Issue link: http://digital.nexsitepublishing.com/i/1189280
smart home systems are so well-integrated with utilities and devices, and so intuitive to use, they essentially disappear while quietly managing every aspect of your home's energy use I AGING-IN-PLACE FEATURES Denny Conner, Founder and Owner, CRD Design Build If you're serious about staying in your forever home, I recommend aging-in-place design This includes having a level entry or elevator access, master suite on the main floor, wider doorways, and a curbless walk-in shower with heated tile floors to keep mold away Timer switches on bath exhaust fans are useful too, as are medicine cabinets with outlets inside and heated mirrors both inside and out In the kitchen, I look for a gas or electric induction cooktop, a steam oven, and a built-in espresso maker connected directly to plumbing If you want to stay, start planning now SMART HOME TECHNOLOGY Anthony Maschmedt, Principal, Dwell Development Whether your goal is energy efficiency, lowering utility bills, or reducing your environmental footprint, smart home technology really is the future With the right smart home package, you can effectively automate your home's HVAC system with a smart thermostat, manage everything else that affects water or energy use— plumbing fixtures, blinds, gas, lights, solar panels—and even set security features Some personally like Kirio's smart home system, which netted Dwell a 30% increase in energy efficiency in the homes where installed (full disclosure: I am also an investor) But there are many smart home management platform options available on the market today Every new home should be pre-wired and "Smart Home Ready" so this technology can be integrated at any time in the future OUTDOOR KITCHEN & LIVING AREA Melissa Irons, President, Irons Brothers Construction There is nothing like outdoor living to enlarge your sense of livable space and squeeze more out of available square footage With an outdoor structure, it's possible to enjoy the outdoors year-round You can have gas plumbed to your outdoor kitchen to cook and barbecue, and gas-powered heaters and firepits to keep you toasty in all seasons For entertaining 30 master builder WINTER 2019