Your Starter’s Guide to Building a True Smart Home in 2023

You’ve probably heard of smart devices or even have a few. Some of the most common are smart speakers, video doorbells, smart bulbs, and smart plugs. While these devices add convenience and enjoyment to your life, they pale compared to an integrated home automation system. 

At Wipliance, a home automation company serving Spokane, WA, and the surrounding areas since 2006, we’ve witnessed the changing landscape of smart homes. Today's technology has transformed our day-to-day lives, including our entertainment, lighting, and security. 

Let’s explore the makings of a smart home and how the right one transforms your lifestyle.

SEE ALSO: Improve Security with a Whole-Home Lighting Control System

The Basis of a Smart Home

At Wipliance, we partner with Control4, an industry leader in home automation. One of their mottos is, “Every home can be a smart home.” Your home can become smart whether it’s in the new-build phase or has been in your family for years. 

In essence, an intelligent home is an ecosystem of devices connected to the network. This connection enables them to communicate with each other and with the Control4 home automation platform, the brains behind your smart home. Control4’s software operates on an open platform, which means it integrates with almost every other smart device on the market. 

You control the many devices and systems in your home using a Control4 interface, such as a touchscreen, remote, or in-wall keypad. These may include your climate, lighting, shades, garage doors, side gates, smart appliances, pool and spa, audio and video devices, and security. 

An Automated Smart Home 

When all these systems work together, you have a home that prepares itself in advance, creating the perfect environment for every occasion. From waking up to arriving home from work, entertaining friends, and falling asleep, an intelligent home adjusts to create the optimum settings. 

For example, we can program your home to prepare itself for you in advance when you return from work. When you pull in the driveway, your smart home starts a sequence of events—streaming your “Relaxing” playlist through your home and yard, heating the spa, igniting the gas fireplace, adjusting the temperature, and illuminating the lights to golden amber. Another option is to talk to Josh.ai, your voice assistant, when you walk in the door. "Josh, I'm home. Let’s relax!” And the same sequence occurs. 

You also have access to your home remotely. You’ll receive alerts and a video when someone comes to the door. If it’s your pet sitter, you can unlock the door and turn on the lights from your smartphone. If it's a delivery driver, open the garage and ask them to place it inside via the two-way intercom. 

That is just the tip of the iceberg, the basics of smart home automation. At Wipliance, we’ve provided customized smart home solutions for our many clients for over 15 years. We specialize in complete technology integration, from lighting to motorized shades, climate, home theater installations, whole-home audio, and more. To learn more about home automation or to schedule a complimentary consultation, contact Wipliance today.