The Time of India : December 9, 2013
Imagine when you enter your room it lights up automatically and when you leave, the lights go off. From cooling the room to switching on the microwave, managing the electronic appliances in your home with your smart phone is certainly a kind of lifestyle everyone wants. In order to cater to the new-generation customers, the automated homes have entered the market. This is the arrival of the age of automated homes in Indian realty.
The home buyers these days are opting for the automated elements to their new properties. While some real estate developers provide you these features as you buy in, there are several other developers who are taking the help of third parties that offer complete solutions. “Today’s consumer wants technologically-advanced lifestyle. They are well informed and know the best that is available in the world. Intelligent and automated homes have arrived in India, particularly in metros such as Mumbai, Delhi and Bangalore, albeit for a select strata of society,” says CP Singh, founder, Smart Automation.
Growing demand
New product offerings, greater end-user demand and an increasing upwardly-mobile middle class are driving higher demand for home automation in India. Home automation companies are witnessing over greater percentage rise in their business in the past two-three years. The demand for high-end and more integrated home automation solutions is being driven by tech-savvy people who want to invest in these premium properties.
Advantages
Security and comfort have now become top priorities and are spurring demand for home automation in metro cities, more so in Delhi NCR. “To cater to the security needs and simplify the lives of our customers, many developers have deployed smart technology in their projects. From electronic surveillance devices, to communication medium between residents and visitors, to devices for monitoring the front door to emergency alarms—all the devices that help to alert the security personnel have been fitted. Moreover, alarm systems equipped inside the house can be programmed with various life-saving sensors,” says Pawan Chawla, director, Unnati Fortune World.
“Home security will not just prevent burglary, but will protect life. The life-saving devices, such as smoke detectors, medical panic alert, and more are helpful for the house owners,” he added.
Apart from this, smartly-managed houses are more economical in terms of daily operations. “Such homes consume less energy as they are properly lightened and ventilated for natural light and air. They are less dependent on manual controls over high electricity consumption instruments. Thus, they reduce the cost of daily living,” says Vikas Gupta, joint managing director, Earth Group.
Disadvantages
Currently, such homes fall under luxury-housing segment and not for those with small budgets. “These are majorly targeted to upper middle class. People in the metropolitan cities who are tech-savvy are looking out for houses that provide convenience, comfort and a secure living environment. These appliances especially help elders or young children often left behind at home,” says Singh.
Although, it is a welcome change to see technology entering in your homes, but we are yet to see that such facilities are available for those who may not have money to splurge on luxurious lifestyle but surely aspire to own a smart home.