7 Creative Smart-Home Ideas to Increase Your Home’s Value

If you want the biggest return on investment, start in the kitchen and by measuring your space for a new smart fridge, stove and dishwasher. State-of-the-art smart appliances, which connect to smartphones and tablets for more control and insights can fetch a higher home selling price than standard appliances.

One thing homebuyers are looking for are features that keep heating and cooling costs low. Installing smart blinds is one of the most economical options. Retrofit existing window coverings with a device that allows you to move them up and down, or set a timer remotely. This way, you’ll protect interiors from the damaging sun and keep in the heat when the temperature plummets.

Home security systems have stepped firmly into the future as one of the fastest-growing sectors of the smart-home market. From smartphone doorbells to property-wide digital surveillance, a security system is a huge selling feature.

Having a house that boasts the latest smart-home entertainment tech ups the price-point ante. Think voice-controlled speakers or an Internet-browsing TV. Home theatres have overtaken the trend of going out to catch a movie, so have a setup with all the latest digital bells and whistles. Buyers will be impressed that they don’t need to lift a finger to begin browsing through Netflix or YouTube.

For technologically tuned-in homebuyers, having a house with an integrated, smart-home energy-management system is a must. Concerns around heating and cooling bills evaporate as soon as they see that LED-lit digital pad with the current temperature on the wall. They’ll be willing to invest more in the house upfront once they realize what they’ll save running it.

As more and more drought areas pop up across the country, homebuyers are also seeking smart ways to manage water consumption. Installing a smart sprinkler system, which can be programmed from home or remotely, reduces annual water use on the yard. You’re selling the convenience of never having to wrestle with a hose or worry about overwatering while out.

Think of a smart-home hub as the brains behind the business of running the house — it connects all the different digital devices. Thermostats, alarms and appliances can all be managed from one centralized interface system, which would appeal to the tech-savvy buyer. Being able to list that among the home’s features will instantly draw the attention of buyers in the know, and add value.