What smart-home tech tops the list?

While everyone has different priorities when it comes to creating the ideal home environment, smart devices that can be managed through mobile apps are universally popular. Let’s check out some favorites.

Staying cool and keeping warm.

Being comfortable during hot summer days and cold winter nights is essential. That’s why KB builds new homes to include ecobee3 lite thermostats, with technology that lets you adjust your home’s temperature — anywhere, anytime. This smart thermostat learns your heating and cooling patterns and adjusts accordingly, so it’s nice and warm when you wake up on a chilly morning. It also uses the AC to lower indoor humidity, so you can keep your cool in the summer heat.

Household routines, simplified.

Appliances that bring next-generation performance to your home offer convenience and ingenuity — and you can find them at our Design Studios. Whirlpool® Smart Capable washers help make laundry days easier with features like the Load & Go™ dispenser that let you add detergent once and skip refills for 20 loads. Intuitive controls will guide you to the right cycle combinations, plus you can manage laundry from anywhere on your smartphone.

Whirlpool® smart dryers are equipped with AccuDry™ sensor drying technology that measures moisture and temperature levels to help prevent overdrying and automatically stops the cycle when clothes or linens are dry. You can also choose features like the EcoBoost™ option, which uses less heat and extended cycle times for greater energy efficiency.

When it comes to meal prep, imagine having the convenience of preheating the oven from your phone or getting recipes that send cooking instructions to your Whirlpool® USA smart oven. Step-by-step videos can help make dinnertime easier after a busy day, and you just might create some delicious dishes and new family favorites.

Enjoying peace of mind.

We know that safety is a priority, which is why our Design Studios feature in-demand items, like video doorbells for our new homebuyers. With Hello by Google you get to see who’s at your front door, even if you’re at work, on vacation – or in the kitchen. With 24/7 streaming you can communicate with visitors on your doorstep, get special alerts when a package arrives and other desirable features.

Our Design Studios nationwide also offer security packages powered by ALARM.COM, which means you’ll have a professionally monitored system that alerts you to any unusual activity — so you can feel safer and more protected when you’re at home, and away. You can also integrate this technology to work with other optional smart home components, like door locks and light switches.

Smart garage door openers are also popular security options. You can easily monitor who’s coming and going, and make sure the door is fully open or closed — all with remote access control. Plus, just in case you leave the house with the garage door still open, you can close it from wherever you are, and that definitely brings peace of mind.

If you’ve ever lost your house keys, you’re going to love this. Kwikset® smart door locks with Home Connect technology use a personal code (so no more keys!), plus you can access and control the lock from your phone. With smart locks, you can check who’s coming and going from your house, so you’ll know when your kids arrive safely from school or a friend’s.

Elevating function to the next level.

If you’ve been using your dining room or guest bedroom as a remote work space or classroom, you’re probably also using more power at home. That’s where iDevices like the Wi-Fi Wall Outlet come in handy, and you can upgrade with some great choices at our Design Studios. With energy monitoring via the iDevices Connected app, you can access all of your consumption data to make better energy-conscious decisions. Plus, with iDevices Dimmers you can brighten up your space or turn down the lights without getting off the couch!

On the other hand, if you’re known to have the occasional dance party, you can add smart features like built-in speakers to play your favorite music.

How is smart tech driving demand for new homes vs. used?

As we continue to spend more time at home, working, learning, living and playing, smart tech has surged to the top of customer wish lists. There’s no question that this lifestyle shift has underscored the appeal of new homes for buyers who want their living spaces to be more comfortable, environmentally friendly and secure. Not to mention the availability (in select locations) of high-speed, fiber-optic internet that can handle today’s growing demand for remote work, online classes and of course, streaming entertainment.

A used home typically doesn’t have these capabilities, and it can be expensive to retrofit an older home. When you build with KB, you have the opportunity to personalize and upgrade with the smart-home tech you want, so the features and appliances you choose are built-in and ready to use.

We’re here to help.

When you visit the KB Design Studio to personalize your new home, a design consultant can share the smart-home tech items available and answer any questions you may have.

While our Studios offer different features in different locations and the selection does vary, you will have lots of choices to bring your new home to life.