A fully automated home makes life easier for everyone.  Motorized shades that’ll lower to keep the hot sun out, lights that can dim or brighten, and music that can follow you throughout your space – it doesn’t get any more luxurious!

But there’s an initial question most Dallas, TX homeowners have before they get smart home control – how are they going to manage all of this without getting a headache?

Your cohesive, centralized system means you can use one source to control every single smart technology and feature in your home.  But what type of devices are best for you?

Below, we go into the various options you can choose from, and which ones might fit you and your family best.  Keep reading to find out more!

SEE ALSO: SMART HOME CONTROL: WHY CONSULT A PROFESSIONAL?

During football season, you know how important it is to make sure everyone catches each impressive play and suspenseful moment of the big game.  But there’s nothing worse than garbled audio and a glitch-riddled screen to ruin the fun.  Give you and your guests the ultimate game day experience in your Dallas, TX home with an elevated audio video system.  Read on to learn why your upgraded media room is the perfect place to enjoy football with friends and family this fall.

New AV Technology

The next best thing to standing in the stadium with your sportswear and team gear on is reveling in an immersive experience at home with your bowl of buffalo chicken dip.  But with the latest audio video tech available, being at home might just jump to first place.  With a 4K Ultra High-Definition flat screen or projector, you’ll feel like you’re right there cheering your team on – in the comfort of your own home.  4K guarantees a crisp and clear picture quality, and lets you get as close to the screen as you need to without worrying about seeing the individual pixels. 

Installing a surround sound system will also ensure that you never miss a commentary or call.  You can enjoy everything about the stadium experience, but on your comfy sofa surrounded by your fellow fans.

SEE ALSO: GET READY FOR THE HOLIDAYS WITH AN AUDIO/VIDEO SYSTEM UPGRADE

Rid Yourself of the Glare

Imagine your team is about to score a touchdown, but then the sun shines intensely into the living room – causing a major glare on the screen and hindering your view completely.  You might think there’s not much to be done against the sun’s power without a huge hassle involved.  But motorized shades can make sure you never miss a beat. 

With a single push of a button, lower the shades so that no light touches the TV, or have automatic sensors cause the shades to automatically roll down when the sun is shifted to shine directly through your windows.  Take the control into your hands, and only worry about refilling your guests’ drinks and plates.

Double the Screens

With so many games to stay on top of, you might find not every viewer is in agreement over which to catch up on and watch.  Multiple screens are guaranteed to keep everyone happy and up to date on the various games.  With more than one screen, the opportunities are endless.  You can install an outdoor TV with a weather-proof and glare-free screen.  If your friends are grilling and tailgating on the patio, then you can easily pop into the kitchen for more dishes and never miss a moment on your media or kitchen’s TV.  Having more screens means more game-watching capabilities, and less time figuring out what channel to switch back to.

Homeowners these days are installing smart automation systems into their residences and homebuyers want them already in place upon purchasing their new house.  This means an architect has to know the ins and outs of smart home control before getting started.  But with new technology and additions piling up, it can feel overwhelming.   We’ve listed out below how to get started with a smart home system, so that Fort Worth, TX architects won’t miss a beat in the ways of new automation technology.

Home Automation

A smart home system controls, essentially, whatever you need it to control.  Integrated technology allows you to remotely control any part of the home – lights, security, climate – you name it.  So for clients who want to make their lives easier and more comfortable, home automation is the key.  With the proper installation, they can adjust their motorized shades, lower the temperature, turn on their favorite music or movie, and set the alarm all from one access panel or smart device.

SEE ALSO: THE EASIEST WAY TO CONTROL YOUR SAVANT SMART HOME SYSTEM

Before and After

So does the primary installation happen during or after construction?  Like most aspects of construction, it truly depends on your clients.  The good news is if you plan accordingly beforehand and have a set idea of what elements and features they want, then you’ll know exactly what to put into place during the building process.  If your clients have a problem with visible wiring, then preplanning the design and layout of necessary wiring can help you avoid a blundered final product.  No need to open up walls again or carve out more construction time, when it can all be done right the first time with proper planning.

Who to Work With

The luxurious smart home technology of today has greater installation needs than the basics usually require.  This means a general electrician might not have the skill or knowledge for installing the tech effectively.  It’s beneficial to work with an automation contractor, who can help with the first steps of designing and wiring, all the way to the final project completion.  They’ll have expert knowledge on the custom technology and can work with you to make sure everyone is on the same page.  Working with an interior designer can also guarantee that the building and construction process is still aligned with what your client’s dream home is.

If you’re just now diving into the possibilities for smart home automation in your Fort Worth, Texas area property, you probably have questions. Fortunately, we have answers. Below, we’ve put together a list of the most common questions we’ve heard over the years in the automation business. Check out the questions and answers below, and definitely, don’t hesitate to call us at (817) 980-0347 if you want to learn more.

What is Smart Home Automation?

Smart home automation refers to the technology that upgrades “dumb” components of your home, such as the window shades or light bulbs, and connects them to a central system that can work automatically to keep your home safer, more comfortable, energy-efficient, etc. This system can control all of the technologies throughout your home, from high-end audio to your surveillance cameras.

What All Can I Automate in My Home?

You’d be surprised how many things in your home can benefit from automation. Realistically, there are too many to list, but here are some of the most popular options:

• Thermostats
• Window Shades and Blinds
• Door Locks
• Lighting Fixtures
• Audio and Video Equipment
• Pools and Water Features

Can I DIY My Own Smart Home?

There are DIY smart home automation solutions available that you can install on your property. If you’re particularly tech-savvy and looking for a budget-friendly system, this is probably the right choice for you. Keep in mind that you’ll be handling all aspects of building and setting up the system, and while DIY brands do try to make the process easy, we’ve had many homeowners call us up to do a system installation after they realized how complex everything was. There are also a lot of limitations to DIY systems—you won’t be able to take advantage of the full features and possibilities available with a professional installation.

SEE ALSO: How to Get Started with Smart Home Technology