Blog Layout

Transforming Your Home into a Smart Haven!

Don Xu • April 2, 2024

Happy Monday Everyone! I've recently had some clients ask about smart home technology. I decided let's put together a basic check list. This may not be all inclusive, but is a good starting point.


We have reached an era where smart homes and automated technologies are becoming integrated into our daily routine and the functions of our home. Smart home technology has now become pretty seamless. Integrating smart home tech with your home to enhance convenience, security, and energy efficiency is no longer for the upper echelon. Let's walk through some simple things that you can do if you've been thinking about making the shift to smart home integration. 


1. Assess Your Needs: Before diving into the world of smart home devices, take some time to assess your needs. Identify areas where automation and connectivity can make a significant difference. Is it lighting, security, climate control, or entertainment, understand what things would make your life easier if they were automated. 


2. Choose your platform: What do I mean by this? There are 3 major companies and brands out there that offer devices that allow you to build a smart home around them. Google, Amazon, and Apple. I have links below to the 3 major brands and the products that they offer. 


Amazon Alexa Devices

Google Home Devices

Apple Homepod Devices


Personally since I'm and Android user the smart home tech that I use at my personal home is all Google based products. (Sorry Apple and Amazon users please forgive me.)


3. Start with Smart Lighting: For the first time smart home user this can be a little intimidating. One of the most simple ways to start transitioning into a smart home besides picking the platform device to use and purchase is lighting. You can illuminate your home in a whole new way with smart lighting solutions. From color-changing bulbs to automated schedules. Learn to set the mood, save energy, and control your lights with a simple voice command or a tap on your smartphone. Most of your platforms will integrate pretty easily with the smart bulbs and lighting option. Generally each manufacturer will list which devices that it works with. 


Smart bulbs that work with multiple platforms. Click Here.


4. Secure Your Smart Home: If security is the reason you are building a smart home setup there are plenty of products that will integrate with the different platforms as well to enhance the security of your home with smart devices such as smart locks, doorbell cameras, and motion sensors. Discover how these tools provide real-time monitoring, remote access, and customizable alerts, allowing you to keep an eye on your home, even when you're away.


5. Climate Control with Smart Thermostats: This is probably one of my favorite reasons of going to a smart home was the climate control options. I was able to easily integrate my Google Nest product with my Google home setup to achieve the perfect temperature in my house. Many of these devices will even learn how you use your heating and cooling and design a schedule that tailors to your preferences. The smart thermostats will generally save you $$$ because of their smart programing to allow for energy-efficient climate control, personalized schedules, and the ability to adjust settings from anywhere using your smartphone. Save on energy costs while enjoying optimal comfort.


6. Embrace Voice Control: With smart devices you no longer have to use the traditional remotes and switches. Integrate voice control into your smart home setup with virtual assistants like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri. Setting up the virtual assistants are super simple and often times they will learn as you go. 


7. Create Smart Home Scenes: Combine multiple smart devices to create customized scenes that suit different scenarios. Whether it's a "Good Morning" scene that adjusts lighting and temperature or a "Goodnight" scene that secures your home, setting up keywords that automates multiple functions make it fun and easy. For example if I'm at home and I say "Hey Google Good Morning" my automated setup will turn on certain lights in the house and start playing the morning news for me. I even have a command that I give that will open my garage door as I'm ready to head to work!


Hopefully you find this information to be enough to give you that push to get started in your smart home journey. Don't let setting up these electronics deter you in any way. Generally if you can operate a smartphone then setting these things up will be a breeze. All the products have a plethora of online walk-throughs if you get stumped, but the turn by turn instructions for setup that come with them should make it just as easy. 


This technology is constantly evolving and improving with those updates your setups will continue to get better as well.


Remember to research compatibility between devices, follow installation guidelines, and update your smart home system as new features and improvements become available. Enjoy the transformation into a smart home!

A person is holding a tablet in their hand in a living room.

Timeless vs. Trending: Choosing the Perfect Cabinet Color for Your Kitchen Remodel

By Don Xu • February 5, 2025
Timeless vs. Trending: Choosing the Perfect Cabinet Color for Your Kitchen Remodel

Why Projected Construction Schedules are Important.

By Don Xu • August 16, 2024
Does Your Contractor Give You a Production Schedule?

Transforming a Kitchen into a Contemporary Oasis

By Don Xu • July 19, 2024
In the realm of home renovation, the kitchen stands as the heart and soul of the household. It's where culinary creations are crafted, morning coffees are savored, and memories are made. Our recent kitchen transformation project embodies the epitome of modern elegance and functionality. Here’s a glimpse into this stunning metamorphosis. The Vision: Creating a Bright, Functional Space The objective was clear: to transform a dated kitchen into a bright, airy space that balances both style and functionality. The result is a kitchen that boasts clean lines, ample storage, and a welcoming atmosphere perfect for both everyday living and entertaining. Design Elements and Features 1. Elegant Cabinetry The transformation begins with the cabinetry. The new cabinets are a pristine white, featuring shaker-style doors that add a timeless touch to the modern design. The tall pantry cabinets on either side of the window offer ample storage, ensuring that everything from pantry staples to kitchen gadgets has its place. The black hardware provides a striking contrast, adding a touch of sophistication to the overall look. 2. Luxurious Countertops The expansive countertops are crafted from polished quartz, providing a durable and visually appealing workspace. The central island, equipped with a sleek black sink and matching faucet, serves as both a functional preparation area and a casual dining spot. The island’s countertop extends to create a comfortable breakfast bar, making it a perfect spot for quick meals and social gatherings. 3. Modern Appliances No kitchen transformation is complete without state-of-the-art appliances. The stainless steel refrigerator and range not only enhance the kitchen’s aesthetic but also bring advanced functionality. The gas range, with its modern hood, is perfect for cooking enthusiasts, while the refrigerator offers ample space for all your culinary essentials. 4. Stylish Backsplash The herringbone-patterned backsplash is a standout feature, adding texture and visual interest to the space. The white tiles complement the cabinetry and countertops, creating a cohesive and harmonious look. This elegant pattern extends across the walls behind the stove and sink, making it a focal point of the kitchen. 5. Cozy Breakfast Nook Adjacent to the main kitchen area is a cozy breakfast nook. This space features additional cabinetry and a charming coffee station, making it a perfect spot to start the day. The Outcome: A Dream Kitchen Realized The transformation of this kitchen is nothing short of spectacular. The combination of sleek design elements, high-end materials, and modern appliances has resulted in a space that is as beautiful as it is functional. This kitchen is now a central hub for cooking, dining, and gathering, perfectly embodying the homeowners' vision. The journey from a dated kitchen to this contemporary masterpiece showcases the power of thoughtful design and quality craftsmanship. Whether you’re an avid home cook or someone who enjoys hosting friends and family, this transformed kitchen is sure to inspire and delight. Are you considering a kitchen renovation of your own? Let this transformation be your guide and inspiration. Embrace the potential of your space and create a kitchen that is truly the heart of your home.

Limited Space, Doesn't Mean Limited Options

By Don Xu • May 29, 2024
Feeling a little tight on space? That's OK!

The Art of Timing: When's the Best Time to Remodel Your Kitchen?

By Don Xu • May 8, 2024
Kitchen Revamp? How to Start Planning.
Granite Quartz Countertops

Granite or Quartz? Which Surface is right for you?

By Don Xu • April 8, 2024
Should Granite or Quartz Be Your Surface of Choice?

Should I paint my own house? D.I.Why?

By Don Xu • April 2, 2024
We are going to touch base on painting. Why you ask? Well its simple, painting is generally a great start to money savings when it comes to home renovation. For most homeowners painting is one phase in the construction process that is often taken on to save costs in the project. Admittedly this is not always as simple as it sounds, put some paint on a brush and go to town right? There is definitely technique and finesse required if you decide to take on painting during your project. There is a mountain of resources out there on the internet, some are good, some are not, but browsing through the different videos and libraries you should be able to find a solid starting point. However often times it isn't just about the cost savings alone. Sense of Accomplishment: Completing the painting project on your own is a great boost in satisfaction in knowing you were able to take part in making your space look the way that it does (hopefully on the positive side...) Flexibility: We are LDS Specialists often work with our homeowners if they would like to paint their own remodels, now we do offer a schedule to our clients so we would need to know how much time they need so that we can incorporate them into the production schedule, however depending on the remodel you are having done you may have more flexibility in painting and fitting it into your own busy scheduled. Learning Experience: Often times homeowners just want to learn. Why better than to paint your own house and learn at the same time, generally the tools required wouldn't be as expensive as learning how to tile or even trim carpentry. While painting your house yourself has its advantages, it's important to consider factors such as the size of the project, your skill level, and the time you have available. If the project is extensive or requires specialized skills often times it may be the wiser choice to have a professional tackle it. Let's face it, no one wants to do a project twice in the same timeframe.

Welcome to our LDS Specialists Blog!

By Don Xu • April 2, 2024
I'd like to welcome everyone to our first blog post. Our goal here at LDS Specialists is not only to help you achieve the renovation of your dreams, but if you are at a point where a full blown remodel isn't possible, then maybe we can help you with some ideas with home improvement on a budget along with your own D.I.Y. spirit! Home remodel shouldn't be limited to only homeowners that have large bank accounts. Sometimes a D.I.Y. mindset along with an amazing contractor can help you reach your remodel goals while saving you money. Somethings should definitely be left to the professionals, but often times a little sweat equity helps cut costs. Hopefully our blog can help answer questions that you may have as well as put you at ease while you are planning your next remodel. Happy Remodeling! 
More Posts
Share by: