September 5, 2018

Fully automated houses are no longer a figment in science fiction movies, with one third of the UK now admitting to having smart technology in their homes. Technology in the home has risen to a new level in recent years with Virtual Assistants controlling everything from security to aesthetics to domestic duties. These added features in a property can add value when selling, especially if the homeowner wants the very best in flashy automation and smart technology. Below are some of the more popular smart devices the McDougall McQueen team is seeing in the homes we have on the market today.

  • Hubs – to control all your smart devices. Voice assistants like the Amazon Echo and it’s Alexa assistant help you control all your smart devices with just your voice, allowing you to remotely control and monitor everything from your heating to your speakers to your front gates to your wardrobe!
  • Heating – smart thermostats can monitor and control heating and energy usage remotely, removing the possibility of accidentally leaving the heating on when leaving the house or going on holiday, as well as giving homeowners the option of  heating up the property before they get back home in the winter.
  • Lighting – smart lighting is especially effective for saving energy. From monitoring which lights are turned on and in which room, as well as setting a timer so your house doesn’t look empty if you are out at night or away on holiday.
  • Blinds – smart blinds or curtains means you can control them remotely, again making your house more secure, but also giving you the opportunity to set the mood with the push of a button.
  • Surveillance cameras – surveillance cameras can offer added security to your property and smart home cameras and video doorbells can let you see who is knocking at your door without getting up from the couch, and even speak to them whilst you are out at work.
  • Kitchens – smart kitchen are the way forward. From smart cooking and coffee machines to fridges that shop for your groceries to robot hoovers, smart kitchen devices are now commonplace in the internet of things revolution.