How far has smart home technology come in the last few years? Far enough that C.R. Herro, vice president of innovation at Meritage Homes, “… put smart systems in my grandma’s house.”
That’s not the only house, either.
Last year Herro’s company, Meritage Homes, ranked #7 in the 2019 BUILDER 100, outfitted 8,531 U.S. homes with smart devices such as garage door openers, doorbells, thermostats, door locks and lighting controls through their M.Connected Automation Suite. In fact, every home Meritage has sold since July 2017 includes the technology suite.
The decision for a top 10 national homebuilder to standardize smart home technology says a lot about how evolved it is. The old days of callbacks over system complexity may be fading fast, but some challenges do remain.
Challenge of the Middle 70%
One that Herro singles out is the ‘challenge of the middle 70 percent,’ typified by a busy 36-year-old mom. “Fifteen percent of the population are early adopters. They’re super-excited by new technology. Another 15 percent really don’t want the Internet in their home. The middle 70 percent are open-minded but need more awareness. We have to burn some calories to inspire them,” Herro explains.
“People may not demand their phone do something extra. But once they’re exposed to the possibilities, there’s no turning back,” Herro says.
Who to Specify?
Consider garage door openers, for example. We’re all familiar with the handy dashboard clicker. Now imagine a smartphone app with the same open and close functionality. No more remote control to misplace. No more hassles with outdoor keypads for the kids. No more worries about ‘Did I leave the garage door open?’ Just view the app.
Meritage, for example, has never been one to shy away from innovation. Herro cites their experience with many home innovation companies, such as LiftMaster and their myQ App. Today, LiftMaster, myQ and other homebuyer conveniences are part of the M.Connected Suite.
Lead with Trust
In the case of garage door opener companies, Meritage considered several respected names. Where should they place their bets? Herro says it comes down to trust.
“Trust is key for me. Which company can deliver a customer experience that best supports a reputation we’ve built over 35 years?” Herro says.
myQ Stands Apart
“We’ve worked with multiple garage door opener manufacturers over the years. LiftMaster with their myQ technology not only has a really good cloud-based system with several security overlays but also offers a creative and thoughtful solution for secure, in-garage package delivery,” he explains. myQ smart home technology includes real-time alerts, remote access, daily schedules, and Amazon package delivery capability in select markets.
myQ is just one example of how technology is reinventing home functionality. “Smart home automation is in its infancy. We’re in for massive change in the way we interact with our home. But in a very nice way,” he smiles.
To learn how LiftMaster myQ technology can help advance your smart home program, visit LiftMaster.com/myQ.
