Home automation is cool, but is it worth the money?

Over the last several years, technology has branched out into the home, making thousands of homeowners’ lives much easier on a daily basis. But does spending money on home automation increase your home’s value? We did some digging and have an answer for you. Before you consult our directory of home automation experts, read this.

Home automation by the numbers

According to a report compiled by Transparency Market Research, the home automation market was valued at $3.6 billion US in 2012 and is expected to reach over $16 billion by 2019. The industry isn’t slowing down anytime soon. But are homeowners quick to jump on the home automation bandwagon? While the tech gadgets on the market are designed to make life easier, help you save money and make your home safer, each product costs money. Therefore, it’s important to determine if spending the money will add value to your home in the future.

As it turns out, homeowners are on the same page and see value in home automation, which in turn benefits you as a homeowner who’s fronting the initial costs. According to a report by the Consumer Electronics Association and the National Association of Home Builders, a home automation system can increase your home’s value by three to five per cent – if home automation is done right.

Home automation is a valued feature in homes for sale.

Homeowners are looking for the following features when it comes to home automation. Retrofit your home with technology that accomplishes this and you’re automatically increasing your home’s value and making it more appealing to future buyers:

Home security features

Every home should have a home security system in order to not only protect your home when you’re away for an extended period of time, but to protect your loved ones. Having a system integrated in your home can make your home stand out to future home buyers because this is what families are looking for. A reliable home security system will have these automated features:

Cameras. Some cameras can be controlled via a smartphone and will allow you to see the comings and goings of your loved ones. Other cameras have a sensor and will start filming once they sense movement outdoors. This gives families peace of mind and in a worst case scenario, help identify any intruders.
Door locks. Have you ever left your home and wondered if you remembered to lock the door? We’re all guilty of this. Door locks that can be locked with your smartphone is a key security feature, one that homeowners will find valuable because of the remote ability to secure your home.

Being able to watch your home while you’re away is a big selling point for purchasers.

There are a lot of home automation products and kits on the market. Let a home automation expert help you decide what’s best for your home.

Energy savings

Do you dread opening up your energy bills on a monthly basis? From air conditioning to electricity, it’s not uncommon to see a rise in the numbers. But home automation can help homeowners save money, which is a valuable asset in any home. Who doesn’t want that? Include these gadgets in your home to not only lower your energy bills, but draw attention to your home when it’s on the market:

Smart thermostat. Your air conditioner shouldn’t be running all day when no one is home. But if you don’t want to come to a hot and sticky home at the end of your workday, a smart thermostat is the perfect solution. They enable you to adjust the temperature in your home remotely, so you can set the A/C to turn on before you come home, which can save anywhere from 5 to 15 per cent per month. Some thermostats also have a sensor and adjusts the room’s temperature based on how many people are in a room.
Automatic blinds. Left the blinds open before you went to bed or left the house? When the sun is shining, beaming through those windows, you’ll wish you had remote access to pull them down. That’s because when the windows aren’t covered, they let in more heat, which cancels out the work your A/C is doing. Never worry about the blinds when you have automatic blinds that can be controlled from your smartphone. This allows for more energy savings overtime, a key feature homeowners are looking for when buying a new home.
Lighting controls. Home automation kits often include lighting controls, which is a great money to save on electricity. Using a smartphone, you can turn off lights or dim them based on your needs. If you’ve left for the day and can’t remember if you turned off the light in the bathroom, you can instantly check up on it by using your tablet or phone.

These gadgets can help you save money overtime!

Here’s an estimated breakdown of how much these accessories cost:

Product	Cost
Cameras	$130
Door Locks	$230
Smart Thermostat	$250
Automatic Blinds	$140 per blind
Lighting Control	$175

If you’re willing to pay for a variety of home automation systems, then consult our directory of home automation service professionals to find a specialist near you!

Home automation can not only make life easier, but help homeowners save money. While home automation does add value to your home, there are a few things to be mindful of:

Home automation should eliminate clutter

If you’ve invested in home automation but decide it’s time to sell your home, an open house could be in your future. That’s why it’s important to ensure your home automation makes your home tidy instead of a cluttered mess of wires and equipment. Since home automation virtually eliminates the need to have a drawer full of remote controls (after all, your smartphone is your tool), there should be little evidence around the house. Trust us – home buyers will notice.

These automated homes are clutter-free.

The systems should be easy to use

Home automation does add value to your home provided the system itself is easy to use. That’s why it’s important to ensure the system is properly programmed and all devices are connected. When it comes to selling your home, you’ll have to train a real estate agent to use the system. Home buyers will appreciate this and it’ll make their decision to make an offer that much easier.

A home automation system should be easy to use, or it could turn off a potential buyer.

Paperwork and equipment should be organized

When you automate your home, you’re making a smart, but costly investment in your home. While selling your home may not be on your mind while you’re working alongside a home automation specialist, the future often changes. That’s why it’s important to keep all documents and paperwork pertaining to your system intact so you can present that to new homeowners. Not only that, but the system and equipment should be in good working order. A broken-down system could hurt your resale value.

Home automation is a booming industry and many homeowners are opting for integrated, smart systems. Armed with this information, transform your home into a smart home and increase your home’s value at the same time. You’ll be thankful you invested in the equipment.

Don’t know where to find a home automation professional who can help you out? Consult our directory and find a specialist that works in your neighbourhood. Read through customer reviews; they’ll help you make a decision on who to hire!