Why Custom Home Builders Should Be Working with Home Automation Specialists

You Stay Focused on the Build – We Handle the Tech 

Today’s custom home builders are finding growing interest in smart home technology, with many adding it as a standard feature to appeal to homebuyers and increase the value. One study found that approximately 35% of large-scale home builders were incorporating smart technology into their new homes. And that was five years ago. 

Home automation, however, is complex and ever-changing, making it difficult for builders to integrate and program the growing number of smart systems. With an already overwhelming amount on your plate, adding AV and automation integration is an aspect that is often best left to integrators. 

A specialist ensures everything is programmed, commissioned, and client-ready. It frees up your build team to focus on what you do best. 

Here, we’ll explore why more builders are partnering with home automation specialists. 

SEE ALSO: The Key Benefits of Home Automation Systems

Collaboration is Key

The latest smart homes are as much about AV integration as they are about smart lighting, shades, climate control, security, and more. The key to successful integration is joining the process in the design phase. Early collaboration ensures that the equipment is compatible and that the wiring is in place to meet current needs and accommodate future expansion. 

It also ensures that the device placement aligns with the client’s vision and doesn’t clash with the architectural features and the design. We develop a plan for the placement of in-wall and in-ceiling speakers for distributed audio systems, pocket enclosures for motorized shades, security cameras, keypads, and lighting. 

Pre-Wiring for a Scalable Home

The foundation of a smart home is the low-voltage wiring and the wired network. While relying on Wi-Fi may be suitable for small projects, a future-proofed smart home requires a solid backbone, which translates to a wired network. This network connects all the separate devices to the centralized controller and to each other. 

There’s nothing worse than a smart home with devices that don’t stay connected, whether it’s shades that don’t lower when you ask them to, or a spinning wheel of doom when streaming your favorite show. The solution is a robust home network with corner-to-corner coverage. 

By installing the wiring during the early build phases, we can work together to ensure hidden cables and a home that is functional, cohesive, and beautiful. This wiring is also installed with the future in mind, minimizing costs as technology is added over time. 

For instance, the clients may not want motorized shades or a whole-home audio system right now, but they may appeal to them in the future. Wiring the home with the future in mind leads to significant savings, instead of waiting until after the walls are in. 

Avoiding Compromises

When integrators are brought in after the initial build, the process almost always involves costly change orders and cutting into walls. Involving an integrator early makes sure everyone is on the same page, knows where the components go, and that the technology aligns with the design. 

From the speakers to the security cameras, automated shades, LED lighting systems, climate control, and media components, we source and install all the many moving parts of a smart home and work with the designer to ensure these components complement their vision. A smart home integrator has developed numerous partnerships to ensure all devices work seamlessly together and align with the design.

Programming a Smart Home

Programming is the key to customized, luxury smart home living. After learning the lifestyle and daily habits of a family, we can create an automated smart home that performs many of these tasks based on the time of day or event. 

Window shades may automatically rise at sunrise. The lighting may transition throughout the day, reflecting the changing color of daylight. Keypads with custom-engraved buttons create the ideal atmosphere for daily tasks, whether cooking, working, reading, relaxing, or entertaining.

At Audio Video Experience, we specialize in working with builders to craft exceptional smart homes together. To learn more about partnering with our team, contact Audio Video Experience.