing down walls and bulky hubs sitting on countertops can ruin the look of a newly designed room. During a remodel, you can install outlets exactly where they’re needed, hide wires behind drywall, and recess sensors into ceilings or walls.
• Superior Reliability – While Wi-Fi is convenient, it can be unstable. Hardwiring your key devices, such as security cameras, smart TVs, and data hubs via Ethernet cables, ensures they stay connected even if the Wi-Fi goes down. This level of infrastructure is much easier to install when the framing is exposed.

Smart Lighting Systems for a More Efficient Home

Lighting dramatically changes a home’s ambiance and offers significant energy savings. Here’s how to integrate smart lighting systems:

• Planning Your Circuits – When remodeling, think beyond the bulb. Smart switches and dimmers are often a better investment than smart bulbs because they allow you to control the fixture manually or digitally. If someone flips a traditional switch off, a smart bulb becomes useless. A smart switch, however, stays connected.
• Zoning and Scenes – Think about how you use each room. In the kitchen, you might want bright, cool lighting for cooking but warm, dim lighting for dining. Smart lighting systems allow you to create “scenes” that adjust multiple fixtures with a single command. During your remodel, map out these zones so your electrician can wire the circuits accordingly.
• Motion and Occupancy Sensors – Forget fumbling for the switch in the laundry room or bathroom. Integrating motion sensors during a remodel ensures lights turn on when you enter and off when you leave. This reduces wasted electricity, contributing to a greener home.

Smart Thermostats and Climate Control Upgrades

Heating and cooling take up a significant portion of the average household’s energy bill, but smart home upgrades can quickly pay for themselves. During a remodel, you have the option to move your thermostat to a better location. Avoid placing it in direct sunlight, near drafty windows, or close to the kitchen, where heat from the oven can affect readings. The best spot is on an interior wall in a frequently used room.

If you’re redoing HVAC ductwork or opening up walls, consider installing a zoned system with smart dampers. This allows you to heat or cool specific rooms independently. Smart thermostats can easily manage these zones, delivering comfort where it’s needed and saving energy in unused spaces.

Beyond thermostats, smart vents and ceiling fans can further enhance energy efficiency. Smart vents can redirect airflow by opening and closing automatically, while smart ceiling fans can turn on when a room becomes stuffy. These systems work best when permanently integrated into your home’s electrical wiring, offering a seamless solution to maintain comfort and reduce energy costs.

Whole-Home Smart Security Features

Safety is top priority for homeowners, and smart security systems offer peace of mind that traditional alarms can’t match. Some whole-home smart security features include:

• Hardwired Cameras and Doorbells – Battery-powered cameras are great for renters, but homeowners remodeling their property should opt for hardwired versions. They offer continuous recording, and you never have to worry about climbing a ladder to swap out batteries.
• Smart Locks and Access Control – Smart locks allow you to grant temporary access to contractors, dog walkers, or guests without handing out physical keys. When choosing a smart lock, consider the aesthetic of your new door hardware. Many brands now offer sleek, low-profile designs that blend seamlessly with modern decor.
• Integrated Sensors – Window and door sensors are the backbone of any security system. During a remodel, you can install recessed sensors that are hidden within the door frame or window jamb. These are invisible when the door is closed, maintaining the clean lines of your new design while providing robust security.

Smart Kitchen and Bathroom Upgrades

The kitchen and bathroom are the most frequently remodeled rooms in a house, and they’re prime candidates for smart home technology.

For kitchens, smart appliances have come a long way. Refrigerators with internal cameras let you check if you’re out of milk while you’re at the grocery store. Smart ovens can be preheated remotely, so dinner is ready to go when you walk in the door. When planning your kitchen layout, ensure you have data ports and ample power outlets behind where these appliances will sit to support their smart features.

For bathrooms, imagine a shower that starts automatically and pauses once it reaches your preferred temperature. Smart digital shower controllers can do just that. Additionally, smart mirrors with built-in lighting and voice assistants can help you check the weather or traffic while you brush your teeth. Remember to install waterproof GFCI-protected outlets in vanities and cabinets to power these devices safely.

Automated Window Treatments and Smart Shades

Smart shades offer privacy, security, and energy efficiency, but they can be a headache to install as an afterthought. While battery-operated shades exist, they require maintenance, and the motors can be noisy. A better approach, especially if you’re already replacing windows or tearing down drywall, is to run low-voltage wiring to the top corners of your window frames. This allows for hardwired motorized shades that move silently and never need charging.

Beyond convenience, automated shades enhance your home’s security and privacy. They can be programmed to mimic your presence by opening and closing at set times when you’re on vacation, which can help deter potential intruders. This layer of automation adds both luxury and practical utility to your home remodeling project.

Future-Proof Your Home With Smart Technology

Integrating smart home technology is one of the best ways to future-proof your Milwaukee home. By considering your digital needs alongside your structural and aesthetic ones, you ensure that your home is beautiful, intelligent, and responsive. Whether it’s the convenience of voice-controlled lighting or the security of a hardwired camera system, these smart home upgrades will elevate your living experience for years to come. Contact Kelmann Homes today to learn how you can best integrate smart technology features into your home.