How to Turn Your Home into a Smart Home
More homeowners are choosing to upgrade their living spaces with smart home technology. With the added safety, convenience, and comfort that automation brings, it’s no surprise that smart homes are quickly becoming the new standard in modern living. This guide will walk you through how to turn your home into a smart home.
What Exactly Is a Smart Home?
A smart home is equipped with internet-connected devices that allow you to automate and remotely control household systems such as lighting, security, climate, and appliances. These devices are often managed through a smartphone app or voice commands using a digital assistant.
Benefits of a smart home include:
- Convenience: Manage devices from anywhere with your phone or voice.
- Energy Efficiency: Automate temperature and lighting for savings.
- Home Security: Monitor your property with smart locks, cameras, and sensors.
- Comfort & Customization: Tailor routines that match your lifestyle.
How to Turn Your Home into a Smart Home
Step 1: Set Your Smart Home Goals
Start by identifying what you want your smart home to do. Are you looking to:
- Control lighting and temperature remotely?
- Monitor your home for added security?
- Save on energy bills?
- Make life more accessible for children or older adults?
Clarifying your priorities helps you choose the right devices and features.
Step 2: Choose the Right Ecosystem
Smart home devices work best when they’re part of a unified system or ecosystem, such as:
- Amazon Alexa
- Google Assistant
- Apple HomeKit (Siri)
Each ecosystem has its own app, voice assistant, and compatible devices. Choosing one ecosystem will make your setup easier and ensure everything works together seamlessly. Base your choice on your current devices, preferred voice assistant, and app experience.
Step 3: Build a Reliable Wi-Fi Foundation
A smart home is only as strong as its internet connection. Devices like thermostats, doorbell cameras, and smart bulbs all rely on Wi-Fi to function.
Tips for strong connectivity:
- Use a mesh Wi-Fi system for large or multi-level homes.
- Position your router centrally.
- Add Wi-Fi extenders or additional mesh nodes to eliminate dead zones.
Step 4: Start with Core Smart Devices
If you’re just getting started, focus on high-impact upgrades that bring the most value to daily life:
- Smart thermostats like Nest or ecobee for energy savings
- Smart light bulbs and dimmers for convenient control and ambiance
- Smart doorbell cameras and locks for security and peace of mind
Look for products that are compatible with your ecosystem and offer features that align with your needs.
Step 5: Expand with Smart Appliances and Routines
Once you’re comfortable with the basics, you can layer in additional smart devices, such as:
- Smart plugs to control lamps and small appliances
- Robot vacuums to clean while you’re out
- Smart kitchen devices like connected ovens or coffee makers
You can also create routines like:
- Good Morning: Lights gradually turn on, thermostat adjusts, and coffee pot starts brewing.
- Away Mode: Locks doors, turns off lights, and arms the security system.
Step 6: Consider Smart Home Interior Design
What is smart home interior design? It is thoughtfully integrating technology and aesthetics to create a living space that is both functional and visually appealing. Beyond just adding gadgets, it’s the seamless blending of smart devices into a home’s layout, style, and daily routines.
Smart home interior design combines form and function, creating a space that’s intuitive, efficient, and beautifully integrated.
Must-Have Devices for Every Smart Home
Here’s a list of smart home essentials to consider:
- Smart Lighting & Dimmers – Schedule lighting or adjust brightness remotely.
- Smart Thermostats – Save energy by automating your heating and cooling.
- Smart Locks & Security Cameras – Keep an eye on your home from anywhere.
- Voice Assistants & Smart Speakers – Control your home with simple voice commands.
- Smart Plugs & Outlets – Make any appliance smarter with remote access and automation.
Smart Home Living with Dream Finders Homes in Orlando
Dream Finders Homes is proud to offer smart-ready new homes in some of the most desirable communities throughout the greater Orlando area. Many of our homes come pre-wired or pre-installed with smart features, eliminating the need for costly retrofitting and giving you a seamless way to embrace modern living.
Annabelle Estates | Winter Haven
Set in scenic Winter Haven, Annabelle Estates offers access to lakes, parks, and preserves perfect for kayaking, hiking, and fishing. With nearby golf courses and wellness centers, this community is ideal for those who prioritize recreation, and smart-ready homes ensure convenience is always within reach.
Cypress Park Estates | Haines City
Located in charming Haines City, Cypress Park Estates is a great fit for growing families and first-time buyers. Its central location puts you close to everyday essentials and popular attractions, while smart home features provide added security, comfort, and energy savings.
Part of a thoughtfully planned 15-acre master community in Lake County, Hills of Minneola offers resort-style amenities, including a community pool and clubhouse. With top-rated schools nearby, plus smart-ready homes, this community makes life convenient and connected.
Palms at Windermere | Windermere
Luxury meets convenience at Palms at Windermere, featuring spacious homesites and upscale finishes. Located minutes from Disney and Hamlin Town Center, these smart-ready homes offer elegant living and seamless technology integration in one of Orlando’s most desirable zip codes.
Serenade at Ovation | Winter Garden
Serenade at Ovation, located in the thriving Horizon West area, blends diverse home styles—including townhomes and bungalows—with abundant green space, parks, and playgrounds. The community offers smart home convenience in a vibrant, connected setting.
Frequently Asked Questions About Smart Homes
How much does it cost to make a smart home?
When it comes to how to turn your home into a smart home, you can start with basic upgrades like smart bulbs or plugs for under $100. A more comprehensive system with thermostats, cameras, and smart locks can range from $500 to $2,000+.
Can I retrofit my current home into a smart home?
Most smart home devices are wireless and easy to install in existing homes. Wi-Fi and a smartphone are typically all you need.
Will a smart home increase my property value?
Smart homes are attractive to tech-savvy buyers and may increase appeal and resale value, especially if key systems like HVAC and security are automated.
Build Your Smart Home in Orlando Today
Whether you’re starting small or going all-in, smart home design can enhance how your family lives, and once you’ve experienced it, you might wonder how you ever lived without it. At Dream Finders Homes, we make it easy to live smarter. Our homes are designed with the future in mind, offering smart-ready infrastructure that brings comfort, efficiency, and peace of mind to your daily routine.
Explore our Orlando-area communities today and discover how smart your next home can be.