Remote Management for Convenience

With smart door locks, there’s no more worrying if you locked the doors or not as some models allow you to check on your phone’s app. Smart door locks integrate into your home system and allow you to manage your home straight from your phone or home automation system.

When installing, you’re usually able to keep your existing deadbolt hardware in place too, for an added layer of protection. Many smart-lock systems are very accommodating and allow you to have a spot for a key, making it easy to use for people who have trouble with technology.

Know Who’s Coming In and Out

Smart door locks can alert you when doors open and close, and some systems even allow you to give different people their own passcodes, so you know exactly who is entering.

You can also pair your lock with a smart doorbell camera, allowing you to physically see who’s at your door with the click of a button. The personalized passcode feature is perfect for kids, guests, in-home deliveries, or if you’re renting out your home as a vacation spot.

Seating

Seating is one of the most important elements of an enjoyable home-theater experience. Tiered systems that imitate a sloped theater ensure that everyone can view the screen. You’ll want to place seats far enough away from the screen so that viewers are not overwhelmed by the screen size.

Many options are available for materials and design to ensure everyone has a comfortable seat in the house.  And with features such as USB charging, built in LED lights, and more, personalizing your home theater can provide you with a seating experience much better than movie theaters can.

Lighting

To embody the true theater setting, you’ll want your room to have as little ambient light as possible, as more light reduces your ability to see the content. That is why dedicated home theaters typically do not have any windows in the room.

That being said, accent lighting to help minimize eye fatigue, rope lighting to improve the ambiance, and having it all controlled by the same system that controls your audio video will help make it easy to push one button and have everything set up perfectly and ready to go.

Screen Type and Size

There are many options when choosing a screen for your home theater, such as a flat-panel display or a projector with a fixed, electric, or auto-masking screen. If you’re going with projection, depending on the length of the room, learn whether your room is more suitable for a high-throw or short-throw projector.

Our Top Home Automation System Picks

Best Overall: Control4

It’s a common misconception that to have a smart home, you must get it installed during the building phase. Well, we’re here to tell you that Control4 home automation has completely debunked that myth. Whether your home is yet to be built, in the construction process, or has been around for years, Control4 home automation has the power and functionality to make it the smartest one on the market. You’ll be equipped with a universal remote for all of your entertainment equipment ― no matter the manufacturer, meaning you may want to add a few smart lights, door locks, or security cameras as you’re ready to expand. With Control4 home automation, your home can do all of this (and so much more) on an easy-to-operate system the whole family will love and enjoy.

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Creston

When it comes to technological innovation, there aren’t as many brands that have been as successful as Creston. Founded in 1972 and available from commercial dealers, Creston has been creating home automation solutions that transform the way people live their lives, making every day easier by improving the overall efficiency and productivity from smart devices around the home. With Crestron, you aren’t just buying the best automation system for home. You’re investing in state-of-the-art and customized solutions while also gaining 24/7 global service and support along the way. Creston offers premium home automation platforms, devices, and systems across residential properties including, but not limited to, homes, yachts, MDUs, and even hotels. 

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Lutron (lighting control only)

If you’re only in the market for automated lighting control, or looking to add it to your modern home space, Lutron is the best option to complement your home automation system. In the fast-growing smart home market, Lutron provides the ideal solution for any space and any budget, whether you’re building a new home or want to upgrade your existing one. Lutron works with more smart home devices than any other smart lighting control brand, making it the perfect pairing for your home automation system. You’ll now be able to control the lights in your home with the slightest ease at the touch of a button, and can even operate from the car to turn lights on as you approach the house. Plus, groups of dimmers can be controlled remotely from an electronic device or universal remote control to make life that much more convenient and relaxing.

Know Your Budget

In a new construction project or major remodel, product and installation costs will likely total around 4-10% of your home’s value, however, minor projects generally will be less. It’s important to select an integrator during the early stages of a new build or a remodel to avoid running out of budget or causing delays in your project build cycle. 

An integrator can also offer value adds to the architectural and construction team since they must work with most of the trades at some point during the project. Most importantly, they can help you create a budget up front based on your needs and ensure your goals are met at the end of your project. 

Consider Your Home and the Project

It’s important to hire an integrator who specializes in working with homes similar to the size and value of yours. You can get references from past clients or ask to see some of their previous work for similar projects. The larger the home, the more complex your project is likely to be and it's important to hire a company that has the experience. 

Knowing that your integrator is capable of a project to your scale will relieve stress. In addition, an integrator who provides a range of services is your best option, so if there’s a new project you want to take on, you won't have to go looking for another professional.