Whether you’re building a new home or renovating an existing property, you probably know all too well that meeting client needs and expectations is the ultimate goal. Are you equipped with the knowledge needed for when they request home automation services in their Charlotte, NC home? Are you up to date on the latest trends and would you know what to recommend?

In this blog, we will look at one of the most popular smart home requests — security and surveillance — for both existing homes and new-builds.

See Also: Get Rid of App Clutter with a Smart Home System

Security and Surveillance

With the rise of smart home technology comes the need to protect it. In fact, it opens an ever larger discussion of protecting the property in general and making the homeowner feel safe and confident that their families, precious belongings, and investments are secure.

As such, security and surveillance solutions are popular smart home requests from clients. Here’s where Control4 comes in.

Spring is the perfect time to spruce up your home with new styles. Whether you want to completely redesign your home or just rearrange the furniture, the small touches make a big difference. Shades, in particular, can have a dramatic impact on your interiors. But are your shades easy to control and are they versatile enough to work with the other smart devices you own? Motorized shades are not only convenient to use, but they also add beauty and style to your home. With so many options, how do you make the right choice? The first step is learning about all the different shade types and fabric types and how they will affect your smart home performance. Keep reading to learn more. 

SEE ALSO:  The Top 3 Benefits of Installing Smart Shades

Choosing a Shade Brand

The Integrated Home is your local Lutron-certified dealer, and there's a reason why we have chosen this brand over many of the others. While Thomas Edison invented the light bulb, Lutron practically invented lighting control. Their company has been innovating lighting and shading solutions for over 40 years. They've installed lighting and shading systems in the White House, Windsor Castle, and many other famous sites all over the world. As a leader in integration technology, we trust Lutron over all the other names.

Choosing a Color for Your Shades

The holidays are an especially beautiful time of year. Lights brighten the neighborhood and make trees glitter. December is the best time to light up your home with seasonal décor and displays. Home lighting control makes managing your decorations and lights easy and fun in your Charlotte, North Carolina home. You may already be familiar with how dimmers, automated lighting, and mobile controls work—but we’ve come up with some ideas on how to use lighting technology to make this season (as well as all of them) extra special this year.

Make a Spectacular Holiday Display with Automated Lighting

If you love Christmastime, it’s likely you won’t forget to turn the lights on. However, with automated controls, you can pick the time you want the lights to go on every night and let it turn on itself—giving you more time to manage other important items. Simply open the Control4 Composer Home Edition software, select the zone of lights that are hanging on the house outside and the Christmas tree, and then pick a time for them to turn on every night. Our team can automate your system remotely so that all of your decorations come on at once—not just the lights—but the toys, videos, and music too. When you can control everything, you don’t have to take up lots of time unplugging every electronic before bed.
Do you want to leave the Christmas lights on late into the night, but you need to hit the sack early? Use timers to schedule the lights to go off later so that the whole neighborhood can enjoy your beautiful showmanship—even while you’re sleeping.

Enhance Decor With Dimmers

Lighting levels are a big part of setting the mood in your home. Bright lighting can invigorate you while soft lighting can make you feel relaxed. Lutron and Control4 dimmers make it easy to enhance your lighting and control your environment for every occasion. We offer wireless solutions for automating and controlling LEDs, track lighting, floor and table lamps, sconces, spotlights and outdoor lighting. With this technology, you can access every lighting fixture in your home and dim lighting levels from your keypad on the wall, smartphone, or other mobile device.
When it’s time to have your holiday meal, hit a button on your phone or tablet to dim the lights down for an elegant atmosphere. Your decorations will really shine bright when the rest of the house lights are dimmed down darker.

What if you could tell your home to turn off the lights and it would do it for you? Writers and TV producers have always imagined a future where we could control our homes with just our voice. For example, Captain Kirk in Star Trek asked the Enterprise computer for data during space voyages, and Marty McFly heard a “Welcome Home” from his smart home in Back to the Future 2 as he walked through the front door. Today, these imaginations have come to life, and now you can enjoy them in your own Lake Norman, NC home.

Amazon released Alexa this year, the voice control system that runs on the smart devices, the Echo, Dot, and Tap. Not only can it give you the weather report, turn the lights off, and order a pizza for you, it also works with your Control4 system to perform the same scenes you use every day—like Good Morning, Movie, and Goodnight. Keep reading this blog to learn more!

SEE ALSO: Top Audio Video Products from CEDIA 2016

Amazon’s smart home director, Charlie Kindel, says the inspiration for Alexa came from Star Trek. They wanted to create a computer in the cloud that is controlled entirely by your voice. You could ask it things, ask it to do things for you, and find things for you. Alexa started out as a DIY-type automation product that could play music and connect with other wireless smart home devices – such as smart thermostats, smart lighting and more. However, our partner Control4 has developed drivers to integrate the Alexa voice control system into your smart home. They are one of the first home automation companies to combine smart home scenes with Alexa.

In a press release on Control4.com, Control4 CEO Martin Plaehn said, "On average, our customers have over 40 connected devices in their homes that are orchestrated by Control4. And now, voice interaction with Amazon Alexa offers another convenient way to control all of them. This integration combines Control4’s automation power and extensive support for connected devices with the intuitive voice control from Amazon Alexa, reinforcing our shared vision to make life in a connected home ever-more personalized, comfortable, and hassle-free.”

The term “green” evokes many things today – from global warming to solar energy. There is a big movement today in preserving the natural world, and even the small things matter. So how do you do your part in saving our precious resources, and also saving your own? While recycling and purchasing electric cars can help, installing a home energy management system can make a huge difference. Here are seven ways you can save energy, and money in your pocketbook, using a smart home in Lake Norman or Charlotte North Carolina. 

1. Install Dimmers

According to Lutron, installing dimmers in your house can save you up to 20 percent on energy alone. Your smart home system can automatically dim the lights at specific times of day when the sun is brightest, or certain sequences like a romantic dinner. Keep touch pads on the wall so you can manually adjust lighting levels at any moment. Control4 reports that simply lowering your lighting setting by 10 percent can save enough energy to reduce up to 850 pounds of carbon dioxide each year—the equivalent of not driving a car for an entire month.

2. Use Motion Sensors

Have you ever forgotten to turn off the lights when you left the house? Install motion sensors and you don’t even have to check every room as you walk out the door. Every time a room is empty, the system will turn the lights off for you.

3. Add a Smart Thermostat

We’re sure you have heard of the smart thermostat, Nest. Whether you have one or need to add a smart thermostat in your home, this is one of the biggest opportunities to save a lot of energy. Air conditioning and central heat account for 25 to 40 percent of energy usage in the home. Having access to your thermostat on your mobile device makes it easier for you to set temperatures at strategic points throughout the day. It can also go on autopilot to adjust the temperature all on its own, and if you have Nest, it will learn your habits and remember them.

4. Coordinate Lights with Motorized Shades

Both smart lights and shades will make a difference in saving energy, but coordinate them together and you’ll save even more! Imagine your motorized shades going up at noon to let the sunlight in and the lights turning off at the same time when you don’t need them. As the sun sets, the lights will dim to 50% and the shades will come down to protect your privacy. Daylight sensors can be added as well to detect the presence of natural light and adjust artificial light accordingly.

Video games are at the top of the list for many people during the holiday season. It doesn’t matter whether you are 10, 16 or 45, gaming is for everyone. A custom media room design is definitely for the ultimate gamer though; the die-hard fans will appreciate a room dedicated to playing their favorite systems. And we aren’t talking about just a plain home theater system; we can immerse you in all the fun with automation. Here are some ways we can tailor your video game room in Charlotte, NC with technology.

SEE ALSO: 3 Ways to Get Ready For the Holidays

1. Add Color to the Room

Smart lighting is a perfect way to make your gaming room bright, fun, and interesting. With Control4 lighting, you can press one button on a keypad and the room will change dramatically to a cozy lounge for playing video games. The lights will dim, but a few key areas will stay lit with bright blues, greens or any color you love.

Consider adding light behind the screens to add dimension to the room and accenting chairs or tables so you can see the drinks and food when you are snacking. We can even program the lights to flash when the delivery guy arrives at your front door. It will get your attention immediately when you’re in the middle of an intense game.

2. Battle Other Players in Multi-screen Views

Games like Mario Kart or Fallout 4 are perfect for multi-screen mode. We can incorporate a video wall into your media room design so that each player’s view is displayed on a different TV. Video walls can also display one image on all of the screens at once for those times you are playing by yourself. Multiple TV screens give you the ability to configure the views in different ways, whether you are alone or battling four people.

The second biggest user of energy in your home—right after your heating and cooling system—is lighting. The electricity bill can go way up if you leave lights on, not to mention you are wasting resources and contributing to light pollution. Whatever your motivation is for cutting back on your energy, The Integrated Home can help with home lighting control. Here are three main ways to save energy in your Charlotte, NC home. 

SEE ALSO:  How a Control4 Lighting Installation Adds Color to Your Charlotte Home

1. Install Dimmers

Installing dimmers is a great first step to making a difference. Every time you dim the lights you save energy. According to the lighting manufacturer Lutron, dimming the lights by 25 percent can save you up to 20% on energy. You'll shave some cost off your monthly utility bill and make your bulbs last longer. We have dimmers that are compatible with all kinds of different lights, like LEDs, halogens, and fluorescents. Certain models automatically save you 15% on energy. Of course the best time to dim the lights is during peak daylight hours, when the sun is high. Make most of the natural daylight and save your artificial lights for later in the evening. You can set your dimmers to lower lighting at certain times of day, or manually adjust them with your mobile device or a switch on the wall. Our wall plates will look stylish and will be easy to access so you can simply save with the swipe of your finger.

2. Add Occupancy/Vacancy Sensors

Occupancy sensors help you make saving energy a priority without all the extra work. This technology ensures that lights won't be left on due to forgetfulness. If you leave a room, it will know it and turn off the lights accordingly. Depending on the type of sensor you use, it can detect slight movements, like typing on a computer, or just major movements so your dog doesn’t keep turning the lights on

They can save you 20% on energy and last a long time. Daylight sensors, similarly, detect light and automatically make adjustments. If it's a bright, sunny day, the lights dim to a low level. If it's overcast outside, the light will stay bright.

Every year, it seems like the holidays arrive sooner than the year before! Thanksgiving and Christmas will be here before you know it - are you ready for the busy season? Hosting parties, visiting family, and shopping for the holidays can be very stressful – especially if you add travel into the mix. Did you know that partnering with a local Charlotte, NC Control4 dealer can make your life easier this time of year? A smart home system will simplify your life, help manage schedules, and keep your property secure. Here are three main ways we can help out with home technology.

Check Your Security System

First of all, if you don’t have a security system, it’s important to have one—especially during the holidays. Did you know that robberies increase from Thanksgiving to New Year’s? You can have peace of mind by using a Control4 system to manage your security and surveillance.

Install cameras around your property and get alerts when a stranger approaches or enters your home. You can even keep tabs on which doors are locked or left open every day.

Have a pet? Monitor them while you are out shopping or away on vacation. Press one button called “Away” and the doors will lock, the security system will turn on and the whole house will go into energy-saving mode. Press “Welcome Home” and your smart home will wake up again and welcome you inside. Using automation is that simple.

It’s simple: a Control4 system is easy to use, fun for the whole family and practical in every situation. We’re frequently asked why we are a Control4 integrator and why it is our number-one smart home automation system of choice, so we’ve decided to provide our top three reasons of what makes Control4 so great for The Integrated Home and the families in Charlotte, North Carolina we serve every day. Here is our list, focusing on ways the Control4 system can enhance your home:

1.       Control4 Brings the Family Together

Control4 is known for simple, user-friendly interfaces. That means that your kids have command of the entertainment center when they get home from school. And your technology-phobic grandparents won’t have any trouble accessing the lighting controls in any room of the home. Gather the whole family in the home theater for an unforgettable movie night. Use a single device to dim the lights, raise the volume on the surround sound system, select and start the feature presentation. With Control4 integrated into your home, all the control is at the fingertips of your entire family.

2.       It’s a Scalable System

Smart automation is not a monolith – each component is capable of functioning on its own, as well as a with other subsystems. That means that you don’t have to start large to step into the world of integrated technology. Featuring both wired and wireless installation options, Contro4 is very scalable. Pick a room you want to invest in first, and then add on later. For example, craft the automated kitchen of your dreams. Let music from your Sonos system envelope you as you prepare an elegant meal for the family. Follow recipes as they appear on your smart television, unobtrusively installed behind a cabinet façade. Then call the family into the dining room via an HD intercom when it’s time to eat. Once you experience and understand the benefits of Control4 within your kitchen, you can easily expand the experience by installing more smart components throughout your home using your existing network infrastructure.

If you have kids or take care of elderly relatives, life can become quite hectic. Additionally, if you have a demanding job or busy schedule throughout the week, managing your home is the last thing on your mind. Smart home automation definitely comes in handy when raising a family. You can save more money for your kids’ futures with an energy management system, keep your Charlotte home secure with remote controls, and keep the kids (or grandparents) on a routine schedule. Keep reading this blog to discover our tips on organizing your North Carolina home with smart home controls.

SEE ALSO: How Can Smart Home Automation Improve Your Concord, NC Residence?

Morning Routine

After a long holiday break it can be difficult to get everyone back on schedule in the morning. Use your Control4 smart home to get your kids up quickly and on time without the hassle. Use your multi-room audio system to play wake-up songs at 6:30 a.m. to get the house moving. If you have young kids, choose a Disney playlist or if you have teenagers pick their favorite album. Each room can be customized so waking up is fun and not a hassle. Include motorized shades in your wake-up scene to let in the morning sun too. Add in house lights, video, and HVAC to create the right environment for starting your day right. If the kids aren’t ready to go to school by 7:30, hit an “alert” button on your phone to make their bedroom lights flash to let them know it’s almost time to leave for school. If you have Control4’s HD intercom system, you can also communicate with your kids upstairs and tell them they have five minutes to move it or else!

After School Routine

With so many options for wireless music systems today, it’s pretty easy to get lost in a sea of audio brands and equipment. Which one is best and matches your needs and specific preferences? The Integrated Home is here to help you not only understand how wireless music works, but also pick the right solution just for you and your family. With our help, you’ll be rocking out to your favorite playlist in no time, and playing DJ entertaining friends and family like a pro at your next house party.

SEE ALSO: Transform the Soundscape of Your Home with Whole House Audio

“Wireless Music” Doesn’t Mean There are No Wires

So you may be surprised to find out that there are wires in a wireless music system – that is unless you purchase a Bluetooth speaker. Bluetooth speakers can be charged using a plug-in cord into the wall and then can be played anywhere without a power source until the battery dies. These are great for picnics, volleyball games, or any other fun outing where you want to bring music with you – but not transport heavy, expensive audio equipment. But these types aren’t what we are referring to when we talk about wireless music systems. It refers to connecting multiple speakers without wires so you can play the same song in multiple locations at once. For example, place a Sonos PLAY:1 speaker in each bedroom in your home, plug in the power source, and then connect all three using the app so you can play “Purple Rain” on all three simultaneously. You can play different songs on each one as well, but if you want all of them to sync, you need wireless speakers in order to do that.

You Can Use Accessories for Every Application

Our partner Sonos has a lot of different products to choose from – including soundbars, bookshelf speakers, and loudspeakers. But what if you want to install one on the wall? Or maybe you want to create a surround sound setup in the living room. This can be accomplished using audio accessories. Sonos speakers include screw ports for mounting hardware, but since they are uniquely shaped and somewhat heavy, they can be hard to mount. If you don’t have a shelf to put them on, then you need either speaker stands or wall mounts. We offer swivel wall mounts so you can reduce clutter in your room and stands to place your speakers on. If you want to match your soundbar to a flat-screen TV, we can help you mount that as well and fit it to size. Knowing that you have options when it comes to displaying your speakers is helpful when your rooms are different shapes and sizes.

You Can Integrate Them with Your Smart Home

Sonos systems and a lot of other wireless music systems can be integrated into your smart home – meaning you can sync them to other features like lights and shades. Not only can you enjoy the convenience of controlling your speakers with an iPhone or Android smartphone, but you can also play them, turn on your lights, and open your doors all at once. Sonos is compatible with Control4 and Savant smart home systems so you can incorporate music into a variety of scenes. For example, wake up to your favorite radio station and raise your shades at the same time. Play the news as you walk into the front door after work to catch up on what happened that day. You have many options with wireless devices.

A smart thermostat is certainly a key feature in any smart home. Being able to control the temperature of your Charlotte, NC home quickly and easily is quite convenient. Today we are sharing a few new ways you can access your climate control system. Our Control4 smart homes have many different options, from using an app on your smartphone to geo-fencing technology. Keep reading to learn more.

SEE ALSO: What is the Best Wireless Thermostat?

Geo-fencing

Geo-fencing technology allows you to control your smart home using your location. Your smartphone uses GPS to pinpoint where you are and then start or stop certain functions. For example, if you want your home to be nice and cold when you get home from work, create a setting that turns the air conditioning on to 72 as soon as you are one mile from home.  Geo-fencing creates an invisible perimeter around your property so that when you step inside that fence, your smart home goes into action turning on the air conditioning or heater, turning on the lights, music, or TV as well.

Voice Control & Smart Scenes

The 2018 CES Expo showcased some of the top consumer technologies in the world. From robot dogs to smart speakers, there were thousands of products on display. As we looked around, we spotted a few that were ideal for our home theater installations.

From the pristine audio and video offered by Sony’s new line of products to the always exceptional smart home solutions from Control4, we’ve collected some of our favorites in this blog.

Whether you have a dedicated home theater system or a multi-purpose media room, these are sure to enhance your viewing experience this year.

SEE MORE: How to Create the Right Environment in Your Home Theater

Sony’s LPSX-A1 Projector

Sony made the biggest impact at CES 2018 with their brand new 4K ultra HD short-throw projector. Beautifully designed with a marble top and aluminum frame, this is the ideal solution if you’re looking to blend your home theater with your interior décor.

A smart home does much more than just control your lights and TV with your phone. It can automatically start and stop every feature in your Charlotte, North Carolina home without you having to even lift a finger. The magic of automation means that you can customize all of the technology in your home so that it mirrors your day-to-day activities and schedules. In this blog we'll show you how you can create specific scenes for special occasions with your Control4 system. We've got 3 fun ideas to get you started.

SEE ALSO: Make Your Home Smart and Secure With a Control4 Installation Today

1. Pool Party
Summertime is right around the corner which means you'll have more time with the kids or other family members and friends to enjoy the warm weather. Plan a pool party with your smart home system by creating a music playlist and distributing the music to your landscape speakers around the pool and hot tub. Turn on the outdoor Seura TV and stream the football or baseball game. If it's a late-night rendezvous, you can add a lighting setting to the scene and brighten the pool, walkways, and bar area. Hit one button and it all turns on instantly! You'll have this scene at your fingertips all summer long so you can work on that tan and have fun.

2. Movie Night
Whether you have a dedicated home theater or a media room, movie night can be a breeze setting up with this saved setting. Hit a button and the shades will come down to prevent glare, the thermostat will lower to a cool degree, the lights will turn off so you can see the screen better (except for the backlights or walkways so no one trips) and the projector and screen or TV comes on. If you have the Kaleidescape server, you can pick a movie ahead of time, purchase and download it so that it's ready when you are. That way if it's Friday or Sunday afternoon, you're one click away from a fantastic flick.

3. Bake Off or Grill Out
This scene can be created for your kitchen or patio. Get the girls together for a bake off and make cookies or cakes. Or gather the guys for an afternoon grill out and prepare burgers, hot dogs, or ribs on the barbecue. Set the scene in the kitchen by playing some background music, like jazz or acoustic songs; turn up the lights so you have plenty of light to see; lower the solar shades so it doesn't get too hot; and play the Food Network so you can follow the instructions. For the guys, you can turn on a sports show or the radio to stay entertained while you make some amazing food. Cooking or baking doesn't feel like work when you have home entertainment and good company around.