Technology making new homes smarter than ever
Home prices have skyrocketed to levels few thought possible, but many experts agree that today’s homebuyer is getting a far better home than what was being offered only five years ago.
“New homes are unlike any that have come before,” said Dan Morgan, President of Santa Rosa-based Centennial Homes.
Ironically, some of the most important features commonly available in new homes are virtually unseen.
For soundproofing and moisture reduction, space-age insulating foam is used. To enhance water pressure and durability, builders install newly developed cross-linked polyethylene piping instead of copper. Due to safety and health concerns, home fire sprinkler systems are available and many builders use a mold-retardant spray during framing.
A standard feature of new homes is high-capacity wiring known as Category 5, which provides for complete home communication.
“If you have Cat 5 wiring,” explained Morgan, “it means all your entertainment, Internet and security wiring is integrated into a single wiring system. This makes it easier to install home communications and is more stable.”
“Four-port wall panels are becoming standard,” added Deborah Childress, marketing director for The O’Brian Group, builder of Montini Ranch in west Sonoma. “New homeowners now have the convenience of wall panels that have an electrical outlet, plus a phone jack and digital outlets.”
Childress said today’s builders are creating the infrastructure that allows for “Smart Home” technology – the central computerization of all household systems.
“Our homes are being constructed so owners can take advantage of future Smart Home products,” said Childress. “For example, a GPS satellite system has just become available that automatically senses the dry spots in your lawn and adjusts the water accordingly.”
However, Tony Jaurique, president of Sandcastle Development of Pebble Beach cautions against the Smart Home concept.
“I believe the Smart Home idea was a marketing ploy,” said the builder, who specializes in high-end custom homes. “It’s great if you have a computer tech standing by, but most people don’t want to worry about reprogramming the house if the porch light doesn’t come on. I think most homeowners prefer to keep it simple and Smart Home technology makes it more complex and costly.”
Today, builders are designing kitchens to be the heart of the home.
"The lines between kitchen and living areas have blurred and now overlap," explains Jaurique. "Kitchens have expanded into what we call great rooms that allow for a multitude of uses from casual entertaining to home office niches.”
One recent trend in kitchen design is to imbue the space with the ambiance and practicality of a country kitchen.
“Pot fillers installed near the work island are very popular,” said Childress. “It’s a country kitchen touch that also offers an easy way to fill big pots with water.”
Today’s country kitchens also come with a host of high-tech accoutrements.
“General Electric is on the forefront of pushing the technology of kitchen appliances,” said Morgan. “Their Advantium oven is truly remarkable.”
Childress said, “It not only cooks eight times faster than a conventional oven but it will keep the food chilled until it’s time to thaw, then thaw it and have it cooked and ready to eat when you get home. It’s an example of Smart Home technology making life easier.”
Bathrooms have also had a makeover. Most new homes offer jetted tubs in the master bath and often include wiring for a flat screen TV to enjoy while relaxing in the bath.
The floor plans of today’s homes are also a radical departure from the past.
“Hallways are a waste of space,” explained Jaurique. “By minimizing hallways, a builder can offer more living space while not adding square footage to the home. I often build homes with rooms that radiate off a central great room or courtyard, which eliminates the wasted space of a long hallway.”