It may seem second nature now to ask Alexa to add batteries to your shopping list or tell Roomba to vacuum the living room. But for people who love gadgets, there’s no limit to how you can increase your home’s IQ with smart devices. 

Last month, we tackled smart tech devices for inside your home. This month we’ll cover devices for your garage and landscaping.

Smart devices to consider for outside your home:

Here are some smart devices you may want to add during or after construction.

  • Smart garages: No matter how you use your garage, there are plenty of ways to make it smarter. For example, belt-driven smart garage door openers are not only super silent; they also let you know if the door is open or closed and for how long. Forgot to close it? Use the app on your phone. If you use Amazon Key, the retailer’s in-garage delivery service, a garage door opener that works with the MyQ app can provide peace of mind if you’re worried about porch pirates taking packages from your property. 
  • Smart lighting: Outdoor-friendly smart lights can help you create a network of motion-based security lights outside your home. You can add components as needed, including floodlights, pathway lights, spotlights, and step lights. Once connected, you can control the lights via voice or app, and some options even integrate with outdoor security cameras. 
  • Smart security: Smart security systems range in sophistication from DIY options to those that require professional installation. The first line of defense, a video doorbell will let you see who’s at the door from your couch, workplace or primary home. Ring or SimpliSafe are popular options for keeping tabs on your home while away. They not only let you see and speak with the person outside, but they also record footage of visitors who approach your door while you’re away or unable to answer. In some systems, high-resolution, weather-resistant security cameras can capture motion-triggered video while a bright light moves to illuminate whatever’s moving on your property. 
  • Smart lock: Need to give someone access to your house while you’re not home? Keypad entry locks are a convenient solution to the hassle of physical keys. Like typing in a password code to unlock your phone, door keypads allow you to type in a code to unlock your home. It’s a lot more secure than hiding a spare key under your doormat, and many of these locks include features like built-in alarms or the ability to connect to the Internet or a smart speaker. 
  • Smart speaker: Speaking of smart speakers, an outdoor-friendly smart speaker can withstand rain or splashes from the pool while enabling voice control via Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant or similar system. 
  • Smart lights: Gone are the days when you have to remember to turn on the deck lights. The party doesn’t need to stop when the sun goes down, thanks to outdoor-friendly smart lights. They’re easy to install, built to withstand the elements, and work with multiple voice-command platforms. And believe it or not, some can be programmed to shine your favorite sports team’s colors when they score! 
  • Smart grills: Sometimes it’s difficult to keep an eye on the burgers when entertaining guests. If you want to impress your friends, a wi-fi-connected grill will allow you to adjust the temperature and monitor your food from your phone. If you’re looking for a smaller solution, a smart thermometer lets you monitor the temperature of your food with your smartphone.
  • Smart lawnmower: If you prefer a lawn over rocks or pavers, a smart lawnmower can make yardwork a bit easier. Robot lawnmowers (similar to Roombas) can cut and edge your lawn through a smartphone app. With some models, you can monitor the mower’s progress, create schedules, and see where it’s been on a map of your property. 

Are smart homes the future?

While they may seem like products from The Jetsons, smart home technology is likely here to stay. As you plan your custom Dakan home, think about what smart features you want to include and be sure to add wi-fi connections in your kitchen or laundry room to make connecting your appliances that much easier. Rob and Julie can help you plan the best smart solution for your home, family, and needs.

This is part two of a two-part article.

Sources:

https://www.pcmag.com/picks/the-best-smart-home-devices
https://www.forbes.com/advisor/home-improvement/smart-home-tech-trends/
https://urbanacres.com/blog/15-popular-smart-home-devices-that-are-changing-how-we-live/