When you’re building a home from scratch, you’ve got a golden opportunity to make it truly yours. One of the smartest decisions you can make? Including smart home technology right from the start.
At Makin Homes, we’ve worked with plenty of homeowners across Mandurah, Rockingham and surrounding areas who want more than just style – they want comfort, security and a home that’s built for the future. Smart tech ticks all those boxes, and the best part is, when it’s planned properly, it fits in seamlessly.
So, whether you’re building your forever home or downsizing with style, this guide will help you understand what smart home technology is all about, the top features worth considering, and how to make it all come together smoothly when creating a smart home that works for you.
What is smart home technology?
In simple terms, Smart home technology refers to devices and systems in your home that can be automated or controlled remotely. They’re often connected through your Wi-Fi network, giving you the power to manage lights, heating, blinds, security and more from your phone, tablet, or even just your voice.
Rather than adding these things in later, building them into your design from the start means everything is cleaner, neater, and works together perfectly.
It’s not about being flashy. It’s about making everyday living easier, more comfortable, and more efficient – all while giving you better control over your home through intelligent home automation.
Why smart home technology is worth the investment
You might be wondering: is getting smart home technology really worth stretching the budget for? Here’s why more and more homeowners in WA are saying yes.
It makes life easier
From turning off the lights without getting off the couch to warming up the house before you get home, smart tech makes everyday living more convenient. With voice assistants like Google Assistant built into devices such as Google Home, managing your home can be as simple as saying the word.
It helps cut down energy use
Smart lighting, climate control, and appliances can all be programmed to run efficiently, helping reduce your energy bills without you even thinking about it. Even small additions like smart plugs can make a difference, letting you monitor and control the energy usage of individual appliances.
It adds a layer of security
You can see who’s at your front door, check in on your property while you’re away, and even lock the doors remotely. Many modern systems include security cameras, motion detectors and smart locks that send real-time alerts to your phone. Peace of mind, whether you’re at home or not.
It keeps your home future-ready
Technology moves fast, but if your home is built with smart tech infrastructure from the start, it’s much easier to upgrade or expand your setup later on. With a central smart home hub, you can easily add new smart home devices or smart home gadgets over time as your needs change.
Popular smart features to consider
Here are some of the most in-demand smart home inclusions you might want to build into your custom design.
Smart lighting
Forget basic switches – smart lighting lets you control brightness, colour and timing with your phone or voice. You can create different settings for morning, evening or entertaining, and even set them to turn off automatically when you leave a room.
Smart climate control
Smart thermostats and air-con systems help keep your home comfortable all year round, while also saving on energy. They can learn your routine and adjust the temperature accordingly – no more fiddling with controls.
Motorised blinds and curtains
With the touch of a button, or even on a schedule, you can raise or lower your window coverings. Perfect for hot WA afternoons or letting in that early morning light without lifting a finger. These can be included as part of your broader home automation setup.
Security systems with remote access
Cameras, intercoms, motion sensors, and smart locks – all controlled from your phone. Whether you’re out for the day or away on holiday, you can check in and control everything from wherever you are. Many clients opt for high-quality security cameras that offer 24/7 monitoring and integrate seamlessly with their smart home hub and wider smart home systems.
Multi-room audio and entertainment
Smart speakers and entertainment systems can be built in throughout your home. Play music in one room, or sync it across the house when guests are over – no messy wires or clunky gadgets in sight. Devices like Google Home can double as both speakers and controllers for other smart home devices, making entertainment effortless.
Voice-controlled hubs
Devices like Amazon Alexa, Google Nest, or Apple HomeKit act as the command centre for your home. With a simple voice command via Google Assistant or similar, you can turn on the lights, adjust the air-con, or ask what the weather’s doing. This is where your smart home hub becomes the heart of your connected home.
Planning for smart tech in the design stage
One of the best things about building your own home is the ability to plan everything to suit your lifestyle. If you’re thinking about adding smart home technology to your new build, here are a few tips to help you get started.
Talk to your builder early
Let your builder know from the start that smart tech is important to you. At Makin Homes, we work this into your custom design so it’s integrated from day one – no awkward add-ons later.
Think about how you live
Are you away often? Do you entertain regularly? Is energy efficiency a priority? Knowing how you use your home helps shape the tech that will benefit you the most.
Make room for infrastructure
Smart systems rely on a strong Wi-Fi network and clever wiring. Planning where your hubs, control panels and devices will go ensures everything looks tidy and works smoothly. This is particularly important when installing smart home hubs, security cameras, or a network of smart plugs and smart devices.
Future-proof where you can
Even if you’re not ready to go full smart now, consider pre-wiring or leaving space in your design for future upgrades. You don’t have to do everything at once, but having the foundation ready makes it easier to adopt new smart home devices and smart home gadgets down the line.
Keep it user-friendly
Smart tech shouldn’t be confusing. Choose systems that are easy to use and reliable – the goal is to simplify life, not add complications. Whether it’s a simple Google Home speaker or a full home automation system, it should all work together effortlessly.
Bringing it all together
Smart home technology is fast becoming a must-have for modern living. And when it’s built in from the beginning, it’s easier, cleaner, and adds real value to your home.
At Makin Homes, we work with you to design a home that reflects your lifestyle, now and into the future. If you’re building in Mandurah, Rockingham or anywhere along WA’s coast, we can help you bring together the right mix of smart devices and systems that make living in your new home a dream, not just now, but for years to come.
Ready to build smarter? Get in touch with our team today and let’s chat about how we can make your custom home not just beautiful, but brilliantly functional too.
