The Smart Home Revolution: What Goes into a Modern Smart Home

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The Smart Home Revolution: What Goes into a Modern Smart Home 

In an era of rapid technological advancements, our homes are getting smarter. The rise of the smart home has transformed our living spaces, making them more convenient, efficient, and secure than ever before. But what exactly goes into creating a modern smart home? Let’s take a closer look.

1. Intelligent Connectivity

At the heart of every smart home is a robust network. Reliable and high-speed Wi-Fi ensures that all your smart devices can communicate seamlessly. Smart hubs or controllers, like Amazon Echo or Google Home, act as the central command center, allowing you to control various devices with voice commands or through mobile apps.

2. Smart Lighting

Gone are the days of flipping switches. Smart lighting systems, like Philips Hue or LIFX, enable you to control the brightness, color, and even the scheduling of your lights through your smartphone. Some systems can also sync with music or change colors to match your mood.

3. Thermostats

Smart thermostats, such as the Nest Thermostat or Ecobee, learn your heating and cooling preferences and adjust accordingly. They can also be controlled remotely, helping you save on energy bills and reduce your carbon footprint.

4. Home Security

Enhance your home’s security with smart devices like doorbell cameras, motion sensors, and smart locks. Brands like Ring and Arlo provide comprehensive home security solutions, allowing you to monitor your property from anywhere in the world.

5. Voice Assistants

Voice assistants like Amazon’s Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple’s Siri have become household staples. They can answer questions, set reminders, control devices, and even tell jokes. These virtual assistants continue to evolve, becoming more integrated with other smart devices in your home.

6. Entertainment

From smart TVs to streaming devices like Apple TV and Roku, entertainment is a significant part of the smart home ecosystem. Voice-activated remotes and personalized content recommendations are changing the way we consume media.

7. Appliances

Even your kitchen and laundry room can benefit from smart technology. Smart appliances, such as refrigerators, ovens, and washing machines, offer convenience and energy efficiency. Imagine preheating your oven on your way home from work or receiving notifications when your laundry is done.

8. Home Automation

Creating routines and automation is a hallmark of a smart home. You can program your smart devices to perform tasks automatically, such as adjusting the thermostat when you leave for work or turning off lights at bedtime. This not only saves time but also energy and money.

9. Energy Management

Smart meters and energy monitoring systems provide real-time data on your energy consumption. This helps you identify opportunities to reduce energy usage and lower your utility bills.

10. Personalization and Control

The beauty of a smart home is that it’s entirely customizable. You decide which devices to include and how to integrate them. The control is at your fingertips, whether through smartphone apps, voice commands, or programmed schedules.

Conclusion

The modern smart home is a testament to human ingenuity and innovation. It’s a place where technology enhances our lives by making everyday tasks easier and more enjoyable. As the smart home ecosystem continues to expand, we can expect even more exciting developments that will redefine the way we live.

Are you ready to embrace the smart home revolution? From increased security to energy savings and unparalleled convenience, the possibilities are endless. Transform your home into a smart haven and experience the future today.

Ready to Create the Home of Your Dreams?

At North Star Premier Custom Homes, we turn dreams into reality. If you’ve been dreaming of a home that perfectly reflects your lifestyle and taste, it’s time to take the first step. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with our team of expert designers and builders. We’re dedicated to crafting homes that are not only beautiful but also a true representation of you. Don’t just imagine your perfect home; let us help you build it. Call us now to start your journey to a bespoke living experience. Your dream home awaits!

Excited to be a part of the Make-A-Wish – Home for the Holidays

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‘The city has crafted a resolution waiving more than $4,000 in fees for the construction of a home for the Make-a-Wish Foundation of Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana Northeast Ohio Branch.

The home will be a part of Make-A-Wish Foundation’s “A Home for the Holidays” program, in which the organization builds a home and then raffles it off in order to collect donations.

The home will be constructed by North Star Builders and Mancuso Homes on Via San Angelo in the Red Tail Subdivision.

During a City Council work session on Monday, Mayor Bryan Jensen outlined a resolution he will introduce to waive $4,171.75 in construction and permitting fees for the construction.

“Anything that we could do ourselves in terms of inspections and everything else is what we are asking to waive,” Jensen said. “(This is) a way to help out, for many of you that know, the great work that Make-A-Wish does.”

City Council will need to vote to approve the resolution.

Kayla Webb, market director of advancement for Make-a-Wish, and Brenda Callaghan, executive director of the Greater Cleveland Home Builders Association, appeared before the Avon City Council on Monday to explain the program and ask council to vote to approve the resolution.

The HBA and Make-A-Wish have worked together on this project for three years, raising over a half-million dollars.

“From the Home Builders Association, we were so happy to be able to do it,” Callaghan said. “And we are so proud that in three years despite the pandemic, despite the supply issues and labor shortages, we have been able to raise over $500,000 for Make-A-Wish.”

This is the first house that will be built as part of this program in Lorain County, as the first was built in Strongsville and the last two were built in North Royalton.”

You can read the full article here >>

Want To Build On Your Own Lot? We Can Do That!

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Building your dream home is an exciting and fulfilling experience, but it can also be overwhelming, especially when it comes to finding the perfect location to build.

If you’re looking to build a custom home, you may already have a lot that you own or have found the perfect piece of land that you’d like to build on. This is where a custom home builder who can build on your own lot comes in handy. Not all custom home builders offer this service, but those who do can offer you a unique and personalized home-building experience that’s tailored to your specific needs and preferences, giving you the freedom and flexibility to create the perfect home on the land of your choice.

North Star Premier Custom Homes - Custom Kitchens in Avon, OHAdvantages of Working with North Star Builders

One of the main advantages of working with a custom home builder who can build on your own lot is that you have more control over the location of your home. You may have found a piece of land that has stunning views or is in a great location for your lifestyle. By building on your own lot, you can create a home that is uniquely suited to the specific location and environment.

Another advantage of working with a custom home builder who can build on your own lot is that you have more flexibility in terms of design and layout. Many builders who work on their own land have pre-designed homes or plans that they use. However, when you work with a builder who can build on your own lot, you can work with them to create a design that culminates in your family’s dream home. At North Star Builders, we understand the process from ideation to move-in and our team has over 50 years of bringing those dreams to fruition.

Working with a custom home builder who can build on your own lot also means that you can avoid the cost of purchasing a pre-existing home. When you build a custom home, you can select the finishes, fixtures, and features that you want, rather than having to make do with what’s available in a pre-existing home. You also have the opportunity to design your home to be energy-efficient, which can save you money in the long run.

Build on your own lot in Avon, OH | North Star Premier Custom HomesThe Process of Bringing Your Dream Home to Life

The process of building on your own lot begins with a consultation. During this consultation, the North Star Builders’ team will take the time to understand your vision, preferences, and lifestyle needs. We will also evaluate the lot to ensure it meets the necessary requirements for building your dream home.

Once the consultation is complete and the lot has been evaluated, our team will work with you to design your dream home. We have an experienced team of architects and designers who will work with you to create a design that perfectly fits your vision and the lot’s unique characteristics. We have the expertise and resources to handle every aspect of the project, from site preparation and foundation work to final finishes and landscaping. We work with trusted subcontractors and suppliers to ensure that every aspect of the build meets their high standards of quality and craftsmanship.

Throughout the design and building process, our team will keep you informed and involved in every step. We understand that building a home is a significant investment, both financially and emotionally, and we want to ensure that the process is as stress-free and enjoyable as possible.

Of course, building on your own lot can come with its own set of challenges. You may need to have the land surveyed or have permits obtained before construction can begin but we’ll be there to guide you through the process and help ensure that everything is done properly. North Star Builders is also committed to sustainability and energy efficiency. We use the latest green building techniques and materials to ensure that your home is both environmentally friendly and cost-effective to operate.

North Star Premier Custom Homes | Build on your lot | Avon Lake, OHWorking with a custom home builder who can build on your own lot can be a great option if you want more control over the location and design of your home. By working with a builder who specializes in this type of construction, you can create a home that’s uniquely suited to your needs and preferences. While building your dream home on your own lot is a significant investment, it’s one that can pay off in many ways. With the help of North Star Builders, you can create a home that perfectly fits your vision and lifestyle needs while also maximizing the potential of your lot.

Contact us today to learn more about how we can bring our custom home-building services to you & build your dream home on your lot!

Decoding Dreams & Build On Your Lot

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Design Trends For 2023, Maybe

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Will these design trends that started picking up steam in 2022 continue into 2023?

  1. Sustainable design: With an increasing focus on environmental sustainability, more people are looking for ways to incorporate eco-friendly features and materials into their home design, such as solar panels, recycled materials, and energy-efficient appliances.
  2. Biophilic design: This trend emphasizes bringing natural elements, such as plants and natural light, into the home to improve well-being and reduce stress.
  3. Bold colors and patterns: Bright colors and bold patterns are becoming more popular in home design, with people choosing to incorporate these elements in their furniture, decor, and wall art.
  4. Minimalism: The minimalist trend continues to be popular, with people choosing to simplify their living spaces by decluttering and focusing on clean, simple lines in their furniture and decor.
  5. Smart homes: Technology is becoming increasingly integrated into home design, with more people looking to incorporate smart home devices such as voice-activated assistants, automated lighting systems, and smart thermostats.
  6. Home office design: With the rise of remote work, more people are creating dedicated home office spaces that are comfortable, functional, and stylish.
  7. Mixed materials: People are incorporating a mix of materials in their home design, such as combining wood, metal, and concrete elements in their furniture and decor to create a unique, eclectic look.

Again, these are current and recent trends that may continue into 2023, but it’s impossible to predict with certainty what the top home design trends will be in the future.

Why We Love Northeast Ohio & You Should Too

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Why We Love Northeast Ohio… Cleveland… Avon… and it’s not just because we live here (although that’s part of it 🙂 )

Cleveland, Ohio is a vibrant city with plenty of things to do and see. Here are some popular activities and attractions:

Rock n Roll Hall of Fame

Visit the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame. This iconic museum celebrates the history of rock and roll and its impact on culture and society. It features interactive exhibits, artifacts, and live performances. This place is awesome! The summer live performances are great. People often ask why Cleveland has the Rock Hall and not New York or LA? Well, the term Rock n Roll was coined here… so there ya go!

The Museums

Cleveland Museum of Art

Explore the Cleveland Museum of Art. The Cleveland Museum of Art is one of the most renowned art museums in the United States, with a collection of more than 45,000 works of art spanning 6,000 years. Side note – our marketing guy has a family member who has some pieces in a couple of collections.

Cleveland Museum of Natural History

Explore the Cleveland Museum of Natural History. This museum features exhibits on prehistoric creatures, Ohio’s natural habitats, and other scientific topics.

Western Reserve Historical Society – Home to the Crawford Auto & Aviation Museum

The Crawford Auto-Aviation Museum of the Western Reserve Historical Society depicts the automobile at various stages of development, both on a national and regional level. Its automobiles and artifacts are the centerpieces of the guest experience at the Cleveland History Center.

Museum of Contemporary Art

moCa is not a traditional collecting museum. moCa is a contemporary non-collecting museum that celebrates the art and artists of our time. Each season moCa showcases an array of fresh voices within contemporary art that reflect the art and ideas of the moment and our time. moCa has the unique privilege of being Northeast Ohio’s most recognizable arts organization solely dedicated to contemporary art.

Cleveland Botanical Garden

Take a stroll through the Cleveland Botanical Garden. While not technically a museum, University Circle is home to a number of worthwhile attractions. The Cleveland Botanical Garden features 10 acres of gardens and natural habitats, as well as a conservatory with a tropical rainforest and desert environments.

Cleveland Cultural Gardens

The Cleveland Cultural Gardens are a collection of public gardens located in Rockefeller Park in Cleveland, Ohio. The gardens are situated along East Boulevard & Martin Luther King Jr. Drive within the 276 acre of wooded parkland on the city’s East Side. In total, there are 33 distinct gardens,

The Cleveland Orchestra

While not a museum, The Cleveland Orchestra is one of the best in the world, and their performances at Severance Hall, located across the street from the Museum of Art, are not to be missed.

They should officially rebrand this as the Museum District, all of these great sites are within walking distance of each other.

Cleveland Children’s Museum

The Children’s Museum of Cleveland welcomes nearly 200,000 visitors annually and has one of the most diverse visitor bases of museums in the region.

International Women’s Air & Space Museum

The mission of the International Women’s Air & Space Museum is to preserve the history of women in aviation and space and to document their continuing contributions today and in the future. We have artifacts for over 6,000 women in the aviation and aerospace fields. We are the only museum of our kind in the entire world because we represent women in all fields of aviation and aerospace, including but not limited to; pilots, mechanics, mission controllers, and astronauts.

 

The Sports

Cheer on the Cleveland Indians err Guardians

Sorry, it’s gonna take us awhile to get used to that. Cleveland is home to the Cleveland Guardians baseball team, which plays at Progressive Field. Catch a game and enjoy the lively atmosphere of the ballpark. But we’re all hoping for a repeat of 2022…

In addition to the Guardians, Northeast Ohio is also home to the Akron Rubber Ducks, a Minor League Baseball team based in Akron, Ohio. The team, which plays in the Eastern League, is the Double-A affiliate of the Cleveland Guardians. They play in Canal Park, located in downtown Akron, which seats 7,630 fans. The Lake County Captains are a Minor League Baseball team in Eastlake, Ohio, a suburb of Cleveland, that plays in the Midwest League as the High-A affiliate of the Cleveland Guardians. And the baseball list wouldn’t be complete without Avon’s own, Lake Erie Crushers. The Lake Erie Crushers are a professional baseball team in the independent Frontier League, which is not affiliated with Major League Baseball. The Crushers won the Frontier League Championship in their inaugural season back in 2009.

The Browns

Yeah, yeah… we know! But it’s our team and if that proves anything about the folks from this area, it’s that we’re way too loyal, battle-tested & as tough as they come.

Lake Erie Monsters

The fastest thing you can watch on ice & subsequently the precursor to the greatest year in sports any town has ever had, ever! 2016 was the year the Monsters brought home the Calder Cup!

The Cavs

The town & the team that brought you Lebron James & a much-needed Championship in 2016!

UFC

Cleveland also got to witness a 2016 that kicked off a series of championship defenses by our own Stipe Miocic who went on to cement the fact that he’s the greatest heavyweight to ever come through the UFC. #AndStill

League Park

League Park was a baseball park located in Cleveland, Ohio, United States. It was situated at the northeast corner of Dunham Street (now known as East 66th Street) and Lexington Avenue in the Hough neighborhood. It was built in 1891 as a wood structure and rebuilt using concrete and steel in 1910. The park was home to a number of professional sports teams, most notably the Cleveland Indians of Major League Baseball. League Park was first home to the Cleveland Spiders of the National League from 1891 to 1899 and of the Cleveland Lake Shores of the Western League, the minor league predecessor to the Indians, in 1900. From 1914 to 1915, League Park also hosted the Cleveland Spiders of the minor league American Association. In the late 1940s, the park was also the home field of the Cleveland Buckeyes of the Negro American League.

MLS

There’s been a lot of speculation in recent months but it looks like the groundwork has been laid in bringing a Major League Soccer team to the shores of Lake Erie.

The Great Lakes Science Center

The Great Lakes Science Center, located next to the Rock Hal & Cleveland Browns Stadium, is a museum and educational facility in downtown Cleveland, Ohio, United States. Many of the exhibits document the features of the natural environment in the Great Lakes region of the United States.

The Cleveland Metroparks Zoo

The Cleveland Zoo is home to more than 3,000 animals representing 600 species from around the world.

The Cleveland Metroparks

The Cleveland Metroparks is a system of 18 parks and reservations spanning more than 23,000 acres. Activities include hiking, biking, fishing, and kayaking. Since taking over the maintenance and management of beaches along Lake Erie, the metroparks and our beaches have truly transformed into little talked about gems throughout the area:

  • Huntington Beach
  • Wallace Lake
  • Edgewater Beach
  • Villa Angela
  • Ledge Pool
  • Hinckley Lake Spillway
  • Euclid Beach Park

Then there is the amazing job they’ve done on the golf courses:

  • Mastick Woods
  • Big Met
  • Little Met
  • Sleepy Hollow
  • Seneca
  • Shawnee Hills
  • Manakiki

The Cleveland Aquarium

While it doesn’t get talked about nearly enough, the Greater Cleveland Aquarium is filled with intriguing aquatic life from the Great Lakes and colorful sea creatures from around the globe. From weedy seadragons to a giant Pacific octopus, you can see more than 2,700 animals representing 320 species. Many of the habitats in our 7 galleries offer unique views–including an 11,000-gallon touch pool inhabited by cownose and Atlantic stingrays and an 175-foot seatube that takes you to the ocean floor where pufferfish, angelfish and 3 species of shark swim beside and above you.

Playhouse Square

Take in a show at Playhouse Square: Playhouse Square is a collection of theaters and performance venues, including the historic Playhouse Square Palace Theatre and the Ohio Theatre, which hosts touring Broadway shows, concerts, and other events.

Other notable mentions:

  • The Christmas Story House
  • The Breweries – Great Lakes, Platform, Cleveland Distillery, Sibling Revelry, Fat Heads, Brick n Barrel, Goldhorn, Terrestrial, Collision Bend, Market Garden, Arsenal Cider House, Butcher & the Brewer, Masthead, Noble Beast, Jolly Scholar, Saucy Brew Works, Forest City, Hofbrauhaus
  • Mather Maritime Museum
  • USS Cod Submarine Museum
  • Lakeview Cemetary
  • Dunham Tavern Museum

Now… let’s talk about why we love Avon!

Should you move to Avon, Ohio? Is Avon, Ohio a good place to live? When determining what cities are good for your personality, life situation, and personal preferences, there are many factors to consider including climate, cost of living, community, job opportunities, population makeup, activities, and things to do.

Let’s start off with a couple of notable rankings…

Climate Comfort In Avon, Ohio

In a typical year, Avon, Ohio temperatures fall below 50F° for 181 days per year. Annual precipitation in Avon is typically 35.9 inches per year (low in the US) and snow covers the ground 52 days per year or 14.2% of the year (high in the US). It may be helpful to understand the yearly precipitation by imagining 7 straight days of moderate rain per year. The humidity in Avon, Ohio is below 60% for approximately 44.6 days or 12.2% of the year.

Tucked away just 22 miles west of downtown Cleveland, Avon one of Northeast Ohio’s fastest growing communities! Whether you are ready for a day of shopping, searching for that perfect antique, craving something to satisfy your sweet tooth, a unique dining experience, craft cocktails or a soft pillow to lay your head on at night…we’ll get you there.  Need a dentist, plumber, lawyer or contractor…we’ll help you find them! Want to know where to take the kids for a family friendly event this weekend…we’ve got that covered. Curious about what new businesses are coming to Avon…it’s all right here. We’ll even help you plan a little day trip to Ohio’s best wineries, amusement parks, world class theaters and museums.

  • #3 – BEST SUBURB * SOURCE: CLEVELAND MAGAZINE
  • 315 – ACRES OF PARKS
  • 294K – MEDIAN HOME VALUE
  • 102K – MEDIAN FAMILY INCOME
  • 95% – EMPLOYMENT RATE
  • 99% – GRADUATION RATE

Parks & Recreation

Avon Websites for You to Check Out

City of Avon: https://www.cityofavon.com/

All About Avon: https://www.allaboutavon.org/

Avon Historical Society: https://www.avonhistory.org/

Avon Magazine: https://issuu.com/imagebuilders/docs/avon2016_low_res?fr=sMjljNjY3MDc3MA

Thinking About Moving To Northeast Ohio

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If you’re considering buying a home in Northeast Ohio, here are some things you should know:

The Housing Market: The housing market in Northeast Ohio is generally considered affordable compared to other regions in the United States. However, prices have been rising steadily in recent years, so it’s important to keep an eye on market trends and be prepared to act quickly if you find a home you like.

Climate: Northeast Ohio experiences all four seasons, with cold winters and hot summers. Be prepared for snow and ice during the winter months.

Location: Northeast Ohio is a diverse region with many different neighborhoods and communities, each with its own unique character and amenities. Be sure to research neighborhoods and communities before buying a home to find the one that’s the best fit for you.

Schools: Northeast Ohio is home to many excellent public and private schools. Be sure to research the schools in the area where you plan to buy a home, particularly if you have children.

Cost of living: The cost of living in Northeast Ohio is generally lower than in many other parts of the country, making it an attractive option for homebuyers.

Transportation: Northeast Ohio has an extensive network of highways and public transportation options, including buses, trains, and light rail. Consider the location of your potential home in relation to your work and transportation needs.

Property taxes: Property taxes can vary widely in Northeast Ohio depending on the location and value of the home. Be sure to research property taxes in the area where you plan to buy a home to factor this into your budget.

Home inspections: It’s important to have a professional home inspection done before buying a home in Northeast Ohio to identify any potential issues with the home and ensure you’re making a sound investment.

Home prices: Home prices in Northeast Ohio are generally affordable compared to many other parts of the country, but prices can vary greatly depending on location, size, and condition of the home.

Local economy: Northeast Ohio is home to several major employers in healthcare, manufacturing, and education, which can impact the local economy and job market.

Outdoor recreation: Northeast Ohio offers many outdoor recreation opportunities, including parks, lakes, and hiking trails.

Culture and entertainment: The region has a rich history and cultural scene, with museums, theaters, and music venues.

Now… let’s talk about one of our favorite communities to build in and why we call Avon, OH home!

The housing market: The Avon housing market is generally considered to be stable and growing. The median home price in Avon is higher than the state average, but the area is known for its good schools, low crime rates, and attractive neighborhoods.

Location: Avon is a suburban city located in Lorain County, about 20 miles west of Cleveland. It has easy access to highways and is located near several major shopping centers, making it a desirable location for families and professionals.

Schools: Avon is served by the Avon Local School District, which is highly rated and includes several excellent schools. The district is known for its strong academics and extracurricular activities.

Property taxes: Property taxes in Avon can vary depending on the location and value of the home. Be sure to research property taxes in the area where you plan to buy a home to factor this into your budget.

Local amenities: Avon has a variety of local amenities, including several parks and recreational areas, a community center, and a thriving downtown area with shops and restaurants. Avon is a desirable location for families and professionals looking for a safe, suburban community with good schools and easy access to major shopping centers and highways.

Two new park areas have recently been added with walking trails as has a recent renovation to Veterans Park and Schwartz Road park.

We’d love to have you as a neighbor! Contact Kim in our newly renovated Avon office to answer any questions and getting started on your North Star Premier Custom Home.

 

 

Applying For A Home Mortgage Loan – Here’s A Brief Checklist Of What You’ll Need

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If you’re applying for a mortgage loan, here’s a checklist of the typical documents you’ll need to provide:

  1. Proof of income:
    • Recent pay stubs covering the past 30 days
    • W-2 forms for the past two years
    • If you’re self-employed, provide tax returns for the past two years and a year-to-date profit and loss statement.
  2. Employment verification:
    • Contact information for your employer(s) for the past two years
  3. Proof of assets:
    • Bank statements for the past two to three months for all accounts
    • Investment account statements for the past two to three months
  4. Credit information:
    • A credit report pulled by the lender
    • Information on any outstanding debts, such as credit cards or car loans
  5. Identification:
    • A copy of your driver’s license or other government-issued identification
  6. Property information:
    • The address of the property you plan to purchase or refinance
    • Purchase agreement (if you’ve already made an offer on a home)
  7. Additional documents:
    • Proof of insurance, including homeowner’s insurance and, if required, flood insurance
    • Gift letters (if someone is helping you with the down payment)
    • Any additional documents requested by your lender or loan officer.

Keep in mind that every lender and loan program may have slightly different requirements, so be sure to check with your lender or loan officer for a complete list of required documents.

Preparing Your Outdoor Living Space For Summer

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As the weather warms up, it’s time to start thinking about preparing your outdoor living space for summer.

Here are some tips to help you get started:

  1. Clean and declutter: Start by cleaning up your outdoor living space and decluttering any items that are no longer needed. This can include sweeping, power washing, and organizing furniture and decor.
  2. Evaluate your furniture: Take a look at your outdoor furniture and assess if it’s in good condition for the upcoming summer season. Replace any damaged or worn pieces, and consider adding new items to update the look of your space.
  3. Add some shade: Create a shaded area in your outdoor living space to protect yourself from the sun’s rays. This can include a pergola, umbrella, or awning.
  4. Plant some greenery: Add some greenery to your outdoor living space to create a natural and relaxing atmosphere. Consider planting flowers, shrubs, or trees in containers or directly in the ground.
  5. Add lighting: Outdoor lighting can help create a warm and inviting atmosphere for evening gatherings. Consider adding string lights, lanterns, or other decorative lighting to your outdoor living space.
  6. Upgrade your outdoor cooking area: If you enjoy grilling or cooking outdoors, consider upgrading your outdoor cooking area with a new grill or outdoor kitchen setup.
  7. Consider outdoor entertainment: If you like to entertain outdoors, consider adding outdoor speakers, a TV, or a projector to create an immersive experience for your guests.

Preparing your outdoor living space for summer can be a fun and rewarding project. Take the time to evaluate your space, make any necessary upgrades, and add some personal touches to create a welcoming and relaxing environment for you and your guests.

What Goes Into A “Smart” Custom Home

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A smart home is a home that uses technology to automate and control various features of the home, such as lighting, temperature, security, and entertainment.

Here are some components that may be included in a smart home:

  1. Smart lighting: Smart lighting systems allow you to control the lighting in your home remotely or automatically. You can turn lights on and off with a smartphone app or voice commands, and set schedules or rules for when lights should turn on or off.
  2. Smart thermostats: Smart thermostats allow you to control the temperature in your home remotely or automatically. You can set schedules or rules for when the temperature should change based on your habits or preferences.
  3. Home security: Smart home security systems can include features such as smart locks, motion detectors, and security cameras that allow you to monitor and control access to your home from anywhere.
  4. Entertainment systems: Smart entertainment systems can include features such as voice-controlled speakers, streaming devices, and smart TVs that allow you to easily access and control your favorite shows and movies.
  5. Smart appliances: Smart appliances such as refrigerators, ovens, and washing machines can be connected to your smart home system, allowing you to control them remotely and receive alerts when they need attention.
  6. Voice assistants: Voice assistants such as Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant can be integrated into your smart home system, allowing you to control various features of your home with voice commands.
  7. Smart sensors: Smart sensors can be placed throughout the home to monitor various conditions such as temperature, humidity, and air quality. This information can be used to adjust the home’s systems to optimize energy efficiency and comfort.

Smart home’s are connected and automated homes that use technology to improve comfort, convenience, and security. The specific components included in a smart home will depend on the homeowner’s needs and preferences.