Smart home technology is increasingly popular in multifamily communities across the country. But what exactly is smart home technology? Simply put, smart home devices allow renters and homeowners to control appliances, temperature, security, and more through any connected device. You can turn on the lights in your home, access security cameras, change the thermostat, and more from your phone, no matter where you are.
These devices include smart locks which control access to apartments and common areas, smart cameras which deliver peace of mind, and smart appliances and lighting which help conserve energy. High-speed internet, Bluetooth, and custom apps all enhance a sensor-rich smart home environment. Compatibility with Alexa, Siri, or Google Assistant makes smart devices even more convenient.
Renters Increasingly Expect Smart Tech in Their Homes
Smart tech is all about convenience, safety, and peace of mind. Numerous surveys show just how desirable this technology has become among renters. For example, according to a survey of 1,000 renters, 65 percent of baby boomers are willing to pay a premium for smart apartment technology. That figure rose to 86 percent among millennials.
An Apartment Resident Preferences Report reveals substantial interest in voice-activated devices. The report cites the preferences of more than 370,000 renters in 5,336 communities. Forty-three percent of respondents said they’d only consider properties with voice-activated tech. About one-third of respondents said they already owned assistants like Google Home or Amazon Alexa. And according to Statista, smart home tech will appear in a projected 40 percent of homes in 2021.
It’s clear that smart home technology is here to stay. Everyone benefits from property-wide connectivity, including visitors, vendors, property managers, owners, and especially residents. Here are some smart devices found in more and more of today’s apartment homes and how they can enhance your lifestyle.
1. Smart Thermostats
Smart thermostats are a premium amenity increasingly found in luxury apartment homes. They assess apartment usage, time of day, and even weather patterns. This reduces the unnecessary heating and cooling of unoccupied units. Manual adjustments are still possible if you want to tweak the settings to further enhance personal comfort.
2. Smart Lighting
Energy-efficient smart light bulbs work with your smartphone and/or smart assistant. Residents enjoy control over brightness and even color. Adjust the color of smart lighting to create different moods. Residents may feel more secure knowing they can control lights from remote locations.
3. Smart Plugs
Smart plugs are also known as smart outlet controllers. They give you a way to extend smart home functionality to lamps, fans, and more. Use a custom app on your phone to dim the lights or to turn a fan off and on. Some units allow for programmable schedules and energy usage alerts. For extra needs, consider a smart power strip.
4. Built-in Bluetooth Speakers
Most of today’s smart TVs are compatible with Bluetooth speakers. They also allow you to cast music from your smartphone. This technology delivers crystal-clear sound, pronounced bass, and an elevated gaming experience. ome properties even feature built-in Bluetooth ceiling or wall speakers, which deliver plug-n-play functionality. Some work with Amazon’s Alexa, Google Assistant, or Apple’s Siri.
5. Smart Locks
As time goes on, more multifamily developments choose smart locks over physical keys. Landlords increasingly use smart lock tech to control access to gyms, laundries, and parcel lockers as well. Renters themselves may want to consider smart security that doesn’t need door modification. Devices often attach right to your deadbolt. When you are away, you can allow access to visitors at your discretion or grant selective access for deliveries.
6. Peephole Cameras
It is possible to align a camera with the peephole on the inside of the front door. It delivers doorbell camera functionality without drilling or wiring. An optional impact sensor activates when visitors knock on the door. To communicate with those arriving at your door, select a unit with a built-in speaker and microphone. If your front door leads to the outdoors, consider a unit with night vision capability.
7. Smart Video Monitoring
Motion sensors activate indoor wireless security cameras for added peace of mind. It is possible to set up some units so you’ll receive a smartphone alert when the sensor detects motion. Residents also use smart cameras to watch pets, children, or elderly family members. You can even record video on an SD card if desired. Camera resolution varies, although HD 1080p is common.
8. Smart Appliances
Landlords increasingly look to smart appliances to elevate the tenant experience. Residents enjoy the intuitive interfaces along with energy efficiency. Residents easily control refrigerators, ovens, and more via a smart speaker or smartphone. New devices continue to arrive: for example, smart food thermometers made their debut at the 2020 Consumer Electronic Show (CES). Simply look at your smartphone to find out when the center of a turkey or roast reaches the desired temperature.
9. Smart Fireplaces
It is possible to control natural gas-powered fireplaces much like smart appliances. Although features may vary from one model to another, you can often control temperature, flame height, or the fan from your smartphone.
About Draper and Kramer
Draper and Kramer is a family-operated real estate firm founded in Chicago in 1893 that incorporates smart home tech in many of its luxury apartment properties.
For example, 61 Banks Street delivers smart home technology to its residents on Chicago’s Gold Coast. In addition to keyless entry, there’s also smart panel efficiency. Select residences feature smart fireplaces. in Chicago’s South Loop, Aspire offers the convenience of keyless entry. Test your athletic abilities in the sports simulator room, where high-speed cameras and a powerful computer analyze your shotmaking skills.
Visit Draper and Kramer to learn more about their luxury smart apartment amenities or book an apartment tour today.
Smart home devices allow renters and homeowners to control appliances, temperature, security, and more through any connected device. You can turn on the lights in your home, access security cameras, change the thermostat, and more from your phone, no matter where you are.
