I want to make my house as smart as possible. What can I do and how much would it cost me?

What’s the best smart home tech out there? And who can install it/what will it cost?

This is a great question! I’ve seen some very interesting designs on high end homes. I haven’t been part of too many of these projects, but there are definitely some standouts.

Here are a couple interesting things I’ve seen:

  • Smart HVAC – anything from thermostats and fireplaces to air filtration and ventilation
  • Lights – I’ve seen spaces that light the path ahead of you as you’re walking through at night
  • Motorized shades
  • Built in sound systems and screens. I’ve even seen a TV lift up, out of somebody’s kitchen counter at the press of a button
  • Home security – cameras, door locks, motion and window sensors
  • Energy and water consumption monitoring

Again, I don’t have too much experience here, but these are a few cool features I’ve encountered. Here’s an example of a “smart kitchen” from a contractor in the SF Bay Area we’ve worked with: