Your Smartphone can do more than connect you to the Internet, offer storage for your favorite songs, or even keep you busy when you are traveling.  With the right applications, the Smartphone can become the companion you never had. In this age, where home appliances and gadgets, are changing every day, it is possible to have all the occurrences at home, within your reach.  Those devices with computer chips in them can be connected to the phone, through Wi-Fi connectivity, which can transform your house into a smart home.

Smart ways of using a Smartphone in your home

Thermostats- For those who are always updated, chances are that you have heard the buzz going round about Nest.  The thermostat is a definitive feature in iPods. The small temperature regulator features Wi-Fi connectivity and comes with an iPhone application.  With this, it implies that one can control the temperature of their home, regardless of where they are. You can use your home to turn off the thermostat and get it started some minutes before you come home. Nest will reduce your energy consumption as well as making you a smart home.

Having a smart home has many benefits compared to an ordinary home. You can now take control of your lighting, heating, air conditioning, entertainment, blinds, appliances and more all with a swipe or a touch of button. You can do home monitoring regardless of where you are while using your Smartphone or computer.  Some of the benefits that you will get from making your home smart are security, convenience and savings.

Security in the home

With your intelligent home, there is no need to worry about security. You are at peace knowing that you are aware of everything going on at home even when absent by getting alerts if anything goes amiss. May it be the motion sensor that can detect if someone or something makes movement, or the front door that can only be opened using your Smartphone. The home monitoring technology allows one to look into the home from wherever they are. More security means that the environment is safer for living. Sensors, smart locks, sirens and surveillance cameras that are installed in the home help to secure it. Most of these can be operated remotely even from the phone.

Most people dread the mere thought of remodeling a home. Some see it as an expensive venture; they would not dare getting into and in particular, during today’s economic atmosphere.  What they do not know, is that such as home improvement project, would boost their home’s value.  Furthermore, there is a wave about achieving a smart home, and you should not be left out.  Depending on where you are based, your neighbors may be sailing in the wave and its time you joined them.

Some handy tips to make the smart home remodeling a success

1.    Use materials reminiscent of your neighborhood. You certainly do not want your house to stand out as the odd one out, in the negative. Regardless of whether you are living a luxurious neighborhood, if you use cheap finishes on your structure, the resale value will drop or stagnate. The same goes for lower-valued estates, if you use pricey finishes, the buyers will not compensate you fully for that.

2.    Ensure the remodeling is up to standard.  If you want to feel good about your house and in the end, get the real value for the property, anything you apply on the house must be of top-notch quality.  Where DIY is not possible, do not hesitate to engage a professional. You will be glad you did when time comes to sell the house.

Most techno-savvy homeowners have set up entertainment centers, in their home. Crystal-clear flat screen TV sets, home theater sound systems and among other entertainment systems, are just some of the elegant things, which adorn their living rooms, bedrooms, and dining rooms. Sometimes, it is not just a question of securing a class but having a smart home, where you ate able to enjoy everything under your roof. Such technologies can make life worth living and enjoyable.

Must-have home-entertainment technology trends

Media room- This is nothing but a room, set aside for the viewing of programs and movies. The room is designed with sound quality in mind. Are you wondering where you will set-up a theater room? It can be any empty room in your house. With a few renovations, you can make a media room, without a hustle. After the room is ready, it is time to bring in your home theater system. The market has something for every budget. Specifically, the systems range from $15000 to $150000, depending on the components. An individual system that retails at $31000, will probably compromise of media center, 200-disc DVD changer, audio-video receiver, six speakers, automated lighting control, 50-inch plasma television, software and remote.

Media center edition computers- These computers, which is designed with both audio and visual cues, can help you to manage various media sources, you have in the house. They come with unique and instrumental features including surround-sound processing, access to one-touch recording of TV programs and the Internet radio. A high-end media center system, will call for you to cough out around $5500 but there are others such as, which go for as low as $3000. Automated lights for a movie theater effect- Nowadays, people love to watch their movies at home but the nostalgia for a real theater room is still on. You can control the light fixtures in your home, from a single room. It is also possible to create light patterns or automation, which dims or turn the lights off, once movie get started. This entertainment lights, also come with security controls, hence, it is a worthy package to invest in.

Devices are now communicating with each other, which has led the coming up of smart homes. The advent of internet and smartphones has changed how communication takes place. It all comes down to use your Smartphone to control your home. From opening the door, controlling the lighting and heating to use your washing machine.

Using a smart lock

You can easily have an intelligent home by installing the required devices. One of the areas is by installing a digital lock that can be controlled using a phone. By using the smart door lock, you can automatically unlock your front door. You can even unlock the door remotely to your visitors when you are not near. Locks such as August Smart lock allow you to give your visitors virtual keys that they can use to get in. With the lock, you will know who gets in and who leaves the home wherever you are. Install the lock, program it and then set up the controls on your phone and computer.