Vanbrooke homes feature CAT 6 wiring which means your movie and music downloads will be very fast. It also means you can load up on smart home technology. Smart devices make homes more comfortable, energy-efficient and safer. If you are just jumping on the smart home bandwagon, here is the best tech for 2002.
Lights, Camera Action
Lights, motion sensors and cameras ensure you feel safe and secure in your home. The Ring Smart Lighting System is a favorite with home security experts. Easy to install and relatively inexpensive, the lights are motion-activated. To make them smart, you need a Ring Bridge. The bridge allows you to connect lights to Ring doorbells, Amazon Alexa, Ring Cams and the Ring app. That way you can see who has turned on your lights late at night and record their movements.
Who is at the Door?
Smart doorbells and locks add another layer of security. Smart doorbells have video cameras that link to a screen in your home or an app on your phone so you can see who is at the door. Ring makes a good video doorbell. Many builders install them, including Vanbrooke builder Lennar. The Ezviz DB1C Wi-Fi is a budget-friendly option that supports Alexa and Google home voice commands.
Lock and Leave
Smart locks allow you to open doors without keys. Locks respond to your fingerprint or voice commands. The Kwikset Halo Touch Fingerprint Smart Lock also allows you to use keys and your phone to open the door. The August Wi-Fi Smart Lock has embedded Wi-Fi and integrates with all smart assistants.
Kitchen Helpers
Amazon Alexa, Google Home and other smart assistants shine in the kitchen. You can use voice commands to add items to shopping lists, look up recipes, set timers and play music while you cook. Smart appliances such as the Anova Precision Oven, AmazonBasics Microwave and LG Signature InstaView Door-in-Door Refrigerator make life easier by responding to voice commands to set timers, watch food cook via your tablet or open the door when you are carrying bags full of groceries.
What About the Family Room?
You can use voice commands to turn on televisions, search for your favorite show and turn up the volume. Most TVs work with personal assistants such as the Amazon Echo and Google Home. Smart speakers offer high-quality sound and are voice-activated. The Sonos One supports AirPlay. Smart bulbs such as the Wyze Bulb Color feature Bluetooth feature Wi-Fi. You can control the ambient temperature with smart thermostats such as the Ecobee Smart Thermostat and the Nest Learning Thermostat. Both come with remote sensors you can place in other rooms to keep the temperature consistent throughout your home.
Bed and Bath
Mattresses have come a long way. The Sleep Number 360 i8 Smart Bed allows you to set the perfect firmness for each of you. It also tracks your sleep trends and can make recommendations for getting a better night’s sleep. Got allergies? The Dyson Purifier Cool TP07 keeps the air clean so you can sleep better. Hands-free in your bath is healthier for you. The Kohler Veil features an automatic opening and closing system, night-light, a heated seat, a warm-air drying system, an automatic deodorizer, a self-cleaning function and an emergency mode that lets you flush up to 100 times during a power outage. The Kohler PerfectFill smart drain and bath filler will draw your bath with just a voice command.
Did You Close the Garage Door?
How many times have you wondered if you closed the garage door? With a smart garage door opener, you never will again. The Genie SilentMax Connect Garage Door Opener connects to your home Wi-Fi network, allows you to create users and access schedules and can be controlled via a phone or tablet.