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7 Smart Home Features to Include in Your Next Remodeling Project

Get the most out of your renovation by incorporating these cutting-edge technologies that enhance comfort, security, and efficiency.

At Golden Hammer Remodeling, we understand that a modern home is more than just beautiful design—it’s about creating spaces that work smarter for you. Today’s remodeling projects increasingly include smart home technology that can transform how you interact with your living environment. From enhanced security to energy savings, these innovations offer convenience and peace of mind that traditional homes simply can’t match.

Whether you’re planning a complete home renovation or updating specific rooms, integrating smart features during your remodel is more cost-effective than adding them later. Here are seven smart home technologies that can elevate your remodeling project to the next level.

1. Integrated Smart Lighting Systems

Smart lighting goes far beyond the novelty of changing colors with your voice. A properly designed smart lighting system can transform your home’s ambiance, security, and energy efficiency.

When remodeling with Golden Hammer, we recommend installing smart switches rather than just smart bulbs for a more seamless experience. This allows you to control your lighting through traditional wall switches, smartphone apps, or voice commands. Motion sensors can be strategically placed to automatically illuminate pathways at night, while programmable scenes can adjust multiple lights simultaneously for different activities or times of day.

For maximum impact, consider recessed lighting with smart RGB capabilities in main living areas. These can be tuned to different color temperatures—cooler, energizing light during the day and warmer, relaxing tones in the evening—to support your body’s natural circadian rhythm.

2. Intelligent Climate Control

Smart thermostats have evolved significantly beyond simple programming. Today’s systems learn your preferences and adjust automatically to optimize both comfort and energy usage.

During your remodel, we can install zoned HVAC systems that pair with smart thermostats to control temperatures in different areas of your home independently. This prevents energy waste by heating or cooling only the spaces you’re using. Some advanced systems even incorporate occupancy sensors that detect which rooms are being used and adjust accordingly.

For the ultimate in climate control, consider adding smart ceiling fans and motorized window treatments that work in concert with your HVAC system. These can automatically adjust based on time of day, temperature, and sunlight to maintain ideal conditions while minimizing energy consumption.

3. Comprehensive Security Integration

Home security is no longer limited to a basic alarm system. Today’s smart security solutions offer comprehensive protection that you can monitor and control from anywhere.

During your remodeling project, we can seamlessly integrate doorbell cameras, motion sensors, and smart locks into your home’s design. These devices not only enhance security but also add convenience—imagine never having to wonder if you locked the door or being able to let in a service provider remotely.

For a truly integrated approach, we recommend systems that connect all security elements, allowing them to work together. For example, motion detection can trigger lights to turn on and cameras to begin recording, while sending an alert to your phone. This level of integration is much easier to achieve during a remodel when walls are open and new wiring can be installed.

4. Voice-Controlled Home Automation Hub

A central home automation hub serves as the command center for your smart home, allowing different devices and systems to communicate with each other.

When planning your remodel with Golden Hammer, we’ll help you select the right platform for your needs and ensure that all your smart devices are compatible. Popular options include Amazon Alexa, Google Home, and Apple HomeKit, each with their own strengths and compatible devices.

The key to a successful smart home is thoughtful placement of voice controllers throughout your home. During your remodel, we can install in-wall or ceiling-mounted microphones and speakers that blend seamlessly with your décor while providing convenient voice control in every room.

5. Smart Kitchen Appliances 

The kitchen remains the heart of the home, and smart appliances can make this busy space more efficient and enjoyable to use.

Modern smart refrigerators can track inventory, suggest recipes based on available ingredients, and even allow you to see inside remotely while grocery shopping. Smart ovens can be preheated on your commute home and can adjust cooking methods automatically for perfect results.

During your kitchen remodel with Golden Hammer, we’ll ensure proper power requirements and connectivity for these advanced appliances. We can also incorporate charging stations and dedicated spaces for tablets or displays that control your smart kitchen ecosystem. 

6. Bathroom Technology Upgrades

Bathrooms are increasingly becoming high-tech sanctuaries, with smart features that enhance comfort and efficiency.

Smart showers can be programmed to your preferred temperature and flow rate, starting automatically at your usual shower time. Digital faucets offer touchless operation and can dispense precise amounts of water at specific temperatures. For the ultimate luxury, consider smart toilets with heated seats, automatic flushing, and built-in bidets.

 

When remodeling your bathroom with Golden Hammer, we can install proper electrical and plumbing connections for these advanced fixtures, as well as waterproof voice controllers for a truly hands-free experience.

 

7. Energy Management Systems

Perhaps the most practical smart home feature is a comprehensive energy management system that helps reduce utility bills while increasing comfort.

Smart electrical panels can monitor energy usage by circuit, identifying energy hogs and potential problems before they become serious. Solar integration with battery storage can be controlled intelligently to maximize self-consumption of renewable energy.

During your remodel, Golden Hammer can install the necessary infrastructure for these systems, including upgraded electrical panels and dedicated circuits for high-demand smart devices. We can also incorporate energy-efficient LED lighting throughout your home that integrates with your smart system for additional savings.

At Golden Hammer Remodeling, we believe that smart home technology should enhance your lifestyle without adding complexity. Our approach integrates these features seamlessly into your home’s design, ensuring they’re intuitive to use and reliable for years to come. By incorporating these technologies during your remodel rather than as afterthoughts, you’ll enjoy a more cohesive, functional, and forward-thinking home.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. How much does it typically cost to add smart home features during a remodel?

Smart home technology can fit various budgets, ranging from a few hundred dollars for basic lighting and thermostat controls to tens of thousands for comprehensive whole-home automation. At Golden Hammer Remodeling, we work with you to prioritize features that offer the most value for your specific needs and budget. The good news is that incorporating these technologies during a remodel is significantly more cost-effective than adding them later.

2. Will smart home technology become outdated quickly?

While technology evolves rapidly, we focus on installing systems with open standards and updatable firmware that can adapt over time. We recommend infrastructure investments like proper wiring and power that will support future technologies, even as specific devices evolve. Many quality smart home systems receive regular software updates that add new features and compatibility with newer devices.

3. Do I need strong Wi-Fi throughout my home for these features to work?

Yes, reliable connectivity is essential for most smart home features. During your remodel, we can install a robust networking infrastructure with properly placed access points to ensure strong coverage throughout your home. For critical systems like security, we often recommend hardwired connections for maximum reliability.

4. Can smart home features be added to historic or older homes?

Absolutely! We specialize in thoughtfully integrating modern technology while preserving the character of older homes. Wireless technologies and discreet installation methods allow us to add smart functionality without compromising architectural integrity. In some cases, we can even use existing wiring pathways to minimize disruption to historic structures.

5. How do I control all these different smart devices?

We design systems with intuitive control in mind, typically through a single app or interface that manages all your devices. Voice control through platforms like Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant provides a hands-free option, while traditional switches and controls remain functional for familiar operation. During your remodel, we'll provide complete setup and training to ensure you're comfortable with your new technology.

6. When should I involve Golden Hammer in planning smart home features for my remodel?

Ideally, involve us early — even during the vision stage. This allows us to help you avoid costly mistakes and ensure that your home's infrastructure will support your smart home goals. Early planning also helps us integrate technology seamlessly into your design rather than having it appear as an afterthought.

7. Are smart home features secure from hackers?

Security is a top priority in our smart home installations. We implement best practices like separate networks for smart devices, strong password policies, and regular security updates. We also select products from reputable manufacturers with strong security track records and clear privacy policies to protect your data and home.