Are Bathrooms Part of the Smart Home Trend?
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 for Your Kitchen
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.
Heated Floors Add Warmth and Comfort to the Master Bathroom
Heated flooring in the master bath was once considered an expensive luxury. However, the cost of these floors has come down in recent years, making them an affordable upgrade for many homeowners. These heating systems can be easily installed as part of a bathroom remodeling project that will include new floor tiles. Heated floors provide a welcomed measure of comfort on cold winter days and nights.
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Dwell Remodeling Founder, Jeff Hatala, Shares his Story
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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Kitchen Upgrades that Work for Today’s Families
The kitchen has long been the heart of the home and a gathering place for families and friends. Today’s families need a comfortable place that will work for their busy lifestyles. They want features and work spaces that are both aesthetically pleasing and functional for the way they live. A kitchen remodel is a good investment for the homeowner and may determine whether a family stays in their existing home or moves. Thoughtful upgrades can increase the home’s value and make day to day life easier. Here are some to consider.
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Look Beyond Granite for Your Kitchen Countertops
Granite has been a widely used kitchen countertop material for many years. The range of available colors, its durability, and the ease of upkeep continue to ensure its popularity among homeowners. However, demand for other types of materials and looks is on the rise. Deciding on a countertop material that’s right for your kitchen may depend on several factors including the overall design, budget, and maintenance. Here are some options to consider, along with their pros and cons.
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Upgrades for Your Secondary Bathroom
Secondary bathrooms often pull double duty. They are typically used on a daily basis by family members, but also need to accommodate guests. While not always as luxurious and spa-like as the master bath, secondary bathrooms should still be updated and visually appealing. Whether your extra bathrooms need a full remodel or just a refresh, today’s homeowners want a room that functions well and looks fabulous. Here are some upgrades to consider.
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Stylish Backsplashes for Today’s Kitchens
A kitchen backsplash should provide easy to clean protection behind the range or sink. Although its purpose is essentially utilitarian, the backsplash certainly doesn’t have to look boring. Homeowners today have a wide array of choices to consider when designing a stylish kitchen backsplash. Whether their style preference is classic, contemporary, or rustic, there are options for every budget that will add just the right finishing touch.
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Designing the Ultimate Spa-like Bathroom for Baby Boomers
The ultimate spa-like bathroom is high on everyone’s list these days. Whether building a new home or renovating an older one, homeowners are looking for high-end finishes and luxury touches that evoke a spa-like retreat feeling without going on vacation. Baby boomers who are looking to remain in their homes as they age are also considering some design features that will allow them to enjoy their homes for years to come. They may also realize higher resale values when the time comes to sell.
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Five ‘Must Haves’ for Your Kitchen Remodel
A kitchen remodel is one of the most common updates tackled by today’s homeowners. A good kitchen remodel can yield a return on investment of up to 80%, depending on the study cited. The kitchen is the heart of the home, and families want a functional space that is organized, attractive, and serves as a gathering place for family and friends. If your kitchen needs an update, here are five must have items to consider incorporating into the design.
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