Smart Home Upgrades

A smart thermostat ($250), video doorbell ($200), smart locks ($250), automated lighting ($500), and a hub to connect them ($100) totals about $1,300 — and surveys show 65% of millennials and Gen Z buyers will pay a premium for a "smart" home. The key is choosing mainstream ecosystems (Google Home, Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit) over proprietary systems that die when the startup folds. Energy monitoring alone saves 10-15% on utility bills. It's the cheapest renovation with the highest perceived value.