Smart Home Devices to Include in Your Renovation

If you’re planning a renovation or home addition, you’re probably already thinking about floor plans, finishes, and color schemes. Technology should also be part of the conversation. Today’s smart home technology isn’t just about novelty. It adds convenience, energy efficiency, security, and long-term value to your home. However, many homeowners don’t think about these devices until after their renovation is complete. 

When smart home devices are integrated during a remodel instead of added as an afterthought, they feel seamless and intuitive. Let’s explore some ways to incorporate smart home automation devices in a way that feels intentional and cohesive with your renovation design. 

What is Smart Home Technology?

When you think of smart devices, Roombas, Alexa, and Ring doorbells are probably the first things that come to mind. While these are some of the most commonly used devices, they’re only a small part of the picture. Smart home technology can include a wide range of devices. 

Standalone devices require little more than a Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connection, and can be added to your home at any time, whether you’re renovating now or not. These include: 

• Voice assistants (Alexa and Google Nest) 
• Smart speakers 
• Wi-Fi-enabled plugs 
• Video doorbells and security cameras 
• Smart locks 
• App-controlled lighting or lightbulbs

Smart appliances work much like traditional appliances, but you can control them and check their energy usage and other data with a smartphone app. These include: 

• Refrigerators 
• Ovens 
• Washers and dryers 
• Dishwashers 
• Water heaters 

Whole-home integrated systems are often overlooked, but they are what truly transform your home into a connected space. These include:  

• Leak detection systems with automatic shut-off functions 
• Smart electrical panels 
• HVAC with customizable zones 
• Automated window treatments 
• Whole-home lighting control systems 

Planning a Renovation with Smart Home Devices

Standalone smart devices are easy to set up yourself at any time. However, appliances and integrated whole-home systems are much easier to install when you’re already planning more extensive home projects. 

Adding Smart Appliances During a Remodel

During a renovation, most homeowners plan on replacing their appliances. Smart appliances aren’t a luxury upgrade anymore. With the popularity of connected fridges, stoves, and washing machines, it’s often harder to find appliances that aren’t smart devices. 

If you’re switching to smart appliances for the first time, it helps to understand how they differ from more traditional devices. Here are a few things you may need to plan for in your renovation: 

• Wi-Fi connectivity: Because most smart devices connect wirelessly, ensure you have a strong signal in areas where appliances are used. This may require adding additional routers to improve signal strength. 
• Electrical requirements: While modern appliances are more energy efficient, they typically require dedicated circuits, special outlets, and higher amperage than you may already have. Be sure to plan for electrical panel upgrades. 
• Plumbing: Most new fridges require a water line to be installed. This typically hooks up to your kitchen sink, but it will require a path to the fridge. Likewise, tankless water heaters may need dedicated water lines. 
• System compatibility: Before investing in a new fridge or stove, make sure it can connect with your preferred platform, whether that be Alexa, Google Nest, or Apple Home. To avoid complexity, try keeping all your devices on the same ecosystem for seamless control. 

Renovating Your Home with Integrated Smart Technology

Integrated home systems aren’t simple gadgets. Working with a renovation contractor who understands how these systems work is essential. Here are a few important tips for including smart technology in your renovation: 

• Leak detection systems monitor the flow of water throughout your home and shut off the main water line automatically if they detect an issue. Installing them requires access to your main water line, so it’s easiest to do this when the area is already open for plumbing work. 
• Smart electrical panels let you monitor energy usage in your entire home. Not only do they help you save money by optimizing your power use, but they also prepare your home for future integrations such as EV charging, solar power, heat pumps, or battery storage. They are easiest to install when updating your wiring or doing other electrical work. 
• HVAC systems with customizable zones let you set different temperatures for each area of your home and program your system to run at specific times. To ensure they work properly, you may need to make changes to your ductwork, so it’s best to set these systems up during a planned renovation.  
• Whole-home lighting control systems let you operate lights throughout your house from a single centralized keypad or app. They often require specialized wiring, so you will want to install them during your home’s electrical work. 

Plan a Smart Home Renovation with James Barton Design-Build

Anyone can set up standalone gadgets like automatic locks and smart speakers. However, installing smart devices that integrate with your home’s major systems is more complex. 

If you’re planning a renovation, it’s the perfect time to modernize your home’s lighting controls, wiring, HVAC, and plumbing to create a system that supports your family and feels intuitive to use. 

At James Barton Design-Build, our team understands how to incorporate smart technology in a way that feels seamless with the rest of your design. Ready to talk about smart home renovation ideas? Contact our team for a consultation!