What was once considered the stuff of sci-fi films, home automation is quickly becoming the norm around the world. Along with standalone smart devices like your Google Home or Amazon Alexa, Australians are embracing more advanced technology to automate everyday tasks. Unlock your door with a tap on your phone, or simply command your lights to turn on or off – the future is now.

However, a healthy dose of scepticism may be stopping you from making the jump. The team at Cobalt Constructions have prepared this blog to bust the myths about smart homes and give you the confidence to embrace the benefits of smart home technology for your new home.

Are smart homes safe?

One of the most common questions people ask about home automation is whether it’s safe. In fact, smart technology makes your home more secure than traditional methods, with countless options available to suit your family’s security needs.

Have you ever left home and suddenly panicked over whether you locked the door? With a smart door lock, you can simply confirm this by using the smartphone app, and even lock it remotely. With the app, you can receive real-time arrival notifications when family members get home and unlock your door, letting you know when the kids are home safe from school.

Your smart home security system can include and connect cameras, thermostats, lights, and smoke alarms that you can monitor and control these from virtually anywhere.

How much control do I have with home automation?

All you need is an internet connection, and your credentials to control your home automation and connected smart devices from your smartphone, smartwatch, laptop and other compatible devices.

Another popular option is voice-activated control, installing speakers and smart plugs around your home to listen for your commands. Need to turn on the lights but have your hands full? Just say, “Hey Google, turn on the lights”. Standalone smart devices like this are a great introduction to home automation technology, allowing you to apply the idea to individual features of your home and become comfortable with it.

Whichever devices and options you choose, you can control how much or how little smart technology you want in your home. 

Does it cost a lot?

Home automation and smart devices are often associated with high costs, but that isn’t necessarily the case, especially as more and more products enter the market.

The total cost of adding this technology can vary greatly depending on the level of automation you want in your home and the number of connected devices. A smart lighting system can cost $1,000 to $3,000, as opposed to a full home automation system where you can select ‘movie mode’ to make the room lights dim, curtains close and the tv turn on.

There’s also the money that smart home technology can save you in the long run. Smart thermostats can be programmed to only heat or cool certain rooms instead of the whole house, and smart lighting can be set to your preferred brightness or automated to switch off after you’ve left a room. These technologies can significantly reduce your energy consumption and your utilities bills.

We recommend considering your home automation needs during the design stage and  installing smart wiring infrastructure during the build, as this is a more economical choice than finding or making space for the technology later. Although retro-fitting home automation to an existing home is possible, the options available are more limited.

At Cobalt Constructions, our finger is always on the pulse when it comes to current and emerging home technologies. We encourage our clients to consider the many advantages of smart home technology and how it can improve their lifestyles.

Get in touch with our friendly team today to learn more about including home automation in your next project.