Smart home systems add a new level of convenience to any home. If you are thinking about adding some smart gadgets to your living space, there are certainly benefits. There are also some downsides to consider as well. One that most people often focus on is price. But will you see those gadgets increase your home’s value?
Adding value to your home is on the top of any list when homeowners weighed out the pros and cons of renovations or additions. While smart gadgets might not break the bank like a new patio installation, you can expect to shell out a few thousand dollars for some systems. To find out which gadgets increase your home’s value, read on!
1. Smart Thermostats
Smart thermostats add smart connectivity to your HVAC system. They can provide some killer features that automate your temperature control. In doing so, they help alleviate a lot of the financial stress when it comes to monthly power bills. This can be a huge advantage for some buyers looking for a more cost-efficient and sustainable home.
Smart thermostats can:
- Schedule temperature changes throughout the day
- Allow you to manage your home’s AC system remotely through smartphone apps
- Can help with smart temperature management and energy efficiency
Smart thermostats can be a great addition to any home, and they don’t cost much upfront. You can easily get a unit under $200, and installation is a breeze. Since these devices are usually permanent, they can factor into home prices. But can these smart home devices significantly boost the value of your home?
A smart thermostat might bring up your home’s value, but it might only be a few hundred dollars. What they do increase is the curb appeal of your home. Smart thermostats give potential buyers another reason to fall in love with your home. But don’t think that it will help when it comes time to refinance, but when you decide to sell, it might be a selling point for certain families.
We compiled a Buyer’s Guide About the Best Smart Thermostats For Heat Pumps. Check it out!
2. Smart Smoke Detectors
Smoke detectors are an essential home safety tool that has been a staple of modern houses for decades. In some areas, it is even illegal to live in a home without them. You might not think that this low-profile piece of tech needs a smart upgrade, but smart smoke detectors offer plenty of benefits.
They include:
- Smart detectors can warn of dangers when you aren’t home
- You can check if they are operational without needing the be near the device
- Swap out beeps for other notifications on other devices
When shopping for smart smoke detectors, there are a few considerations to think about. First, you’ll want to check out if other sensors like carbon monoxide are included. This can save you the need of having to buy multiple systems. Another thing to look at is battery-powered vs. hard-wired. Each has its own advantages.
When it comes to added value, you might not see a stellar jump in your home’s value. That being said, safety is paramount for most people and families. This means a smart smoke detector system can be a selling point for your home. Much like other smart gadgets, they may only add a few hundred dollars to your home’s value, but they can help push a potential buyer.
3. Door Locks
Smart door locks are amazing. They can make it so you never have to carry your house keys again. They also come in all shapes and sizes and can fit any door you have. Additionally, there are hundreds of different lock combinations to choose from.
- Full-digital systems
- Biometric sensors (fingerprint)
- Hybrid digital and analog systems
If you are looking to add a new level of convenience to your doors, a smart lock can be the answer. They allow for keyless entry but also remote access. You can also schedule when your door might be open to letting kids in the home after school, for example. Locks with smart functionality can sync up with your overall smart home system, providing further integration.
When it comes to security, you can’t really put a price on your peace of mind. It is true that a robust security system, including smart locks, may help with insurance costs. But, what about home value? Again, it will depend on the buyer. If you can cater your home sales to a tech-loving crowd, then yes, smart locks will help bump up the price.
But as far as home value is concerned, don’t think you’ll get a huge increase. Since these locks are only around a few hundred dollars a piece, it means you can’t really expect too much in the form of long-term financial value. What they do offer is a more secure home, which for some, is a prime reason to buy a home.
4. Irrigation Systems
First impressions are sometimes the most important when it comes to home value. Many people argue that to get ahead, you need to make sure your lawn is immaculate. Smart irrigation systems provide an intelligent approach to lawn and garden water needs. Irrigation systems use a combination of advanced sprinkler tech, irrigation controllers, and water sensors.
Some systems are even weather-based, which means they utilize even more sensors to monitor daily environmental conditions. All of this data is managed by the smart irrigation control, which is then linked to a phone or other smart device. From here, you can do a lot when it comes to watering your lawn.
We wrote a thorough article that explains How Smart Bulbs Forecast Weather. Have a look if you would like to find some interesting tidbits.
- Schedule waterings
- Turn off and on remotely
- Utilize real-time data to match moisture levels
Combine these, and you get a system that can accurately gauge water needs and match them with the correct consumption. This means you’ll never waste a drop of water again. In places with drought, smart irrigation systems provide a tech-based solution to the overuse of water resources.
A smart irrigation system tells homebuyers you’ve taken the work out of lawn care. This makes for some great curb appeal. Savvy home buyers are now on the lookout for these types of systems, so they don’t have to install them themselves. Save them the work, and the headache, by providing them with a home already outfitted with their dream irrigation system.
5. Lighting
When you think about smart gadgets, the first thing that comes to mind is probably smart lighting. It has become a staple in the automation world, and there are plenty of options when it comes to what kind of lighting you choose.
There is:
- Smart overhead lighting
- Smart bulbs
- Smart accent lighting
- Smart outdoor lighting
If you can think of a place for lights, a company has made a smart version of it. They have become incredibly popular and have dropped in price, making them extremely accessible. Some devices are as easy to install as their predecessors. In fact, if you have to replace lighting in your home, why not opt for smart lighting?
There are a few things to keep in mind when shopping for lighting that can affect how the system’s value is perceived. The first is the type of lighting you choose. There are bulbs that work independently through Wi-Fi and others that utilize a smart home system like Zigbee or Z-Wave. Part of the convenience of a system like this will be how integrated your lighting is.
6. Water Leak Sensor
They might not have the appeal of smart lighting, but smart water leak sensors can save your utility bill. Water leaks usually aren’t as apparent as you’d like to think. When a leak happens, it could take months, if not years, to be noticed. In that time, you can expect to see some higher than average water bills or, worse yet, expensive plumbing repairs.
Water leak sensors:
- Catch leaks as they happen
- Alert you, the homeowner, when a leak is present
- Can manage other things, like pipe temperature
Pipe temperature can be very important if you are in an area where frozen pipes are an issue. Some smart water leak sensors can alert you when things get a bit too cold and help prevent costly pipe bursts. Since they don’t cost too much to install, don’t expect a big bump in your home value after you make the switch.
But what they do offer is another talking point when explaining all the gadgets in your home. Much like other items on this list, there really hasn’t been enough time for smart gadgets to make it to standard pricing models. What they do offer is curb appeal, which for the right buyer is more important.
We’ve compiled a list of 30 Amazing Smart Gadgets to Make Your Life Easier. Feel free to have a look!
7. Smart Solar Panel System
Sure solar panels already seem high-tech, but there are some that are a bit more intelligent than others. Solar panels have become a crazy popular addition to many homes, especially in sunnier climates. But what can smart solar panels offer homeowners, and for our discussion, potential home buyers?
Smart solar panel systems:
- Can help add years of use to panels
- Help manage power use
- Optimize system for efficiency
Smart modules in solar panel systems help panels deliver power when they can and shut them off when there is nowhere for power to go. This can add years of use to certain panels. Additionally, you can expect some better integration with other systems with a smart panel setup. This means remote operation through smartphone apps and other interconnectivity.
Solar panels, in general, add around 4.1% to a home’s value. An intelligent system might push that number a bit. If a solar panel system is something a potential buyer is interested in, then a smart system will certainly wow them. Part of selling a home is illuminating the benefits of your home. Adding smart solar panels is yet another way to build curb appeal to buyers.
8. Security System
A smart security system can be an excellent addition to any home. Systems that utilize smart features and integration are more responsive and usually easier to use. This means that even the less tech-savvy people in your home can use them without worry. You can even opt for a professional service that will help when it comes to home monitoring.
A sound security system includes:
- Cameras
- Sensors
- Doorbell sensor
There are also other things you can add to your system, like smoke detectors, that can all work together to keep your home safe. One of the hallmarks of security systems like this is that they come with smart system integration. This means that your doorbell camera is hooked up to your TV for viewing. This holds the same for cameras.
There is a full range of products and services in this category. You can easily go for a full-featured system or just stick with a smart doorbell. Regardless, security is often a big concern for buyers in a market. Having a security system installed can help when it comes to selling your home, especially if you opt for a smart system.
9. Switches and Wall Outlets
Much like lighting, smart switches and wall outlets can really make a home feel modern. The main appeal of these devices is that they add smart features to otherwise dumb appliances. When you add a smart switch, it means you now can use the lights of whatever devices are on the circuit in a smart way.
This means scheduling on/off cycles and turning things off when needed. They can also be great for managing “phantom” appliances. These are appliances that constantly drain power even when not in use. Smart switches and outlets can also help you gain a better picture of your power use.
Smart switches and outlets come in all shapes and sizes:
- Dimmers
- GFCI outlets
- Outdoor switches
If you can think of a place for a smart gadget, there probably is one available. These devices fall into the “permanent” category for smart gadgets. This means they don’t move when you leave. These kinds of smart gadgets can add value to your home through curb appeal. They might not factor into the market price, but you can probably sway the right buyer with these features.
10. Garage Door Opener
This one might seem a bit over the top. Out of all the things you could make a smart system compatible with, what would be the point of modernizing a garage door opener? Well, you’d be surprised to find out how much convenience these devices can bring to your garage.
Here are some benefits of using a smart garage door opener:
- Know when your garage door was opened
- Schedule times for the door to be open to let in guests
- Open door remotely
In a way, garage door openers have been at the genesis of smart home technology. Since old-school systems utilize radio frequencies to transmit signals, it only makes sense they would be part of the smart gadget revolution. Nowadays, you can expect more and more companies to make the switch to smart integration and functionality.
There are a few ways to utilize a smart garage opener too. You can buy a system to replace your old one, or you can retrofit an older system with a smart tech kit. Either way, expect to turn some heads when it comes time to show off your new tool. This is another system that can add excellent curb appeal to your home.
11. Smart TVs
While you might not think of smart TVs as a permanent part of your home, if you intend to leave them, they could. Some TV setups are either built into a wall or mounted. This makes it difficult to move. Moreover, it could mean visible mounting holes or empty recessed spaces in your house if you do take them.
Bigger TVs, especially, can be a great way to provide some extra value to potential buyers. While TV technology is advancing at a staggering rate, making sure your TVs are smart compatible can be the first step in future-proofing. This means they work with your overall smart home system.
This can include:
- Video doorbell integration — See your video feed on screen when someone rings the bell.
- Alarm system integration — If someone trips an outdoor sensor, your screen will alert you while watching your favorite movie or TV show.
- Video calls — You can even link smart TVs to your smartphone for video calls. This can be great if you use a smart home system like the Amazon Echo that supports this function.
As you can see, smart TVs can serve as an extension of your smart home systems. They can provide the integral screens you need to keep track of everything and stay in the loop. When it comes to adding home value, they work with other gadgets to build a complete smart home system. These adjustments can help appraisers value your home more accurately.
Wrapping Up
Buying smart gadgets doesn’t necessarily add value to your home. They can, but maybe not in the way you are thinking. While smart homes can factor into an appraiser’s job, more often, you will be gaining curb appeal over dollar value. This just means it will depend on the buyer whether or not these features add up.
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