Home automation systems no longer limited to luxury homes

Tuesday, June 24, 10:56 AM EDT

By Carole Hawkins, Staff Writer

He wondered if he could do that with Portofino a 23-unit upscale townhome development planned for Jacksonvilles Intracoastal area and how expensive it would be.

Gonzales, a managing partner at Urban Partners Construction, would eventually include smartphone-controlled light switches, thermostats, door looks and garage-door openers as standard features in his design. Thats for homes starting in the high $200,000s.

Its crazy for me not to use it, Gonzales said. Were in the 21st century. I dont want to build a 19th or 20th-century home. Why other people arent doing this, I have no idea.

Home automation, for decades the province of wealthy consumers purchasing custom systems for $10,000 to $100,000 and more, is now finding its way into middle America.

Armed with a cellphone and Wi-Fi connection, homeowners can automate air conditioning, lights, locks, cameras, garage doors and electrical outlets by purchasing off-the-shelf products or paying a monthly service contract from a home automation vendor.

This used to be a very expensive platform, Gonzales said. Now because of apps, you can download for free. Its a very efficient and cost-effective way of getting the same technology.

In the Jacksonville area, cable and telecom companies Comcast and AT&T offer basic smart home systems. Also, some security companies like ADT offer home automation as an add-on service.

Builders, too, are starting to preinstall home automation.

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Home automation systems no longer limited to luxury homes