Homes are getting smarter and smarter. Many of us have numerous smart devices in our homes that are changing almost every aspect of our lives.
Some smart home innovations may help you add perceived value to your home, too. A recent real estate study revealed that 77 percent of younger homebuyers (those under 40) are looking for a home with “smart” innovations. But it's not just them. 56% of those aged 45-60 are very interested in homes with smart technology, too.
Most of the smart gadgets that are most commonly found in homes right now revolve around smart home automation systems; they allow us to control lights, security, temperature and even blinds with the touch of a button from our smartphones
However, there is a part of the home that many have forgotten to automate — and it’s a room that we use every day. And that's a shame, as there are smart gadgets that can really elevate a very routine part of your day.
Here are some ways to keep your home on-trend - and maybe increase its worth - by adding the latest technology to one of the most-used rooms in your home: the bathroom.
Higher Tech Toilets
It’s high time to get high-tech with our toilets. Several new models are revolutionizing the way we “go.” Here are just a few of the new toilet features to look for:
Toilets that don’t require hands or paper. These toilets have temperature-controlled water, spritzing wands and automatic dryers (already in use and common in Asia).
Toilet seat warmers and LED lights.
Self-cleaning toilets and antimicrobial seats — a dream come true for germaphobes.
Motion sensors to raise and lower toilet lids.
Smarter Faucets
Not only do we all aspire to be tech-savvy, we also want to be eco-savvy and help preserve our planet's health as well as our own. Digital smart faucets are a great way to conserve water and energy and even add some extra visual allure to your bathroom space(s)
Here are some of the features that you can expect from a digital faucet, many of which you may have experienced in a retailer's bathroom but are now fully available for installation in the average Waterloo Region home.
Reduced tap flow and digital temperature-control settings, conserving money and water.
Touchless technology.
Voice activation
Infrared tap technology that “reads” the user's actions and turns off when it senses that hands are not under the faucet.
Programmable features, such as a timed handwashing setting or a teeth-brushing option that runs for an allotted time frame. The amount of water we waste with overlong handwashing (twenty seconds is enough, even in the time of COVID) and extended tooth brushing sessions is massive.
Smarter Showers
Another place that a LOT of water is wasted in the bathroom is the shower. A hot shower after a long day is admittedly one of life's great little pleasures, so spending far too long there is easy to do. A smart shower can solve that problem by allowing you to set a timer so that it will shut off automatically.
But that's not all smart showers can do. They can also precisely set a water temperature that's just right for you, alerting you with a beep to step in only when the water's just right. Some are even voice activated or feature lights that change colour when the water is very hot (or cold.)
Smart Water Leak Detectors
Water damage can make a terrible mess and cost you a lot of money when it comes to bathrooms. A leak that causes major damage can even devalue your home. Smart leak detectors help you catch leaks before they become an issue.
These smart devices connect to your Wi-Fi and let you know right away if there is a leak coming from your sink, toilet, or any other fixture in the bathroom or the home.
They can also help you save money on water bills by catching slow leaks that happen unseen. All of this is done with a smart device that will send notifications straight to your smartphone.
If you're someone who doesn't pay attention to their water meter, these are great devices to have, so you can ensure there aren't any major water problems going on behind the scenes.
Cool Bathroom Gadgets
Then there are some smart bathroom gadgets that are just COOL. Here's a look at some of our favorites:
Smart Mirror
While you're in your smart bathroom, why not check out your look in a smart mirror?
Your smartphone is able to do a lot of things, but it can't show you how refreshed you look after a shower or if your mascara needs another layer. That's where smart mirrors come into play.
These work for more than just checking your appearance. You can use them to do everything from putting on makeup in just the right light to checking the weather.
They are also useful for keeping an eye on things like notifications and incoming calls, the news, and other information you want to see while getting ready, including your basic health. Some smart mirrors even come with Alexa built-in, so you can control them with your voice.
Smart Bathroom Mat
Yes, you can even get a smart bathroom mat. These undercover gadgets (you really can't tell what they are at a glance) are able to track your weight, BMI, posture, and even recognize individual footprints.
The data the mat collects is synced with an app that shows you your progress and allows you to set goals for yourself. All of this information will help you take better care of your body and see how far you've come over time.
Smart Shower Speakers
Who doesn't enjoy music while they shower. However, risking taking your phone into the bathroom is a bad idea, however water-resistant its manufacturer claims it to be. You could also opt for a stick up WiFi shower speaker, but in our experience they tend to fall down easily, so make sure they are secure before you shower! .
The alternative is an investment in smart shower speakers. These are built in, waterproof speakers that can, if you are willing to invest a little more, provide extremely high quality sound that can be drawn from a number of sources. They are also very sleek and unobtrusive, so they won't detract from the overall look of your sleek smart shower!
Looking to sell your Waterloo Region home? Or buy a new one? Let Team Pinto use their huge local real estate experience and expertise to help you. Contact the award-winning Team Pinto here, or book a free Zoom consultation to discuss your unique Waterloo Region real estate needs here