A custom homebuilder is learning the value of technology, integrator partnerships and client communication through his very first TecHome—a project complete with “all the bells and whistles.” Chris Tennant’s journey began at TecHome Builder’s 2014 LUX summit, in Pasadena, and the subsequent year’s Orlando event. Here, the vice president of Mt. Lincoln Construction was referred […]
Savant Tech Comes Standard Through New Developer Partnership
The goal is to create “a harmonized standard” across all new developments, and multifamily developer Property Markets Group (PMG) achieves these aspirations through a new strategic relationship with Savant. The developer recently announced that Savant will provide the technology for its portfolio of developments currently under construction—from New York to Miami. “The builder market is […]
Savant Extends Home Control With Nest, iPort Partnerships
Luxury home automation platform Savant expands its partner program to include Nest’s smart thermostat and iPort. The new integration partnership was announced, today, at CEDIA 2016 and builds off of Savant’s existing partner program that includes other major connected device makers such as Lutron and Sonos. According to the press release, Savant’s decision to choose Nest and […]
My First TecHome: Tackling Immediacy to Stay on the Leading Edge
Innovation moves fast. If you don’t keep up with the changes, your business could suffer. Just ask Jeff Hansell. The co-owner of Swiftwater Custom Homes in Washington has learned a lot about technology’s evolution since including solar hot water systems in his first projects back in 1981. “Back then, in the Pacific Northwest, this was […]
Four Things To Know About Avid Ratings’ New GoTour
Virtual and augmented reality gives customers the ability to tour and customize a home before it’s even built. This unique marketing technique extends to energy-efficient and other smart tech packages. Avid Ratings’ GoTour program is one of the virtual reality choices currently on the market. It essentially enables the builder to present a home with […]
Production Homebuilder Taps Savant as Partner in Tech Standard
First Texas Homes, a production builder, has introduced a new smart home technology standard, tapping Savant as its key partner. Savant just made the announcement about the partnership that started this summer, which provides built-in home automation and control in all new production homes. First Texas Homes are being pre-wired with structured wiring and include a Savant […]
Nexia Adds Vognition Voice Control to Home Bridge
Home automation platform Nexia has added voice control from Vognition to its Home Bridge. It’s a move that builds upon the voice control trends currently dominating the TecHome industry. Vognition is an Oakland-based, natural-voice-control startup that was incubated in the NJIT Enterprise Development Center in Newark, N.J. The company’s voice control operates through a mobile app with a microphone button prominently displayed […]
My First TecHome: Incremental Learning and the Power of Integrators
The TecHome turning point for Barry Hensley of NorthStar Luxury Homes came in 2007, when the builder constructed his very first home with a fully integrated system. Looking around at the integrated CCTV cameras, thermostat controls, alarm system and luxury home theater within his company’s landmark home, Hensley reflected on the importance of integrators in […]
Alexa, Please Unlock My Door: August Home Meets Amazon
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 […]
My First TecHome: From Automation Failures to iPads as Standard
Pepper Viner, like many other mid-market builders, includes technology as standard … but with a unique twist. Homebuyers get an iPad Mini with every purchase. “They get it right when they sign the contract,” says Chad Williams, COO of Pepper Viner. “It manages their paperwork for them. Then, as soon as they move in, we […]