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Builders: we’re sure you’ve seen your fair share of home design trends come and go – whether it’s a popcorn ceiling or granite overload, there’s always something new. Our latest trend, though, is something that’s probably more the new norm – building smart homes. Building for buyers who want custom and convenient Increasingly, new home buyers are looking for the convenience, functionality and accessibility of smart home technology – whether that’s an all-encompassing high-end system or a few key pieces. Having the ability to integrate smart tech throughout the home with professional systems like Crestron, Savant and Elan or more a-la-carte versions like Amazon or Google, will definitely appeal to your buyers. These buyers want voice control, customizable settings and the ability to set “moods” for climate control, lighting and more; they want technology that is functional but can also easily blend into their decor – whether that’s having a centerpiece like a television that doubles as artwork or a statement mirror, or a system that blends seamlessly into the background, like built-in speakers and hidden wires. By incorporating this tech early in the building process, you can provide a home designed with the necessary infrastructure to add on to as technology and needs change throughout the life of the home. A security system is a ‘must-have’ Whether at home or on vacation, every homeowner wants to be sure their home, family and belongings are safe. With ample technology available to keep your home safe, including cameras, smart door locks, window sensors and other features, you’ll want the infrastructure in place. These features aren’t “add-ons” anymore – they’re part of the standard package. You’ll keep the installers and your buyers happy if you’re able to plan ahead in the design for this highly-desired and necessary feature. Make your model the showroom Your buyers probably know how an Echo works and might even already have a DIY system in place at home. But when building their dream home, there’s so much more to consider! Make sure your model is outfitted with your standard smart home package – and then some. In using your model as a smart tech showroom, you’ll be opening them up to a world of design possibilities that add even more customization and personal touch to their home. Consider an all-encompassing security system, a whole-home audio system, as well as lighting and shade control that can be customized based on the time of day, their mood, and so on. Having an impressive smart home as your “base model” means you’ll be setting yourself apart from the competition – and that’s sure to get any buyer’s attention. Give us a call We have the resources and the pros to help you implement smart technology into your build – whether you’re the builder or in the market to buy a home for yourself. We can help with everything from design, to training staff and your buyers, to connecting you with other tech-savvy home builders. Give us a call today!

Smart technology and children are often synonymous with smartphones, tablets, and other ways to keep them entertained. What some people don’t realize are the safety and everyday living benefits of having smart homes designed with kids in mind. Protect your kids – even when you’re not there Your priority is protecting your kids, especially when any technology is concerned. It’s no longer uncommon for kids to come home from school to an empty house, but now you have the capability to keep an eye on them and make sure they’ve gotten home safely even when you’re at work or running errands. Give yourself some peace of mind by equipping your home with door and window sensors that let you know when your child has arrived home safely, or a smart lock that gives you the ability to let them in when they’ve misplaced their key. If you’d like even more functionality, consider integrating cameras with two-way communication abilities to greet your family as they get home, or even keep intruders away. For added security and accessibility, consider keeping this control in the palm of your hand on your smartphone so that you can always let in the babysitter, make sure your oldest made it in for curfew, or discourage unwanted visitors from trying to enter your home. Control the lighting, control your schedule We all know blackout shades and lighting control help with everyday things like movie-watching and energy-saving, and it’s no secret that lighting and shade control can help keep intruders away, but have you considered the impact light has on your daily routine? Imagine integrating lighting and shade control into your home that will help with signaling that it’s time to get in bed or wind down with a book. You can even set custom settings for the smallest members of your family to help ease that fear of the dark or for a little extra help in the morning when they can’t get up with an alarm. Optimize your technology for the best experience We can help you optimize your home and network capability for gaming, family gatherings, and personalized settings for everyone in your home. By setting up a VPN, firewalls, and parental controls, you can keep them safe, while also giving them the ability to stream their favorite music or watch a movie while their friends are over. We’re here to help, and we\’re kid-friendly! We have the expertise to help you integrate the right kid-friendly smart technology into your home. Let us help you configure your home with the best technology for your family’s needs.

We all know there’s no place like home for the holidays, but the reality is a lot of us have to travel. While leaving your home behind can be a stressful part of the season, we’re here to help incorporate smart technology into your home to keep it and your belongings safe while you’re away. How “secure” is your security system? The best defense against intruders and other dangers is a security system. Whether you’ve already installed a system or you’re still looking for the right fit, we can help you figure out the best security system to help defend your home. There are endless options to amp up your security – from digital doorbells and locks, to round-the-clock monitoring. Whether you want all the bells and whistles or just the bare essentials, the right tech can help you make sure your belongings are safe! Lighting is as crucial as an alarm This doesn’t mean leave all your lights on while you’re gone, though! Using lighting and shade control to your advantage by setting “scenes” based off the time of day make it look like you’re home, which is an excellent deterrent for unwanted visitors. By incorporating dynamic lighting and shade settings, it will look like you never left home. What’s more, proper lighting and shade control can help you save on energy costs at home or away! Stay safe! Make sure you’re connected 24/7 All of this smart tech can’t be used to the best of its ability if you’re not able to monitor your home from your mobile device, so make sure you have the best apps to keep you connected to your home! By having the right connectivity, you’ll be able to check if the thermostat is properly set, the doors are locked, your kitchen appliances are off, and chat with whoever just rang the doorbell. Staying connected to your home will give you peace of mind while you’re away for the holidays. Ask an integrator Consult a professional integrator when considering new safety or smart home tech to make sure you’re getting the best tech to suit your needs and that your features are compatible! Whether you already have the basics or you’re just starting to look, our knowledgeable team of experts at La Scala can help you.

Whenever you think about the holidays, you probably think about presents or twinkle lights. Maybe you think about friends and family around the table, enjoying a meal and each other’s company – or maybe you just can’t wait for pie! The reality, though, is that you’re probably spending a lot more time in the kitchen. Thankfully, there’s new tech available to help you make sure you don’t miss out on any of the festivities. Make it personal Your kitchen is one of the most personal, necessary rooms in your entire home and it’s worth taking the extra time to personalize it with the right functionality to fit your lifestyle. Entertainment features like built-in audio or video screens, smart appliances and voice-controlled smart home automation like Josh.ai give you the opportunity to personalize your kitchen to suit your needs for not only everyday living, but for special entertaining, too.  Your kitchen can be your new sous-chef There are countless options currently available for smart appliances like refrigerators, ovens and “hubs” like Josh.ai, Google Home, or Amazon’s Echo. And while these might seem a little frivolous at first, it’s worth taking time to consider the added convenience of having them in your home. Having an app connected to your oven means you don’t have to miss the football game or your favorite holiday movie, and that smart refrigerator can text you a picture of your refrigerator’s contents and save you from a second trip to the store. Connect these smart appliances with a hub like Josh, and you’ve got an extra set of hands in the kitchen even when you’re not at home!  Smart appliance means safety With hectic schedules, guests on their way and a lot on your plate, you wouldn’t be the first to forget to turn off the stove, turn off the lights or feel like you need to be in two places at once. By incorporating the right smart technologies, you can maximize safety AND convenience in your kitchen. Your stove and oven can now warn you that they’ve been left on – instead of hearing the news from your smoke detector (or worse). You can also increase your energy efficiencies with smart appliances, which helps the planet and your wallet. If a smart kitchen sounds like the right solution for your family this holiday season, let us help! We’re here to guide you through the best smart technologies for you and your home. Additional reading: Preparing Your Home for the Holidays

It seems we can’t turn on the television without witnessing an active shooter event, another major corporate hack or devasting natural disaster. We scan the audience at crowded concert halls and nervously put our children on the school bus. What measures can we take to make our families and community safe? Personal awareness is your first line of defense. Pay attention to your surroundings, conscious of your vulnerabilities and take steps to ensure the personal safety of your family, employees, clients and community. A great, proactive first step is to install a surveillance camera system. Visible cameras are not only an excellent deterrent for would-be criminals but can also provide critical evidence should a crime be committed. A monitored system is invaluable, especially when tied in to a comprehensive life-safety and security system that includes smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, glass-break and motion detectors and panic button call capabilities to first responders. Criminal’s Worst Enemy Automated Lighting and motorized shades are an invaluable and effective deterrent. Both interior and exterior landscape lighting can be programmed to imitate home occupancy, whether you’re shopping at Pacific Centre or traveling abroad. Tied in to your camera system, lights can be triggered when motion is sensed with alerts and even video sent to your smart phone. And, regardless of whether it’s your home, house of worship or grocery store, light is crimes’ worst enemy. Network Health Physical safety is not our only concern. We’re seeing more and more data breeches among major retailers and, with the holidays fast approaching and many of us shopping online, we need to be diligent to protect ourselves from cyber crimes as well. Again, be smart, be cautious and take steps to ensure the security of your networks, both at home and in your business. If your infrastructure is outdated, don’t put off that upgrade until the new year. Be Proactive and Prepared Finally, have a plan. What will you do in the event of a robbery or natural disaster? Does everyone know how to alert authorities, access fire extinguishers, engage smart door locks, etc.? Take the time to check your community’s resources and formulate a plan. If you are interested in having a complimentary assessment of your security or infrastructure systems, please contact us and we’ll get it scheduled. Please share links to any resources you’ve found to be valuable from your school, our local law enforcement and fire departments, etc. Together, we can make our community a safer place. Additional Reading from our blog: Tips to keep Your Home Safe for the Holidays