Home ImprovementIf you’re planning a home renovation in 2025, now is the perfect time to think beyond aesthetics and invest in the best smart home upgrades for renovations. From energy savings to convenience and resale value, smart features are no longer just luxury add-ons — they’re part of a well-designed modern home.
Whether you’re remodeling a kitchen, bathroom, or upgrading your entire home, this guide breaks down the top smart home features to consider — with a focus on integration, automation, and value.
Why Include Smart Home Upgrades in Your Renovation?
Modern homeowners want functionality, connectivity, and control. Smart devices deliver all three — with added energy efficiency and security benefits.
Renovating offers a unique window to hardwire devices, hide components, and design around automation systems — something harder to do later.
Benefits of smart upgrades during renovation:
- Future-proof your home
- Improve energy efficiency and control
- Add resale appeal to tech-savvy buyers
- Seamless integration (no messy add-ons later)
1. Smart Lighting Systems
Smart lighting is one of the easiest and most impactful upgrades. It adds ambiance, automation, and efficiency to any room.
Key features:
- App or voice-controlled light scenes
- Motion-sensor activation in hallways or closets
- Dimming schedules to reduce energy usage
- Whole-home lighting groups with programmable settings
💡 Pro tip: Install wired smart switches during renovations for a cleaner finish and more reliable connection than standalone bulbs.
2. Smart Thermostats
A smart thermostat isn’t just convenient — it’s one of the smartest ways to cut down your energy bills.
These devices learn your habits, adjust temperatures automatically, and integrate with HVAC zones.
Popular functions:
- Remote access via phone
- Adaptive temperature scheduling
- Energy-use reporting
- Voice assistant integration (e.g., “set to 72°F”)
When installed during an HVAC or whole-home remodel, you can ensure compatibility with your entire heating and cooling system.
3. Home Automation Hubs and Control Panels
If you’re adding multiple smart devices, a centralized automation hub or wall-mounted control panel is a game-changer.
This becomes the command center for your lights, locks, cameras, and even appliances.
Consider:
- Recessed or flush-mounted panels in entryways or kitchens
- All-in-one smart displays with voice control
- Integration with your mobile device or smart speakers
A structured smart hub gives you full home control at a glance — and impresses future buyers too.
4. Smart Security Systems
Renovating your home is the perfect time to add or upgrade a smart security system with the latest features:
- Smart door locks
- Outdoor motion-activated cameras
- Video doorbells
- Glass break and entry sensors
- Integration with lighting and alarms
Hardwiring these systems during a remodel ensures they’re more secure and less intrusive visually.
5. Smart Outlets and Energy Monitoring
Adding smart plugs, outlets, and breakers during your renovation helps you control appliances, reduce standby energy use, and track consumption.
Look for:
- USB-integrated smart outlets
- App-controlled plugs for coffee makers, fans, etc.
- Whole-home energy monitoring systems in your breaker box
This lets you automate non-smart devices and build in convenience room by room.
6. Integrated Smart Kitchen and Bathroom Features
Modern renovations are focusing on connected kitchen and bath upgrades, such as:
- Touchless smart faucets with temperature presets
- Smart range hoods, ovens, and refrigerators
- Bathroom mirrors with built-in lighting and weather/voice features
- Bluetooth speaker fans or occupancy sensors for lighting
These subtle integrations make everyday life smoother — and add wow factor during resale.
Final Thoughts: Smart Renovations for 2025 and Beyond
The best smart home upgrades for renovations aren’t just cool gadgets — they’re long-term investments in convenience, energy savings, and home value.
By planning ahead and integrating during your remodel, you’ll get a cleaner install, better performance, and a more unified system that grows with your needs.
Ready to Build a Smarter Home?
Whether you’re planning a full renovation or just upgrading key rooms, make smart tech a part of your 2025 plan.
Talk to your contractor early about your goals — and work with professionals who understand home automation.
📞 Need help choosing and installing the right smart features?
👉 Contact Pete’s Builders today for a smart renovation consultation.
