Smart renovations: Why integrating smart technology should be a priority

The modern home is evolving, and so are the priorities in home renovations. With technology advancing at a rapid pace, Australians looking to upgrade their homes now have the opportunity to future-proof their living spaces with smart touches. These smart home elements are not just about adding convenience but also about fostering a home that aligns with the rapidly evolving digital era—in which homes are expected to serve and adapt to their inhabitants as seamlessly as possible.

Chris Kerr, Vice President of Home & Distribution at Clipsal by Schneider Electric, emphasized the importance of integrating electrical and smart home strategies at the onset of the renovation process. “Homeowners often don’t consider their electrical and smart home needs at the beginning of the renovation process, which is a missed opportunity,” he stated. His advice underlines the benefits of early planning, which ensures that the final outcome will meet both aesthetic appeal and functional needs.

The potential impact of incorporating smart technology extends beyond simple convenience. For example, a smart home system like Clipsal Wiser™ Smart Home can automate everyday tasks, like a heated towel rail that turns on in the morning, ensuring that comfort is automated. Kerr highlighted this point by sharing, “We have enough to think about around the home, so investing in smart home systems… should make it easier, not more complicated, to automate your home’s functions.”

Smart technology also opens a pathway towards energy efficiency, potentially reducing household bills. Using the Clipsal’s Wiser by SE app enables homeowners to track device usage and automate functions like air conditioning, ensuring energy isn’t wasted unnecessarily.

More than efficiency, the goal is to achieve optimized living, whereby the home ecosystem seamlessly responds to the needs and routines of its residents. In this context, good network cabling is just as significant as the smart products themselves, enhancing internet speeds and ensuring that the smart home system operates without interruptions. Kerr articulated this, stating that a functional home is not only about aesthetic flow but meeting, and sometimes anticipating, a homeowner’s needs and routines.

Healthy living environments are another consideration where smart homes can make a significant difference. Kerr pointed out that automation could aid in managing humidity—particularly relevant to certain parts of Australia—and contribute to preventing problems like mould while also adding a layer of security.

The choice of the right electrician is fundamental, as they can provide insights on device placement and inform homeowners about the latest technology that could enhance their daily lives. Kerr added, “Electricians are certified installers, they can provide homeowners with invaluable insight on the placement of devices.”

While the concept of smart home automation may seem daunting or expensive, starting with the most needed or desired products can provide a scalable solution that adjusts over time to changing needs. As such, Chris Kerr’s expertise suggests that smart touches should be an essential component of any home renovation plan.

For individuals embarking on their renovation journey, it is important to carefully consider these aspects. Smart home technology presents an opportunity to not only modernize but also to create a living space that truly works for its residents now and into the future.

For those seeking more information on integrating smart home systems into their renovation projects, additional resources can be found on Clipsal by Schneider Electric’s smart home webpage.