The new age is upon us. Never in the history of home ownership have consumers had so many high-tech options to choose from. People often struggle with the decision of what to do with money they have set aside for improvements and additions to their dwellings. The list below can help because it includes five worthwhile ideas from residential technology experts.
So, if you’re interested in boosting the tech-appeal of your abode, either for your own purposes or to increase its potential resale value, choose one or more of the projects below and get busy turning your house into a modern abode.
Home Lifts
People who wonder what home lifts cost are often pleasantly surprised when they discover that not only are these gorgeous devices competitively priced, but it’s possible to recover some or all of the expense when selling a home. Considered something of a rarity as recently as 2005, residential lifts are starting to pop up everywhere, in new developments and in older homes that once features winding, and dangerous, staircases. Experts say lifts are an ideal technological investment for owners who want the safety of never having to use stairs and the reassurance that they’ll recoup any costs when they resell.
Smart HVAC
HVAC units must be installed by experts but the amount you stand to save on monthly utility bills is truly staggering. Most of the installation costs can be paid for within two years or fewer. Smart HVAC systems include super-smart thermostats, programmable temp and humidity controls for each room, vacation settings that cut energy use by about 95 percent while you’re away for an extended amount of time, and automated light shut-off in empty rooms. Of course, you can over-ride any of the controls whenever you choose to do so. Nearly every new housing development in Europe, the U.S. and India includes homes with smart HVAC. You can install it in an old or newer home and start saving money right away.
In-Ground Solar
Newer solar technology allows for super-efficiency and much better cost per hour of usable electricity. That means not all solar cells need to be on your roof. They can do just as good of a job when mounted on a wood or metal ground frame in the backyard. Homeowners in sunny locales are opting for both room and ground solar panels to double their energy production. Companies that sell solar products for residential dwellings say that 2018 and 2019 were the two biggest years for the industry. They expect 2020 to continue the trend.
All-Around Security Systems
Extensive residential security systems have been around for a while but have never been so cost efficient. Newer cameras, built to be unobtrusive and to produce high-resolution images, are all the rage in consumer tech these days. Systems that used to come with exorbitant prices are now affordable by the average consumer. These all-around systems feature 360-degree camera coverage of the structure’s exterior, alarms on all doors and windows, and motion sensors in yards.