Smart home technology and automation have become increasingly integral to modern living, with the number of smart homes forecast to grow and surpass the 785 million mark by 2028. Following suit, home building and construction companies are embracing the rapid demand for these technologies and are incorporating the devices into new construction homes.

Integrating smart home technology into new construction builds not only enhances convenience and safety for homeowners, but also offers significant advantages when building the structure itself.

Builders can utilize video doorbells, smart security systems, and smart locks equipped with unique temporary and recurring access codes.

These features allow builders to maintain visibility of who enters the home and when, enhancing security throughout the construction phase and simplifying the transition to homeownership.

Once construction is complete and the home is occupied, homeowners can easily manage access codes, eliminating concerns about misplaced or unauthorized keys. 

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While smart home technology can also increase property value (up to 5% increase), homeowners rely on these devices to enhance their home life with personalized convenience, reduced energy consumption, increased efficiency and the security and safety for loved ones, which is arguably the most important benefit.

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Enhanced Home Life

Voice assistance is a prime example of how smart home technology can enhance daily living. Devices like Amazon Alexa and Google Home Assistant have gained immense popularity by allowing homeowners to multitask, complete to-do lists more efficiently, and operate home systems with simple voice commands.

Whether it’s playing music while cooking, asking about the weather, setting reminders or managing various other tasks, these assistants add convenience to everyday life.

Energy Consumption Reduction

Another significant benefit of smart home technology is its ability to reduce energy consumption. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, homes and commercial buildings consume 40% of the country’s power.

Additionally the U.S. Energy Information Administration reports that U.S. residential electricity bills increased by 2% each month in 2023 compared with 2022, with some areas experiencing higher costs.

With rising energy costs, there is a growing recognition of the importance of reducing consumption, prompting homeowners to seek out cost-saving solutions.

One increasingly popular option is the installation of a smart thermostat as a variety of the devices are equipped with automation and scheduling abilities that allow the technology to cool or heat only occupied areas of the house or to operate only when occupants are home.

Additionally, homeowners can adjust the temperature remotely from their mobile devices while they’re away.

Some smart technology can also help homeowners determine cost-saving opportunities. For example, smart charging stations for electric vehicles can monitor energy prices to determine the most economical times for charging.

Safety and Security

Arguably the most crucial benefit of smart home technology is the enhanced safety and security it offers.

Smart locks, video doorbells, and security systems are popular integrations that provide both peace of mind and convenience to builders and homeowners.

With technology like remote access, unique entry codes, or motion-activated sensors, contractors can access a home conveniently and safely while onsite, without the homeowner always needing to open the door or leave the home unlocked during the construction process.

After the construction process, contractors can remotely access the systems and monitor for issues without the need to be physically present onsite, saving time and costs for construction companies and avoiding unnecessary disruptions to homeowners’ schedules.

For example, water leak detection and smart smoke detection systems are gaining popularity, particularly in regions prone to extreme climate events like California’s wildfires or Florida’s hurricanes.

Insurance companies are increasingly offering discounts to homeowners who install this technology because it effectively reduces the risk of water damage and other home maintenance issues.

Therefore, it is crucial for builders to be aware of these advancements and effectively communicate their benefits to customers.

From the homeowner’s perspective, smart security technology is also especially valuable for those that want to check in on other family members.

Motion sensors can non-intrusively monitor aging loved ones who live independently or alert parents when young children access off-limit rooms in the house (e.g. unfinished basements, at-home gyms, or unsupervised pools.)

Future of Home Tech in Home Building

Looking ahead, an increasing number of innovations focused on enhancing homeowner safety and security will continue to hit the market.

One such advancement is smart air quality sensors, which are relatively new to the industry. Recent events like the California wildfires or the smog over New York City this past summer have heightened awareness of indoor air quality’s impact on respiratory health.

This technology can be appealing to homeowners who are health-conscious, have pre-existing medical issues, or young children who might be more susceptible to these environments.

Additionally, I predict the cost-saving technology used in electric vehicle charging stations will be applied to home appliances, with future washing machines and dishwashers being able to calculate the cost of running a load at different times of the day, guiding homeowners to the most cost-efficient times to operate these appliances.

Lastly, I anticipate further advancement in remote monitoring, so builders can improve efficiency by identifying the problem and fixing it quickly. This will not only increase customer satisfaction, increase referrals, but also help builders and contractors streamline the construction process and prevent delays.

The rise of smart home technology in new construction homes signifies a transformative shift towards enhanced convenience, safety, and efficiency.

With innovations like smart locks, video doorbells and energy-saving appliances becoming standard, homeowners benefit from increased security, reduced energy consumption and seamless integration into their daily lives.

As these technologies continue to evolve, they promise to redefine the modern home experience, ensuring both builders and homeowners embrace a future where connectivity and functionality intersect effortlessly.

Tim Eskew is Director of Product Management for Allegion, maker of Schlage Locks.

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