We’re all reliant on tech, now more than ever. Think about it—we depend on it to tell us the weather forecast, to help us keep track of how long our food has been in the oven, to make phone calls from the car, or blast our favourite song from the soundbar. With smart technologies at the forefront of many parts of our day, we connected with experts to get the latest on which tech upgrades are worth incorporating into your new home.
With more people turning to streaming services like Netflix and Hulu for entertainment—as well as many of us working from home—our priorities concerning tech have changed. While home protection has been and still is among the top considerations when it comes to smart home features, the stability, coverage, and speed of people’s networks are just as important. You can upgrade your home with a structured wiring system that streams and distributes various data signals throughout the home with ease, creating optimal network strength in frequently used spaces. Some of the most popular services homeowners are opting for include:
- Smart home systems that interact with alarms, lights, locks, temperature controls, etc.
- Wireless access points
- Surveillance and doorbell cameras
- Central vacuum systems
- Surround-sound theatre systems
- Whole-home audio systems and media streamers
Tech has shaped how we live and what we expect of our homes. From automatic lighting and video doorbells that alert you when a package is delivered to outdoor cameras, we’ve all grown accustomed to having these technologies in our homes. The benefit? A seamless living experience.
From home protection items like cameras, monitored alarm systems, and video doorbells to the fun stuff like surround sound, distributed audio, and HD projectors that create a movie-theatre experience—there are options for every lifestyle and budget. Here’s what you might consider allocating your dollars toward:
- For the budget-conscious:
Prewire to support a strong WiFi network. There are a lot of wireless options for home protection, audio, and video, but if you don’t have a strong network, these devices won’t perform well. Surveillance cameras are also a great place to start if you’re looking to focus on one area. - For those with a bigger budget:
Prewire for cameras or surround sound. Media and theatre packages can help bring your at-home entertainment dreams to life. You can also have a central vacuum system installed to make cleaning more convenient.
Once your home is equipped with smart tech that fits your lifestyle, it’s time to think about the aesthetics. Explore the best design apps to help you furnish your home and bring your space to life with style and ease.