The Ultimate Smart Home Checklist for New Builds & Renovations...
Building or renovating a home is the perfect opportunity to integrate smart technology from the start. A well-planned smart home system can enhance comfort, efficiency, security, and entertainment, ensuring your home is future-proofed and ready for the latest technology.
At Smart Ohm and OLB Installations, we work with homebuilders, developers, and renovators across Leeds, Harrogate, Wetherby, York, and nationwide, helping them design and install state-of-the-art smart home solutions. Whether you’re a self-builder or developing a multi-home project, this checklist will ensure your new home is smart, energy-efficient, and ready for the future.
Why Plan Smart Home Tech at the Build Stage?
Integrating smart home technology during construction is far more cost-effective than adding it later. Key benefits include:
- Avoiding Costly Retrofitting – Pre-wiring for smart home systems saves thousands in future installation costs.
- Seamless Integration – Built-in smart features look better and perform better than add-ons.
- Increased Property Value – Smart homes sell faster and appeal to modern buyers.
- Improved Energy Efficiency – Smart thermostats, lighting, and EV chargers help lower utility bills.
- Enhanced Security & Convenience – Integrated security systems provide peace of mind from day one.
Now, let’s explore the essential smart home features every new home should include.
Smart Lighting: Automated & Energy-Efficient
Lighting plays a key role in home design, and a smart lighting system enhances both aesthetics and functionality. Smart Lighting Essentials:
- Dimmable LED downlights for ambiance & energy savings
- Automated lighting scenes (e.g., “Wake Up” or “Movie Mode”)
- Motion sensor lighting for hallways, stairs & bathrooms
- Outdoor & garden lighting for security & aesthetics
- Voice & app control via Alexa, Google Assistant, or Control4
Future-Proofing Tip: Install smart lighting circuits instead of standard wiring to allow easy upgrades later.
Whole-Home Networking & Wi-Fi Infrastructure
With smart home devices relying on strong internet connectivity, it’s crucial to plan a robust home network from the start. Networking Must-Haves:
- Hardwired Cat6 or Cat7 data points in key rooms
- Mesh Wi-Fi systems for seamless whole-home coverage
- Dedicated smart home network to improve security
- High-speed broadband-ready infrastructure
Future-Proofing Tip: Install wired internet points in high-traffic areas like home offices and media rooms to reduce reliance on Wi-Fi.
EV Charging Infrastructure
With the rise of electric vehicles, installing an EV charger at the build stage is a smart investment. EV Charging Considerations:
- Dedicated EV charger circuit in the garage or driveway
- Smart EV chargers that schedule charging at off-peak times
- Integration with solar panels & battery storage
Future-Proofing Tip: Install EV charger wiring now—even if you don’t own an electric car yet—to save on future installation costs.
Smart Heating & Energy Management
A smart heating system can save money and improve comfort with zoned control and automation. Heating & Energy Essentials:
- Smart thermostats (Nest, Hive, or Control4)
- Zoned heating & underfloor heating compatibility
- Solar panel & battery storage integration
- Energy monitoring systems to track usage
Future-Proofing Tip: Pre-wire for smart thermostats and zoned heating controls to enable automation later.
Home Security & Access Control
A fully integrated security system ensures your home is protected from day one. Smart Security Must-Haves:
- CCTV cameras with cloud storage & remote access
- Smart video doorbells (Ring, Nest, or Hikvision)
- Smart locks & access control for keyless entry
- Motion-sensor security lighting
Future-Proofing Tip: Pre-wire for CCTV cameras and security lighting so they can be seamlessly installed later.
Home Automation Hub & Smart Control
A home automation system lets you control everything from lighting and security to entertainment and heating from a single interface. Smart Control Essentials:
- Central automation system (Control4, Crestron, or Lutron)
- Voice control compatibility (Alexa, Google Assistant, or Apple HomeKit)
- Remote access via a mobile app
- Expandable system for future tech upgrades
Future-Proofing Tip: Install a home automation hub now to enable full smart home control later.
Home Cinema & Multi-Room Audio
For homeowners who love entertainment, integrating multi-room audio and a home cinema setup creates the ultimate experience. Essential Features for Entertainment Spaces:
- Built-in ceiling & wall speakers for immersive sound
- Pre-wiring for Dolby Atmos surround sound in home cinemas
- Multi-room music streaming (Sonos, Control4, Bose)
- Outdoor speakers for patios & gardens
Future-Proofing Tip: Pre-wire for audio and home cinema equipment, even if you install speakers later.
Smart Blinds & Automated Curtains
Automated blinds enhance privacy and energy efficiency while adding a luxury feel to your home. Key Features to Consider:
- Smart blinds that adjust based on sunlight & schedules
- App & voice control integration
- Automated shading for energy savings
Future-Proofing Tip: Install power and control cabling near windows to enable motorised blinds later.
Work with Smart Ohm & OLB Installations for Smart Home Solutions
At Smart Ohm and OLB Installations, we specialise in high-quality smart home and electrical installations for new builds and renovations. Whether you’re a homebuilder, developer, or self-builder, we’ll ensure your home is wired for the future with expert planning, cutting-edge technology, and professional installation.
- Smart Ohm – Experts in electrical installations, lighting, EV charging, and energy-efficient solutions across Leeds, Harrogate, Wetherby, York, and beyond.
- OLB Installations – Specialists in Control4 smart home automation, multi-room audio, home security, and networking solutions, delivering high-end smart living experiences.
Together, we provide:
- Expert Consultation – Tailored solutions for future-proof homes.
- Professional Installation – Certified technicians for seamless integration.
- Ongoing Support & Maintenance – Keeping your smart systems running perfectly.
Book a Smart Home Consultation Today
If you’re building or renovating, now is the perfect time to integrate smart technology and future-proof electrical systems. Let Smart Ohm and OLB Installations help you create a smart, efficient, and future-ready home.
Call us today: 0113 436 0017
Fill in our enquiry form
Visit our website: https://www.smart-ohm.co.uk/ & https://www.olbinstallations.co.uk/
Proudly serving Leeds, Harrogate, Wetherby, York, and nationwide for large-scale projects.
