by David Glenn | Sep 14, 2016 | CRESTICO
If the history of building has been consistent in one thing, it that features once considered a luxury eventually become standard. Once air conditioning was a privilege of the wealthy; today no one would buy a home without it.
Today’s technology is following the same history. Smart homes with intelligent lighting, thermostats, and alarm systems were once science fiction. Now this kind of technology is being built into many new homes, as more and more buyers expect and even demand it. And with the technology more advanced and more affordable than ever, they should expect this convenience for their money.
Smart Products
Billions of dollars are being spent to upgrade older and even new homes with smart products to retro-fit home automation systems. Homes become Wi-Fi networks with wireless audio, motion-activated lighting, surveillance cameras, and HVAC systems, and even internet-connected dishwashers and refrigerators. All of these devices can be controlled through ubiquitous smartphones, so it makes perfect sense to want them in our homes.
Home security companies and even cable communications providers have gotten onboard to offer automated solutions for security and smart entertainment systems. Google and Amazon have both invested heavily in producing their own home automation products. The smart home lifestyle is now being lauded on the internet and national TV commercials, so the interest is only going to grow. U.S. sales of automation systems are expected to surpass $16 billion by 2019.
Slow to Adapt
But these add-on products are not on the same level with a comprehensive, integrated system that can be built into homes. Providers of these smart home solutions have been developing and perfecting their product for years now. The question is why so few builders have partnered with them to provide automation in new Construction.
The reason seems to be that so many builders are still following the traditional mindset; they are resistant to change or dismissive of the profit and market potentials. They may feel they lack the expertise or logistics to get the technology integrated in homes without hampering long-established and well-organized building techniques.
But while the delivery of product and expertise to install it can be fulfilled by the smart home technology providers, a resistance to change is only going to hurt construction in the long run – that’s within the next decade, if not now.
Smart Business
Builders are wrong not to take advantage. As demand for integration of home automation rises, so does the price tag of homes with this feature. The opportunity for profit is growing. While the devices used are high-tech, actual installation is well within the skillset of a good electrician, even if a little training may be required, and easily becomes a part of the phase of running wires and installing fixtures.
Most new homes already incorporate elements of the last generation of technology, such as LED lighting, home security systems, and programmable thermostats. More comprehensive, integrated, networked smart homes will be the norm for the next generation. Builders who still doubt the practicality of including high-tech design in home construction are missing out on a lucrative market. It’s only a matter of finding a supplier with the right order fulfillment system and accepting a mutually beneficial arrangement. More technology means more business, not less.
The history of home construction tells us that while retro is often in, the latest conveniences always become mandatory. Once plumbing, electricity, and open floor plans were new. Home automation is the next step. It’s what people are asking for, and businesses are only hurting themselves by ignoring the demand.
When you realize that ignoring technology – and clients – is never the right move, it’s time to explore the world of home automation, and all that it has to offer. A well-built home that also has the latest technical innovations is going to sell faster and make customers happier. That’s always great for business.
by David Glenn | Sep 8, 2016 | CRESTICO
If the history of building has been consistent in one thing, it that features once considered a luxury eventually become standard. Once air conditioning was a privilege of the wealthy; today no one would buy a home without it.
Today’s technology is following the same history. Smart homes with intelligent lighting, thermostats, and alarm systems were once science fiction. Now this kind of technology is being built into many new homes, as more and more buyers expect and even demand it. And with the technology more advanced and more affordable than ever, they should expect this convenience for their money.
Smart Products
Billions of dollars are being spent to upgrade older and even new homes with smart products to retro-fit home automation systems. Homes become Wi-Fi networks with wireless audio, motion-activated lighting, surveillance cameras, and HVAC systems, and even internet-connected dishwashers and refrigerators. All of these devices can be controlled through ubiquitous smartphones, so it makes perfect sense to want them in our homes.
Home security companies and even cable communications providers have gotten onboard to offer automated solutions for security and smart entertainment systems. Google and Amazon have both invested heavily in producing their own home automation products. The smart home lifestyle is now being lauded on the internet and national TV commercials, so the interest is only going to grow. U.S. sales of automation systems are expected to surpass $16 billion by 2019.
Slow to Adapt
But these add-on products are not on the same level with a comprehensive, integrated system that can be built into homes. Providers of these smart home solutions have been developing and perfecting their product for years now. The question is why so few builders have partnered with them to provide automation in new Construction.
The reason seems to be that so many builders are still following the traditional mindset; they are resistant to change or dismissive of the profit and market potentials. They may feel they lack the expertise or logistics to get the technology integrated in homes without hampering long-established and well-organized building techniques.
But while the delivery of product and expertise to install it can be fulfilled by the smart home technology providers, a resistance to change is only going to hurt construction in the long run – that’s within the next decade, if not now.
Smart Business
Builders are wrong not to take advantage. As demand for integration of home automation rises, so does the price tag of homes with this feature. The opportunity for profit is growing. While the devices used are high-tech, actual installation is well within the skill set of a good electrician, even if a little training may be required, and easily becomes a part of the phase of running wires and installing fixtures.
Most new homes already incorporate elements of the last generation of technology, such as LED lighting, home security systems, and programmable thermostats. More comprehensive, integrated, networked smart homes will be the norm for the next generation. Builders who still doubt the practicality of including high-tech design in home construction are missing out on a lucrative market. It’s only a matter of finding a supplier with the right order fulfillment system and accepting a mutually beneficial arrangement. More technology means more business, not less.
The history of home construction tells us that while retro is often in, the latest conveniences always become mandatory. Once plumbing, electricity, and open floor plans were new. Home automation is the next step. It’s what people are asking for, and businesses are only hurting themselves by ignoring the demand.
When you realize that ignoring technology – and clients – is never the right move, it’s time to explore the world of home automation, and all that it has to offer. A well-built home that also has the latest technical innovations is going to sell faster and make customers happier. That’s always great for business.
by David Glenn | Jul 17, 2016 | CRESTICO
It’s easy to get so caught up in your vacation prep that you forget to do one thing or another. However, one thing you definitely don’t want to forget in your excitement is protecting your home for while you are away. In any case it’s better to be safe than sorry, so be sure to take the necessary precautions to keep your home safe and secure while you are away. A little extra vigilance before you go will help you be able to enjoy your trip without worrying about what’s going on at home.
Hold Your Mail
It may seem like your mail has little to do with protecting your home; however, an overflowing mailbox is often a dead giveaway that no one is home. Keep you mail from piling up by having the post office hold your mail while you are away. The postal service can hold your mail for 3 to 30 days, so even if you’re only gone for a week or two, it is still an option worth taking advantage of. Do the same with your newspaper.
Have Someone Keep an Eye on Your Property
Even if you do stop your mail and newspaper delivery, there are still a few telltale signs that no one is home. Those peddler fliers or periodic yellow page book deliveries are two examples. To keep an eye out for those kind of gotchas, ask a friend or relative to take a stroll past your property every day or two. Your friendly visitor can also take a minute or two to water your flowers or check on other houseplants as well.
Make Sure Everything Is Locked
This probably seems like a bit of a no brainer, but if you typically leave a window unlatched for the cat or you don’t lock the kitchen deadbolt, now is the time to do so. Making sure everything is locked is just another way that you can deter burglars and make it more difficult to access your home. According to the FBI, a home burglary occurs every 13 seconds, so it’s important that you do everything you can to prevent your home from being the next target.
Keep Your Plans on the Down Low
Announcing that you’ll be away from your home for a month on social media or in a crowded restaurant isn’t necessarily the best way to keep your home safe. Don’t project your every move on your social media channels, and even be careful about who is around you when you are discussing your vacation plans in public, especially if you’ll be gone in prime travel months. According to statistics, the most burglaries occur during the months of July and August because people are more focused on enjoying their summer fun than protecting their homes.
Turn Off Your Electronics
You probably thought about turning off and even unplugging your electronics, such as your coffee pot, television, and desktop computer. But you may not have considered your garage door opener or car GPS. Disabling your garage door opener will prevent thieves from opening it with a universal remote, while disconnecting your GPS will prevent burglars from having a map to your home, especially if you leave your vehicle parked in an airport parking lot or other long-term storage while you’re gone.
Install a Home Security System
Amp up the security of your home by installing a security system before you leave. The big benefit of this addition is that you’ll also get the benefit of its protection when you’re away, on a travel tour, at home, in bed, or just in the backyard. It’s estimated that homes without security or alarm systems are 300% more likely to be broken into, so it’s well worth the investment.
Keeping your home safe while you are gone is the best way to give yourself peace of mind and help you enjoy your trip. Use these tips to keep your home safe and reduce your risk of burglary or other harm.
by David Glenn | Jul 13, 2016 | CRESTICO
First came computers; they were followed quickly by the internet, and soon we found ourselves in an age of handheld devices, touch screens, and motion sensors. With all of this, it was only a natural development that another byproduct of modern technology would be increasingly automated homes. From always on voice-activated devices, to remote controlled appliances, lighting and temperature control, and home theaters (see Argenta) that are better than the real thing, home automation is certainly our future.
So how do you prepare for a world of home automation? How do you make sure that you are best placed to embrace the newest developments in home tech—most of which we don’t even know about yet? Here are a few tips to get you on your way.
Research
The best way to prepare for the future is to know what is coming. Keep one eye on tech publications, reading as much as you can about the things that are currently in concept or development phase. If you are able to, try to visit various conferences and trade shows such as CES to see what kinds of things are out there. If you cannot make it to these, there is considerable coverage to be found online. If you know which things are coming up, you can know which you want to buy, and which to hold off on to wait for a better version.
Don’t Adopt New Tech Too Early
Which leads us to our next tip—be discerning about which tech items you take on early on. In the age of instant information and social media bragging, the idea of becoming an “early adopter” can seem very tempting. But sometimes it is not the best way to go. Many new technologies need awhile to iron out the kinks and problems, and if it is something that has little or no precedent, it will be likely to face at least a few of these. Furthermore, newer cheaper or more efficient versions are likely to start cropping up in the second wave, and with home automation, you are looking at a lot of money to replace something just a few months later. So while some things you can take the risk on, it is often worth waiting awhile before incorporating the very newest of the new home technology.
Start Saving
In order to fully take advantage of the latest home tech features, you are going to have to spend some money. For this reason, you will probably want to start saving right now. Things like theaters are expensive, but when you have a saving plan, you should be able to find something in your price range.
Make Home Preparations
You might also want to design your home interior with home automation in the back of your mind. Older houses are a lot trickier to fit home automation seamlessly into, and that is because newer home layouts are often designed with modern technology taken into consideration. If you are building your own home, it will be easy to incorporate technology, but even if you already have a home, there are ways to make sure that you can accommodate new home tech. Work with interior designers and architects to better figure it out.
Embrace it
The future is coming, and resisting it will not prevent it. Homes of the future are going to be more tech driven and user-friendly than they have ever been. Rather than fearing future home technology developments, embrace the greater ease and comfort that will come from them, and jump on it early—the future is ours for the taking!
by David Glenn | Jul 5, 2016 | CRESTICO
Choosing a neighborhood in which to raise your family can seem like a daunting task. It’s not easy to point to a place on a map and decide to put down roots and stay for years to come. Buying a home is a significant investment, and you want to be sure you’re picking the best area possible to meet the needs of your family. But you don’t have to wait to learn about your neighborhood until after you’ve already closed escrow. Here are some resources to help you research your future neighborhood ahead of time, enabling you to choose the best place to raise your family.
Look at Local School Ratings
The easiest way to find a neighborhood where you feel comfortable raising your family is to look at nearby school ratings. The website Great Schools is an incredible resource that ranks schools based on test scores and parental reviews. Simply type in the generic city or metropolitan area you’d like to live in, and look at the map to see the results. You can customize the map to only display the types of schools you’re looking for, like high schools vs. preschools. It’s easy to see where the best neighborhoods are because they typically have the highest rated schools. Once you have narrowed it down to a more specific area, GreatSchools.org will even show you individual school attendance boundaries to make searching for a home even easier.
Research Crime Statistics
It’s not enough to find a neighborhood that has good schools. Crime levels are another very important factor in any home search. Use local municipal websites or sheriff’s department websites to find out what types of crimes are being committed in the area you have chosen. NeighborhoodScout is another great resource that shows the different types of crimes in any given area. Crime is everywhere, so don’t be too alarmed when you see multiple incidents show up in your desired area. The important thing is to look at what types of crimes are being committed in your area. Are they petty crimes like a teenager stealing a lawn chair, or are they something much more serious like armed robbery and home invasion? Doing research on local crime statistics is a great way to get to know the neighborhood long before you’re committed to moving in.
Search for Nearby Amenities
Once you have settled on a neighborhood, look at the amenities that are available nearby to see if they meet your family’s needs. Check local city and county websites to locate nearby public parks and swimming pools. Look up children’s classes and activities that may be offered through your local community center. Check national and state park websites to find out if there are any state-run nature facilities nearby. Don’t forget to look for amenities for the adults as well. Are there coffee shops and restaurants nearby? What about a gym, and a grocery store? These are all things that impact quality of life and contribute to a neighborhood’s overall desirability.
Housing
Once you have chosen a neighborhood, research all the housing options for your family. Even if you are using an agent (as you should), check homes that are selling by owner. Often times homes in the best neighborhoods are sold by word of mouth before they even hit the market. Talk to people in the area and try to get the inside scoop to be sure you can find a home in your desired neighborhood.
Don’t be intimidated when trying to choose a neighborhood for your family. Doing research online before you begin house hunting can help save you a lot of wasted time and can help take a lot of the unknowns out of moving to a new area. Follow these tips and help make your next move a little more certain, and help you rest assured that you are moving your family into the best neighborhood possible.
