Turn Your Rental into a “Smart Home” This Year
Smart homes are no longer a fad for the future. Today practically any dwelling can smarten up. Also, there are a variety of gadgets on the market that can control tasks like lighting, security, temperature, and even appliances. The devices connect to a Wi-Fi network and you can manage them with a smartphone.
Many of these smart home gadgets are relatively inexpensive and easy to install. As a landlord, you might consider installing a one or two of these network-connected products to add value to your rental. In fact they’re an added touch that could set you apart from your competition.
If you don’t want to make the investment, most of these devices are relatively non-invasive, and you could allow your tenants to install them on their own.
Most local hardware or home improvement stores carry an array of smart home products - do your homework to decide which will work best for your property.
Remote Control Appliances
An easy way to smarten up your rental is to install a device into a standard electrical outlet and then plug in a variety of appliances and lamps. An app for a smartphone allows your tenant to remotely check to see if they left a curling iron or small heater on or if they forgot to shut off any lamps. This gadget provides peace of mind and erases that nagging question “did I leave the iron on?”
Smart Home Thermostats
With the help of a smart thermostat, you can control the temperature of each room from your smartphone. This cool upgrade helps you or your tenant money on the utility bills. In addition most smart thermostat systems can measure the temperature in different rooms and adjust the heat accordingly. A renter can control the temperature from their phone if they are gone for long periods of time.
Moisture Sensing
A significant benefit of some smart devices is their ability to detect a problem before it becomes out of control. Several products on the market now can attach to your properties’ plumbing and water heaters. Significantly, they can detect leaks before they go on too long and turn into an expensive repair. Additionally you can use moisture sensors to conserve water and help keep down costs.
Smart Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
It’s very annoying when the battery starts to dwindle on a smoke alarm; the incessant chirping can wake anyone out of a sound sleep. Many smart smoke or carbon monoxide detectors can again be controlled and monitored by a smartphone. Also, they have settings to display an advanced warning when it’s time to change the batteries. As a result, if the alarm was set off accidentally, it could be quickly shut off with the phone app.
Stay Secure in your Smart Home
Safety is a priority for all renters, and there is a range of smart security devices that can patrol the property and keep their mind at ease. Many gadgets sense motion and noise and will send an alarm to a phone app when an intruder is detected. Higher end security models have cameras that broadcast a live feed that you can view from a smartphone.
Would you like more tips on how to make your property a smart home? Call our specialists today!
