smart home system for modern bathroom

We’ve all read that smart home technology is an increasingly popular trend in today’s homes. New home builders are incorporating many types of these conveniences including smart thermostats, security systems, and home entertainment centers. A major renovation of an older home is the perfect time to add some of these modern upgrades. Appliances with smart home technology can bring dated kitchens into the 21st century. But what about the bathroom? What high tech products and features can homeowners install to make their bathrooms more user friendly?

Heated Flooring

A radiant heat system installed below the flooring provides added comfort underfoot on chilly nights and mornings. It’s an especially welcome sensation under hard surfaces like tile, stone, and marble. Radiant heating can be easily installed if the homeowner is changing the bathroom flooring. The temperature is controlled by a thermostat with a timer that can be programmed to turn on before the bathroom is typically in use and turn off during other parts of the day. Homeowners can also control these functions through a WiFi enabled device such as a mobile phone or tablet. Heated floors may even allow homeowners to lower the temperature in the house without having the bathrooms feel too cold.

Bluetooth Speakers

Enjoy your favorite tunes while showering with a showerhead featuring waterproof Bluetooth speakers. Bluetooth connectivity allows users to connect wirelessly to their phone, computer, or tablet to play music. Speakers can be removed to recharge the batteries. These showerheads are available in several major brands.
Shower Faucet Temperature Control

A digital display shows the exact temperature of the water. Color indicators let users easily see when the water temperature is just right. The color starts out blue for cold water and eventually turns to red when temperature is hotter than 110 degrees. This feature is especially helpful for children. Some brands are available with Alexa and Siri voice control capability.

Water Heater Controller

Wireless connectivity enables homeowners to heat water only when it is needed. This feature helps save money on the monthly gas or electric bill. Some models also have leak detection alerts. All this can be controlled from a smart phone.

Smart Toilets

Smart toilets are environmentally friendly and make life easier. Sensors activate the flushing mechanism, making it hands free. Water sensors determine how much water is necessary to flush, so water is not wasted. Self-cleaning features eliminate an unpleasant household chore. Heated seats and self-closing lids are other available features.

Smart home technology is becoming increasingly popular with today’s homeowners, offering new levels of comfort and convenience.  Many new construction homes are designed as smart homes, with systems and appliances that can be controlled remotely through an internet-connected device such as a laptop or mobile phone.  Popular functions to control are home security, thermostats, lighting, and entertainment systems.  But even an older home can receive some easy smart home upgrades.  It’s especially convenient to incorporate smart home products during a major renovation or remodeling project.  Even homeowners who don’t consider themselves “tech-savvy” may find some of these new products make life easier and are not difficult to use.  A kitchen remodel creates the perfect opportunity to try a few new smart technology products.

Smart Fridge

Some refrigerator models now have an app that allows key features to be controlled, or voice activated features of Google Assistant.  LCD touchscreens on the front can let the homeowner create a shopping list, see the contents of the fridge, set food expiration dates, adjust the temperature, turn the ice maker on or off, and more.  They are available in styles and finishes desired by today’s families including French door, side by side, stainless steel, and black stainless steel with smudge resistant finishes.

Ovens, Cooktops, Range Hoods 

WiFi connected appliances let the homeowners preheat the oven, change the temperature, and adjust the timer remotely.  Models are available in both gas and electric.  Some brands are now compatible with Amazon’s Alexa.  Range hoods that use Bluetooth to sync with the cooktop are also available.  They will automatically turn on lights and fan when the cooktop is in use.

Dishwashers

Smart dishwashers enable the homeowner to monitor the dishwasher cycle time and status, lock and unlock the controls, and alert if anything goes amiss during the cycle.  Some brands will even automatically order detergent or rinse agent when connected with Amazon Dash.

In 1997, I started a remodeling company out of the back of my SUV with limited funds. While I didn’t have many resources, I had invaluable lessons learned working in my father’s consulting business. We coached Fortune 500 executives on improving organizational performance and transforming cultures and work teams. I learned there are two key areas all successful businesses need to excel- outstanding work processes and strong people skills. When I started my company, I not only developed skills at construction methods, I aimed to excel at the human side of the business, a side often neglected in construction. I believe “The HOUSE is made of sticks and bricks, but the HOME is made of people…and it takes strength in both areas to create exceptional remodeling experiences”. Get one wrong and it’s like a house of cards, the whole project can be a disaster.
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