SCOUTING FOR CUSTOM HOME FEATURES TO APPEAR IN OUR 20TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION OF BEST HOME!
For this landmark issue we are looking far and wide to include design and construction excellence in this next and very special issue of Best Home Magazine that will be released this June. If you are a homeowner with tremendous house pride, or a builder who has recently completed a new build or renovation that you want to share with the world, please contact me directly. Cindy Chobanik, publisher at (403) 714-0175 or at cindy@besthomemagazine.com
SCOUTING FOR CUSTOM HOME FEATURES TO APPEAR IN OUR 20TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION OF BEST HOME!
For this landmark issue we are looking far and wide to include design and construction excellence in this next and very special issue of Best Home Magazine that will be released this June. If you are a homeowner with tremendous house pride, or a builder who has recently completed a new build or renovation that you want to share with the world, please contact me directly. Cindy Chobanik, publisher at (403) 714-0175 or at cindy@besthomemagazine.com
Design Edge
Platinum Signature Homes runs the gamut from interesting to essential.
Our new issue is now available on newsstands.
(Hint: try your local Indigo for guaranteed results)
Also a digital issue can be purchased from our store here
Smart Home Tech Support for Builders and Appliance Retailers
Smart Home Tech Support for Builders and Appliance Retailers
From security systems and thermostats to microwaves, coffee makers, and other kitchen appliances, builders and appliance retailers today have already begun to outfit homes with every smart technology device imaginable to create the ultimate connected home experience, as the demand from consumers is expected to increase throughout 2022.
As anticipated, devices like Ring’s Always Home Cam drone and Amazon's Astro home robot will be hitting the market this year, smart technology has become a staple of the modern home in the U.S and other countries are starting to shift as well. According to a survey from Hippo, a national property insurance company, it’s predicted that 15% of households worldwide will have a smart home device installed by 2023, in which the most significant factor in smart home device usage is convenience.
Even though smart home devices will make everyday tasks much more convenient to accomplish in the home, consumers will still get easily frustrated if these devices are not set up properly or not connecting to their home’s network hubs. Builders and appliance retailers need better resources to offer support services for their end-user customers.
The Right Support Experience Builders and Appliance Retailers Can Provide
Just by providing the smart device in the home doesn’t mean it is enough for the consumer to feel completely satisfied, as troubleshooting and repair issues will still take place and cause major headaches for the technically challenged. Instead of consumers turning to the manufacturer of the device for technical support and having to wait tirelessly for someone to respond to the request, builders and appliance retailers should consider supplying tech support themselves.
This means specifically utilizing a central hub that any smart homeowner can access and get the help they need 24/7. Whether it’s the latest high-tech devices on the market or the typical TVs, laptops, tablets, speakers, etc. that come out annually, consumers need to literally feel right at home with their devices and it all starts with having the right support and protection.
Providing the right tech support and protection all of these smart devices in the home is crucial for builders and appliance retailers, as continued technical issues such as the common problem of the device not connecting to the Wi-Fi, will most likely stem from them. In order to alleviate constant device problems, builders and appliance retailers need to align themselves with tech support partners who can help offer the necessary support services that complement the connected devices they are leveraging to attract homeowners. By providing a tech support service offering for every device, builders and appliance retailers will be able to help the homeowners instantly and provide new revenue opportunities to highlight the customer experience.
Even though smart home technologies are expected to work as they should before the homeowner moves in, concerns and risks with the devices will remain that only a professional tech support provider can understand.
One of the major concerns consumers have when purchasing a new home is their privacy and the vulnerability to hackers or burglars can remain if devices, like security cameras, are not connected properly. For example, some smart devices come with a default password and if not changed when doing the initial set up, hackers could gain access and view or even steal personal information. This has happened a lot in the past, but many would agree it’s better to be safe rather than sorry in this circumstance and go with a tech support provider.
What Does This Mean for the Future of Smart Homes?
With today’s mobile devices and tech gadgets filled with features that we couldn’t have dreamed of ten or twenty years ago; it has become increasingly difficult for consumers to decide what product is right for them and their home. For instance, there are many who prefer to use Amazon’s Echo smart speaker and then there are a lot of others who like Google’s Nest smart speaker better. However, what if the two separately branded devices were included by the builders and appliance retailers in the same home?
The goal of the future smart home is to make every smart device out there compatible with each other, as the smart home system that the consumer chooses to put in their home needs to work effectively with all the other devices they have. Whether it’s sending voice commands through Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, or another artificial intelligence solution, they need to work with other smart devices, such as lights, thermostats, TVs, and more. Just imagine how the homeowner would feel if the builder and appliance retailer put in a Google Assistant to prompt the kitchen lights to turn on, but the lights only work with Amazon Alexa.
The new standard in the future of smart homes will be allowing the consumer to choose the devices they want based on the initial voice prompt system of their choice to then go about the other devices in terms of features and price, rather than worrying about the compatibility. Although this would streamline the process for builders and appliance retailers of implementing these devices and making sure they work, troubleshooting will still be pretty complex and it’s up to them to make sure they offer the consumer the right tech support provider that can help fix their devices at any time.
About The Author: Scott McKinley is AVP, Premium Technical Support for Pocket Geek Home. For more information visit www.pocketgeekhome.com.
TELUS SmartHome Security
State-of-the-art security and automation provides peace of mind with personalized customer service.
Our new issue is now available on newsstands.
(Hint: try your local Indigo for guaranteed results)
Also a digital issue can be purchased from our store here
The Heart of Minimalism
This Crestmont homes reveals a resurgence of style inspired by a literary connection to Fountainheadesque sensibilities.
Our new issue is now available on newsstands.
(Hint: try your local Indigo for guaranteed results)
Also a digital issue can be purchased from our store here
The New-Timer
Meridian Master Builder fuses vintage and modern elements with creativity and vision.
Our new issue is now available on newsstands.
(Hint: try your local Indigo for guaranteed results)
Also a digital issue can be purchased from our store here
The Essence of Estate
Brookfield Residential brings sophisticated grandeur to Rockland Park.
Our new issue is now available on newsstands.
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Inside and Out!
Stellar Homes provides beautiful sight lines from every perspective.
Our new issue is now available on newsstands.
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Also a digital issue can be purchased from our store here
Refresh Your Home’s Design During the COVID-19 Pandemic
At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, your home became your safe landing place. But as the pandemic continues, you may feel like your home environment has become a little stuffy. You’re ready to shake things up and cultivate a better atmosphere - and you’re feeling motivated to take on some home improvement projects after checking out the amazing properties in Best Home Magazine! Here are a few suggestions to help you redesign your home and turn it into a place where you want to continue spending your time throughout the pandemic.
Outdoor Improvements
During the pandemic, you might have started spending more time outdoors in your own yard. While many public spaces were closed, relaxing in your yard and enjoying the fresh air probably helped you de-stress and find a sense of calm during a chaotic time.
But perhaps you’re ready to change up your outdoor space now. You may want to take some steps to make your garden a better place to spend your time, whether you’re planting and harvesting or simply enjoying some downtime. If you want to optimize your soil quality and sun exposure without sacrificing aesthetics, you may want to hire a landscape architect. And if you want to figure out exactly how your garden will look without engaging in guesswork, you can order a 3D rendering from a well-reviewed freelance landscape designer on Upwork and the like.
Revive Your Home’s Interior
If you’re wondering how to refresh the interior spaces in your home, you could think about features you can add to support your wellness. For instance, if you can’t go to your former gym, AMR Design recommends designing a home gym with bright lighting, equipment that will properly fit the space, storage space for workout gear, and even features like floor-to-ceiling mirrors. Alternatively, you could set up a yoga corner by painting your walls with calming colors, mood lighting, air-purifying plants, and decor you love.
Finally, you can switch up your bedroom design so that you’ll be able to sleep more easily. For example, you could declutter your room, put up blackout curtains, get a more comfortable mattress, and purchase a soothing white noise machine.
DIY Projects
Maybe you have lots of projects in mind, but you’re not sure which ones you should try to complete on your own, and which ones you should entrust to a contractor. For simple projects, you can definitely save money by carrying them out with a DIY method! PuroClean states that if you want to paint your walls, repair and clean wood or vinyl floors, replace outlet covers and light switch plates, install a backsplash for your kitchen or even install new bathroom hardware, you don’t necessarily need to hire a contractor.
Find the Right Contractor
But what if you want to tackle a larger project that you just can’t handle by yourself? It’s time to budget for a contractor. Don’t just choose the first contractor you come across - instead, get at least three quotes from different contractors and then evaluate their portfolios. Make sure that you’ll be paying a fair price for high-quality work! You can also talk to them about any safeguards they have in place to protect themselves and their customers from the virus. If you’re not sure where to begin looking, ask your social circle if they have any local recommendations.
Because of the pandemic, the time you would’ve spent elsewhere was suddenly spent at home instead. Now, it’s time to get in touch with your inner designer and bring out the best in your home! With these tips, you can dive into home improvement projects and get creative.
Ready to get inspiration for your interior design projects? Subscribe today!
Article c/o Happier Home
Rock of Ages
A classic design constructed of Tyndall Stone gives new meaning to ‘made in Canada’.
Our new winter 2021 issue is available on newsstands everywhere.
A digital issue can also be purchased on our online store here
Our new issue is now on Newsstands!
Now you can find the winter issue of Best Home on newsstands.
Special hint: Try your favourite Indigo location for guaranteed results!
We are looking for photographers
Best Home Magazine is looking for great home photographers to recommend to our discerning builders and homeowner client base. Please send your rates and information to Publisher, Cindy Chobanik at cindy@besthomemagazine.com
Calling all custom home builders and proud homeowners!
We are nearing our deadline for accepting new features in our next winter issue.
If interested, please call publisher Cindy Chobanik (403) 714-0175 and see your new home in Best Home.
Get our Summer 2021 issue at Indigos.
Grab one before they are all gone or purchase a digital issue from our store here.
Our Summer 2021 issue is still available!
The seasoned expert at visualizing concepts and translating them into exquisite expressions of culinary form and function, Lafleur Cabinets once again captures the heart of the home.
Our latest issue is currently out on newsstands. A digital issue can be purchased from our store here.
Our Summer 2021 issue is still available.
Offering customization that is unique to each customer, Bigstone Custom Cabinets is proud of their team of professional designers and craftsmen who create exceptional form and culinary function.
Our latest issue is currently out on newsstands. A digital issue can be purchased from our store here.
Our Summer 2021 issue is still available.
Long, hot summers aren’t meant to be be endured, but enjoyed. Just In Time Furnace knows how to make your home the comfortable haven it’s meant to be all year round.
Our latest issue is currently out on newsstands. A digital issue can be purchased from our store here.
Our Summer 2021 issue is still available!
For over forty years Artistic Stairs has taken steps in innovation and structural integrity, steadily raising expectations as your premiere source for spindles, stairs, railings, banisters, and more.
Our latest issue is currently out on newsstands. A digital issue can be purchased from our store here.
