Home Automation – What Does it Mean?

The term “Home Automation” may conjure up images of the Jetsons for some homeowners. However, we have indeed reached the time when home automation can be a reality.

Particular attractive to families with children is the fact that security cameras can now be installed throughout the home, and are web-accessible from any internet enabled location. This is a relief for people who have babysitters or nannies staying with their children while they are traveling. It also allows Mom and Dad the ability to peek at their kids and see what they are up to while their parents are not home.

In addition to the camera features, an automated home can be set up with a central control panel from which the lights, integrated sound system, telephones and garage door can all be accessed, along with other systems within the home.

The automation control panel can be an actual control panel in the wall, or it can also be accessed through a computer. The control panel can report on environment within the home, temperature, light measurements, and water temperature.

It is also possible to install sensors throughout the home that can be monitored by the control panel. These could be door and window sensors, freezer door sensors and motion detectors both inside and outside of the home. These security features have never before had the ability to be integrated into one monitor system. Home automation products give homeowners the peace of mind of knowing that they are able to see everything at one time.

Many of the more advanced systems on the market now give the homeowner the ability to request alerts if certain things occur. For example, if the home gets too cold, the garage door is open for more than the expected time, the freezer door is open or an intruder is in the driveway at 3 a.m. Never before have we had so many options for home security!

Additional “space age” features of a home automation system are unlocking your front door from a remote location in case the kids forget their keys, setting up a lights time for vacation – or varying the light schedule by logging in to your control panel from the beach! You can also integrate your home stereo and maybe even replace your expensive Tivo system with the integrated applications of your automation system.

Home automation is a great feature – which is best implemented during the building of a new home. If you are considering building a home, or are in the process of building a home, you should take a look at the many automation systems available today!

And you too, can live like the Jetsons!

This home building article by:
Michelle McClory with BuildingPlans.com

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