With increased acceptance and high consumer demand, builders are no longer asking if it’s time to start embedding smart technology into homes – they’re asking, “How do I build connected homes?”

With constantly evolving options, builders are faced with many questions about the ever-changing smart home market. Rick Gavenda, director of Leviton’s builder and developer program, and Diahann Young, director of digital platforms and innovation at PulteGroup, help minimize this confusion by answering four common questions builders have about connected homes:

1. What is the biggest consideration in developing smart-enabled homes?

Young recommends starting with what is most important to consumers and building off their demands. This can range from selecting products that are compatible with popular voice controls to how you support the wide breadth of technology they will use.

“You can show homeowners many smart home capabilities, but their questions typically go back to the basics. ‘Is this going to run smoothly in my home? What happens if the internet goes down?’” says Young.

2. Smart product trends indicate a heavy reliance on Wi-Fi networks. How should I accommodate this?

“Having the proper networking is the foundation of building a connected home,” states Young. “The latest smart devices “talk” to each other over Wi-Fi. To minimize dead zones and to ensure constant connectivity among this technology, it’s important to incorporate hardwired systems with strategically placed access points in the home. This allows kids to watch Netflix in their rooms while you tell Alexa to dim the kitchen lights without connectivity issues.”

3. How do I select smart products with so many options that are always changing?

“The base of your smart offering should be agnostic,” says Young. “Every home should come with the foundation homeowners need to mix and match the ecosystems they want to build.”

Gavenda agrees that manufacturers also need to develop products, like the company’s smart lighting controls, with an agnostic philosophy to meet builders’ needs. “As the various players in the smart home ecosystem evolve, it’s important to provide products that give homeowners the freedom to select the technology that works best for them,” he says.

4. What do you think is the biggest trend to pay attention to?

“Two years ago, the trend was the hub, but now technology is moving toward cloud-to-cloud communications which provide control from anywhere and schedules, so homeowners don’t have to worry,” explains Gavenda, who recommends going hubless for future flexibility.

He also notes the rise in white glove services, which help homeowners set up their eco-systems. Several providers are offering these types of services, so it’s important to have a team in place for your homes too.

Both Young and Gavenda agree that there is value in connected home development because of current consumer demand. Building homes that support smart integrations becomes routine when you have a process in place. And, by creating that process, you can ensure your homes stay valuable and relevant in an ever-evolving market.

To learn more about building connected homes: www.leviton.com/Pulte.