Locking and unlocking the front door can now be added to the list of Amazon Alexa’s smart home capabilities, thanks to a new skill added for August Home’s smart lock products. August Home Inc. announces its branded August Smart Lock will be the first of its kinds to launch on Alexa-enabled devices. This will allow Alexa’s […]
Category: Video
Alexa, Sell My Home: Using Voice as a Sales Tool
Personal touch is essential in business, and one company is teaming with builders to capitalize on a unique blend of technology and marketing that could translate to even more sales. Maryland-based Energy Squad has embarked on an endeavor involving its builder partners, model homes and the increasingly-popular Amazon Alexa voice control platform. The concept ultimately […]
Big Tech Options for the Tiny Apartment Trend
At the 2016 TecHome Builder Summit, Kasita CEO Jeff Wilson and Ori Systems CEO Hasier Larrea discussed why the tiny apartment trend will continue to grow and how tech is playing a major role. The way people view living spaces is changing. It now has become much more about location and affordability, and the place […]
Control4 Creates Smart Home in Custom Airstream
Control4 customized an Airstream to create a fully automated mobile smart home. The Airstream made its debut at Boston Design Week, kicking off its 12-week “Smart Design, Smart Living” tour. The tour took the mobile smart home to major cities around the country and offered designers the opportunity to learn about designing for the connected […]
Enter The Studio: Ashton Woods Customizes Consumer Experience
Ashton Woods strives to be different, first, featuring a design center and, then, taking this idea of consumer personalization to the next plateau.Thus, “The Studio” was born five years ago.A concept exclusive to Ashton Woods, the company sets itself apart through these unique design centers, which utilize practical and digital experiences to provide an optimum, […]
Expert Take: Tiny Homes and Green Building the Perfect Pair
In the green building industry, size matters. However, this does not necessarily translate into “bigger is better.” Nevertheless, average home size has increased more than 61 percent since 1973, while household sizes have shrunk. Currently, the United States averages 1,000-square-feet of living space per person. “That number is obscene,” says Andrew Morrison, co-founder of Tiny […]
HiVol Homebuilder Commits to Cost-Effective Home Automation Standard
Production builders have hesitantly approached smart home technology in the past, but one high-volume builder is diving deep into home automation to target Millennials and first time buyers. North Carolina-based Shenandoah Homes has partnered with home automation platform TiO to offer a standard smart home package to homebuyers. Shenandoah is a high-volume builder with more […]
Investigating Interoperability Issues and Protocols
Tech experts discuss the importance of understanding interoperability to make sure all the devices builders choose to install actually connect to the smart home system. During the 2016 TecHome Builder Summit, Z-Wave Alliance executive director Mitchell Klein and Domotz VP of business development Patrick Hagerman explained what builders need to consider in order to ensure a […]
LUX Living and Lighting Control Among Highlights for “Solar Chic” Home
This green smart home was featured at the International Builders Show for its use of Lutron technology and unique design to appeal to clients who value home control and entertaining. The modern “Solar Chic” project was Hardwick General Contracting’s featured home for the NAHB’s Custom Home Tour at the International Builders Show in Orlando, Florida. […]
Pulte Unveils ZNE Prototype Home Tomorrow
Builders call it an “invisible house,” due to its ability to erase its carbon footprint. But that doesn’t mean they’re not excited for everybody to see it. National homebuilder Pulte Homes has completed construction on its zero net energy (ZNE) home prototype in Northern California, and it’s unveiling the final product at 10 a.m. PST tomorrow. It’s an […]
TecHome Brilliance Awards Taps Leaders in Surging Home Tech Market
Brilliance means being bold, innovative and groundbreaking—qualities crucial to surviving and succeeding in the rapidly evolving TecHome industry. The inaugural TecHome Brilliance Awards were announced at this week’s TecHome Builder Summits, honoring the best of the best when it comes to standout smart home products, innovative homes and communities, energy efficiency solutions, entertainment and more. […]
The Next Big Thing: Going Beyond Home Automation
At the 2016 TecHome Builder Summit, industry experts discussed the next big things in luxury home tech options. Luxury living has become about way more than home automation. These buyers are now looking for builders who provide comfort solutions. Luxury living is becoming synonymous with indoor air quality (IAQ), smart water, energy generation and storage […]
Three Factors Lead to Builder’s Award Nod for Outdoor Oasis
Luxury builder David Gordon knows the appeal of outdoor spaces is just as hot as the Houston-area weather. “It’s so warm and people really want to be outside, so what people are doing is combining the outdoor spaces with the swimming pool,” says Gordon, president of Whitestone Builders. “They are basically building their own oasis.” […]