We attended a very informative seminar last week in Boulder on Hiding Technology put on by Tyler Lantzy of Saavihome - the only national network of professional home electronic integrators in North America according to their website. Tyler presented what appeared to be a presentation from CEDIA (Custom Electronics Design and Installation Association). Topics included the value gained in working with an ESC (Electronics Systems Contractor), an overview of the different types of residential systems, the importance of including your home electronics wants/needs early in the home planning process, and some of the methods and strategies for hiding technology.

A key to hiding technology, especially for new homes, is to integrate technology with the design and décor rather than treating it as an afterthought. To achieve the goal of integrated technology it is recommended to engage the ESC in the planning process 2-3 months prior to the completion of the construction drawings.

Today's home entertainment systems are seeing more rooms with multiple televisions along with televisions in rooms that traditionally did not have them like kitchens and bathrooms. Done poorly, the increasing presence of technology in the home can detract from the décor. Done properly though technology will not even be noticed, that is being noticed in a bad way.

Subsystems in homes include home theater, distributed audio, distributed video, lighting control, climate control, custom motorization, security and fire, video surveillance, and voice/data networking. Many homes already include all of these subsystems but they are not integrated. Integrating them together is a good way to enhance the experience of the homeowners while significantly reducing the adverse visible impact to the homes décor.

While there are definitely high end options for integrating all these systems, options are becoming more available for middle class homes as well.

Tyler showed examples of the following methods of hiding technology - conceal, camouflage, consolidate, remotely locate, and eliminate. Since video and audio are designed to be seen and heard respectively it can be challenging to hide them but it can be done without compromising their functionality and quality. Examples of ways to hide video displays include: recess in wall, behind doors, behind two way mirrors, behind art, motorized lifts, and drop screens.

For sound, technology today is allowing concealment through total blend-in with sheet rock, faux painting, behind grills/heat registers, disguising with artwork and tapestries, and integration into light fixtures.

Another key part of hiding technology that was covered is the consolidation of controls. Instead of having multiple switches and remotes for your lights, sound, video, heat, etc. you can now integrate all the controls into single units that are more functional and do not deter from the décor.

When you integrate all the technologies of your home you can have enhanced experiences, reduced clutter, and possibly even more efficient power usage through smart homes. One concern I had was that with stand alone technology units the technology is not tied to the home and it is typically not a part of the selling process. When it is integrated though it becomes a part of the selling process and can most definitely enhance the value of the home but it can also detract if the technology has not been kept up to date. Remember all the homes that have antiquated intercoms that no longer work and are now eyesores? The key is making sure that the foundation is solid and the wiring is there. New technologies are able to run through more consolidated wiring so that even if the technologies change well designed solutions should still last a long time by allowing you to plug and play the respective end delivery technology (i.e. speakers, TV) without having to dig into your home's walls every time tech changes.

So if you are building a new home or retrofitting an existing home it makes sense to consult with an Electronic Systems Contractor before getting to far along in the project. Even if you don't think you can afford all these integrated systems talk to them first. Just like with Interior Designers their subjective and expert viewpoint will make sure you are getting the most for your budget and will be most satisfied with the end result.

Labels: entertainment, Interior Design, technology

posted by Team Design Matters  0 Comments

I caught this good summary of new tools for house hunters in the June 16th 2009 issue of Realtor.org Daily Real Estate News.

New technology continues to make it easier for shoppers to identify homes to buy. Here are some of the latest and greatest.

*There’s an iPhone app for that: Zillow.com released a free iPhone app that allows consumers to check out homes for sale. The GPS-powered app allows shoppers to drive by a home for sale and see price and other details like number of bedrooms and baths.

*Search for ROI: Web sites like Investorloft.com rank homes by the profits they produce and identify properties with big differences between listing price and estimated value. The site has listings in 20 states and will be in all 50 by early 2010.

*Search for falling prices: Trulia.com will let you look for price reductions. Enter a zip code and reduced listings will come up.

*Guided tours on YouTube: Coldwell Banker has partnered with YouTube to launch a homes-for-sale video channel.

*Project value for $9.95: Cyberhomes is offering a market report for slightly less than $10 that provides neighborhood price projections and 12- to 24-month price-change forecasts. It also identifies the number of distressed, foreclosed, and REO properties nearby.

Source: CNNMoney.com, Les Christie (06/15/2009)

I would also add a couple more.

Look for active and data oriented real estate agent blogs in your area. These can be excellent resources for micro level data to help you get an even better understanding of the market you are most interested in. There are a few in the Boulder Colorado area but two great examples are:

The Silver Fern

Zachary Epps

Also, if you are not yet using Twitter, you need to be especially if you are looking for a house. Savvy real estate agents are tweeting super current information and thoughts that can help you again learn more about the micro market you are interested in and get a jump start on others.

If you are selling a house it is critical that you and your agent take all these technology and online resources seriously. Buyers are doing a very large amount of research online before they set foot in your home. They are weeding out the houses that do not grab their attention so make sure your house is in all the right places online and that it is shining in its online description and more importantly in its pictures. Design Matters Home can help you make sure your house is looking its best online through our home staging services. Call us today at (303)249-4661, use our contact form, or stop by our office at 820 Main Street, Suite 109, Louisville, Colorado 80027

Labels: Boulder Colorado, Home Staging, real estate, technology