Discover the top 5 smart home features that enhance modern living, offering convenience, security, and energy efficiency for a smarter, more connected lifestyle.
In today’s technology-driven world, smart home features are no longer a luxury—they’re rapidly becoming a standard. Whether you’re building a brand-new custom home or upgrading your existing space, integrating smart systems can enhance comfort, convenience, energy efficiency, and security.
At Biles Construction, we specialize in designing and building custom homes that meet the demands of modern living. From seamless automation to intelligent climate control, here are the five must-have smart home features that are redefining the way people live in Knoxville, TN and beyond.
1. Smart Climate Control for Year-Round Comfort
What it is:
Smart thermostats and HVAC systems automatically adjust your home’s temperature based on your schedule, preferences, and even the weather outside. Top brands like Nest and Ecobee are popular options.
Why it matters:
Climate control accounts for nearly half of your energy bill. A smart system helps you maximize energy efficiency, saving money while maintaining ideal comfort. Many systems also allow zoning—adjusting temperatures in different parts of your home independently.
Smart Tip:
Choose a system that integrates with your mobile device and voice assistants like Alexa or Google Assistant for hands-free operation.
👉 Discover how Biles Construction incorporates smart energy systems into custom homes to keep families comfortable and efficient.
2. Whole-Home Automation for Ultimate Convenience
What it is:
A whole-home automation system centralizes control of lighting, shades, audio, video, HVAC, and even appliances—accessible from your phone, tablet, or smart display.
Why it matters:
Rather than controlling each device separately, a centralized hub allows you to manage everything from one place. You can create scenes (like “Good Morning” or “Movie Night”) that adjust multiple systems with one command.
Smart Tip:
Consider installing a structured wiring system during your custom home build to support future expansions in automation and smart tech.
👉 Learn more about our full-service custom home construction in Knoxville designed with modern features in mind.
3. Smart Security Systems for Peace of Mind
What it is:
A smart home security system includes motion detectors, smart locks, video doorbells, surveillance cameras, and even window sensors—all accessible remotely via your smartphone.
Why it matters:
Security is one of the most requested features in custom home builds. With smart tech, you can check who’s at your front door from anywhere, unlock the house for a guest, or get real-time alerts if suspicious activity is detected.
Smart Tip:
Choose security systems that integrate with your automation platform, so you can program lights to come on or doors to lock when the system is armed.
👉 Explore how Biles Construction ensures safety and comfort in every custom build.
4. Intelligent Lighting and Window Treatments
What it is:
Smart lighting allows you to control brightness, color, and timing via apps or voice control. Automated window treatments can open and close based on time of day or lighting levels.
Why it matters:
Smart lighting can mimic your daily routine and enhance ambiance. Meanwhile, automated blinds can boost energy efficiency by reducing heat gain or loss through windows.
Smart Tip:
Use motion-sensing lights in common areas or bathrooms, and install daylight sensors for automatic shade control.
5. Integrated Entertainment and Audio Systems
What it is:
Distributed audio/video systems let you play music or stream shows in different rooms without the clutter of standalone speakers or equipment. Everything is controlled from a single app or smart assistant.
Why it matters:
Entertainment systems make hosting seamless and relaxing at-home experiences better than ever. With in-ceiling speakers, hidden wiring, and built-in screens, you maintain the elegance of your luxury home without sacrificing technology.
Smart Tip:
Pre-wire your home during construction to ensure a clean, organized setup for speakers, media, and control hubs.
Why Smart Home Features Are a Wise Investment
Beyond comfort and convenience, smart home systems offer excellent ROI for homeowners. According to real estate data, homes equipped with smart technology often:
- Sell faster on the market
- Appeal more to younger, tech-savvy buyers
- Are valued higher due to energy savings and lifestyle upgrades
By integrating these features during the custom home building process, you avoid retrofitting costs and future compatibility issues.
🔗 See how Biles Construction builds future-ready homes with smart tech and custom craftsmanship.
How Biles Construction Builds Smarter Custom Homes
As one of Knoxville’s premier custom home builders, Biles Construction prioritizes cutting-edge solutions to ensure your new home meets your current and future needs. Our team:
- Works with top technology partners
- Designs smart-ready floor plans
- Installs compatible wiring, hubs, and systems
- Integrates features that enhance luxury and efficiency
From the first consultation to your final walkthrough, we collaborate with you to craft a home that’s as intelligent as it is beautiful.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the cost of installing smart home features in a custom home?
The cost varies depending on the number and type of devices, but most homeowners invest between $10,000–$50,000 during construction for robust smart home systems.
2. Can smart home systems be upgraded later?
Yes! We recommend installing infrastructure (like structured wiring) during construction to allow easy upgrades down the line.
3. Are smart home features compatible with all voice assistants?
Most modern systems are compatible with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit. We help you choose systems that work with your ecosystem.
4. How do I manage all my smart devices?
A central hub or mobile app can control all systems in one place. We help you set this up and provide guidance post-installation.
5. What if a device fails or needs updating?
Most smart home devices update automatically via Wi-Fi. In the event of a malfunction, our support partners are available for service.
6. Are smart homes more secure than traditional ones?
Yes. Features like motion alerts, real-time camera access, and remote locking offer more control and visibility than traditional systems.
7. Do smart features increase energy efficiency?
Absolutely. Smart thermostats, lighting, and shading systems can significantly lower your utility bills by optimizing usage.
8. Can I control my smart home when I’m away?
Yes. As long as you have internet access, you can manage your home’s systems from anywhere in the world.
9. What happens during a power or internet outage?
Many smart systems have battery backups and can continue functioning. Some features may be limited during an outage, but core systems are designed with contingencies.
10. Does Biles Construction include smart home planning in the design phase?
Yes. We plan and pre-wire smart features from the very beginning, ensuring smooth installation and optimal performance from day one.
Ready to bring your smart home vision to life?
Contact Biles Construction today to start designing a home that combines modern luxury, technology, and timeless craftsmanship.
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