Top Six Tech Features to Include in your Next Renovation

#1 - Integrated Lighting

Lighting has come a long way in the last 10 years — not only with the variety of lighting fixtures but also where we can put artificial lighting and how we can control it. A great way to update the feel of your home and modernise is to simply replace your existing lighting fixtures — but why not take it a step further?

Add some sleek lighting details where you would appreciate them as shown in the above images. Often the source of light isn’t directly visible. Instead it’s tucked away to give a floating or glow-like effect that provides enough light to illuminate the next step of your staircase, or your face in the case of a vanity mirror with integrated lighting. This is a sure way to make your renovations feel ultra-sleek and sophisticated as well as serving a practical purpose — it’s a lot easier to find something in the back of the pantry if it has a light that automatically switches on when you open the door.

And for the real tech enthusiasts among us, connect your lighting to your phone or virtual assistant (such as Alexa or Siri) to have the power to turn lights on and off as well as adjust the colour and brightness without having to get up and find the switch.

#2 - Smart Kitchen Taps

If you’re thinking of renovating your kitchen, we highly recommend considering a smart kitchen tap system. These units allow your tap to produce instant hot or chilled water as well as filtering your water for the purest taste. Not only is this super convenient it also removes the need for a jug — one less appliance to clutter up your precious space.

Most units fit easily under your sink and just need a regular wall plug for power. And the taps themselves come in all different colours and styles to suit the look of your kitchen.

#3 - Plugs with USB Charging Ports

How many devices do you own that have to be charged via USB? Enough that you would find a couple of well-placed USB friendly charging ports super helpful? Almost definitely!

Either add a whole new outlet or upgrade an existing outlet to add USB charging capabilities.

Our personal favourite spot for these is above or next to your bedside table — or better yet built into a stylish headboard! That way you can easily charge your phone at night. Also handy in the kitchen where many a gadget find their homes.

#4 - Smart Doorbell & Security Systems

Well, we have smart doorbells to thank for many a funny video captured, but beyond that they do serve a very useful purpose — allowing us to see who's on the other side of our door, whether we are home or not.

These smart doorbells usually have a camera and microphone so when someone approaches your door you get a notification and can see who is there. This is super handy for a plethora of reasons. For example, you will know right away when your online shopping has arrived. It's also great for avoiding door-to-door salespeople.

One of the key features of these systems is that they act as security cameras even when nobody is knocking at your door. Compared to pre-pandemic times crime has risen by approximately 20% around New Zealand, with the highest frequency crime being theft. Smart doorbells alongside wider use of smart security systems act as a deterrent to thieves — and in the case theft still occurs, will often provide you with footage of the perpetrators that you can pass on to police.

#5 - Solar Panels

Solar panels are an all-round smart investment, saving money on your power bill and doing your part to save the planet at the same time.

A great time to consider adding some solar panels to your roof is when you are thinking of extending your home. There will be new roof space that can be designed with the accommodation of solar panels in mind and specialised installers will be glad to utilise the scaffolding that’s already be in place. 

#6 - Smoke Alarms

Something we don’t often think about but always rely on are smoke alarms, but these are required in every home in New Zealand — and for good reason too.

Renovating is a great time to update and upgrade your smoke alarms. In the very least, you should be checking that your existing alarms are working but we recommend taking the time to consider upgrading your individual units or converting to a wired system. This is something that is more involved and requires an electrician so if you are already having similar work done it’s sensible to make these safety upgrades at the same time to reduce cost and disruption.