Why planning smart home features during construction saves thousands and transforms how you live

Picture this: You’re driving home from work on a scorching Perth afternoon. Before you even turn into your street, you tap your phone to turn on the air conditioning, dim the living room lights, and disarm the security system. As you pull into the driveway, the garage door opens automatically, and your favourite playlist starts flowing through the house speakers.

Sound like something from a sci-fi movie? It’s actually just another Tuesday for thousands of West Australian families who chose to integrate smart home technology during their new build process.

At Shelford Quality Homes, we’re seeing more Perth families asking about smart home features in their new build than ever before—and for good reason. When you’re building from scratch, it’s the perfect opportunity to create a home that’s not just beautiful, but brilliantly connected.

What Does “Smart Home” in Perth Actually Mean in 2025?

Let’s cut through the tech jargon. A smart home simply connects your everyday systems: lighting, security, entertainment, heating and cooling to a central hub that you control from your smartphone, tablet, or voice commands.

Think of it as giving your house a brain that learns your routines and makes life easier. Want your coffee machine to switch on when your alarm goes off? Done. Prefer your outdoor lights to automatically turn on at sunset? Easy. Need to check if you locked the front door while you’re at the beach? No problem.

The beauty of modern smart home technology is that it’s designed to be intuitive, not intimidating. You don’t need to be tech-savvy to enjoy the benefits.

Why Smart Home Integration During Construction Is a Game-Changer

Here’s something we tell every client considering smart home features: the best time to go smart is during the build, not after.

Rui, our Architectural Designer who oversees our display homes, puts it perfectly: “I integrate smart home features from the start in every display home we build, and here’s why, it’s not just about the technology, it’s about the complete experience.”

“When we design smart integration from day one, we can balance everything perfectly, the smart lighting creates exactly the ambiance we want to showcase, the security systems work seamlessly with the home’s design, and we can demonstrate real energy efficiency monitoring to help families understand their potential savings,” Rui explains.

“We do it once, we do it right, and everything works together beautifully. When it comes time to sell our display homes, that integrated smart technology is always a major selling point. Buyers love that they don’t have to figure out mismatched systems, everything just works.”

The difference is remarkable. Smart features added after construction often result in a confusing mix of incompatible systems, and devices that don’t communicate properly. You might end up with one app for lighting, another for the fan, and a third for window furnishings hardly the seamless experience you were hoping for.

“Now that we’ve seen the results, smart home integration will always be part of our approach,” Rui adds. “The value it provides to our clients, both in daily living and future resale, makes it an obvious choice.”

The advantages of building smart from day one:

• Hidden infrastructure:

All wiring is concealed within walls during construction

• Seamless integration:

Systems are designed to work together perfectly

• Cost savings:

Avoid expensive retrofitting and potential wall damage

• Professional setup:

Everything is installed and tested by certified technicians

• Enhanced resale value:

Integrated smart features appeal to future buyers

 

Integrating smart systems during the build also means your home is set up for long-term reliability and growth. Unlike many Perth builders who offer basic starter packs, Shelford partners with premium suppliers like Legrand to deliver tailored solutions that are seamlessly integrated into your design, ensuring quality and future proofing from day one.

Smart Home Features for New Builds in Perth Families Love Most

After helping Perth families integrate smart technology into their new builds, we’ve identified the features that deliver the biggest impact on daily life:

Smart Lighting That Actually Makes Sense

Forget complicated programming. Modern smart lighting learns your patterns and adapts automatically.

“The kids’ bedrooms gradually dim at bedtime, and the hallway lights gently brighten when someone gets up at night,” shares Shannon our  Prestart Consultant when installing Smart Home Technology into her house. “It’s like the house is looking after us.”

Popular lighting features:

• Automated sunrise/sunset scheduling
• Voice control for hands-free operation
• Scene setting (movie night, dinner party, reading time)
• Energy monitoring to track usage and savings

 

Security That Gives Real Peace of Mind

Perth’s lifestyle means we’re often out enjoying our beautiful weather. Smart security systems let you stay connected to home wherever you are.

Essential security integrations:

• Video doorbells with two-way communication
• Smart locks with temporary access codes for trades or guests
• Motion-activated cameras with smartphone alerts
• Integrated alarm systems with professional monitoring options

 

Climate Control That Saves Money

With Perth’s extreme temperatures, smart climate control isn’t just about comfort—it’s about managing energy costs.

Smart climate features:

• Pre-cooling before you arrive home
• Zone-based temperature control for different areas
• Integration with solar systems for maximum efficiency
• Learning algorithms that optimize usage patterns

 

Entertainment Systems Built for Modern Living

Open-plan living deserves seamless sound. Built-in speaker systems eliminate clutter while delivering premium audio throughout your home.

Entertainment integration options:

• Ceiling speakers in key living areas
• Outdoor entertainment zones
• Multi-room audio control
• Home theatre preparation

The Shelford Smart Home Advantage

What sets Shelford apart in the smart home space? Our exclusive partnership with premium suppliers like Legrand, combined with our commitment to making smart technology accessible and reliable.

Our Smart Home Standards Include:

Every Ultimate Specification Home:

• Smart intercom systems for security and convenience
• Professional security system preparation
• Quality cabling infrastructure for reliable connectivity

Signature Specification Homes:

• Smart intercom systems for security and convenience
• Advanced neutral home cabling as standard
• Premium starter gateways and master switch
• 2 x Single smart GPO’s
• 4 x Smart Switches

Experience Smart Living at Our Display Homes and in Our Selection Studio

We believe you should experience smart home technology before committing to it. That’s why all our display homes showcase real-world smart home scenarios and our Selection Studio has all the products to make it work.

Smart Home Trends Shaping Perth Living in 2025

The smart home landscape evolves rapidly, but these trends are defining how Perth families live:

AI-Powered Energy Management

Smart systems now predict your energy usage and automatically optimise consumption. Combined with Perth’s excellent solar conditions, this can dramatically reduce power bills.

Voice-First Control

Everything from curtains to turning lights on and off responds to voice commands. It’s particularly popular with families juggling busy morning routines.

Integrated EV Charging

With electric vehicle adoption accelerating, smart EV chargers that optimise charging times based on solar production and electricity rates are becoming standard.

Health and Wellness Monitoring

Air quality sensors, circadian rhythm lighting, and wellness-focused automation are emerging as key features for health-conscious families.

Making Smart Home Decisions: Your Practical Guide

Feeling overwhelmed by the options? Here’s how we help Shelford clients navigate smart home choices:

Step 1: Lifestyle Assessment

We start by understanding how you actually live. Are you tech enthusiasts or prefer simple solutions? Do you travel frequently? Have young children? Your lifestyle drives the recommendations.

Step 2: Budget-Conscious Planning

Smart home integration doesn’t have to break the bank. We offer essentials solutions to start and options to add on at later stages, ensuring you get maximum value for your investment.

Step 3: Future-Proofing Strategy

We install infrastructure that can grow with technology advances. Even if you start with basic features, your home will be ready for future upgrades.

Step 4: Professional Integration

Our certified technicians ensure all systems work together seamlessly. No compatibility issues, no frustrating setup processes.

Your Smart Home Journey Starts Here

Building a smart home isn’t about having the latest gadgets—it’s about creating a living space that adapts to your life, saves you money, and gives you peace of mind.

The technology exists today to make your home more comfortable, secure, and efficient than ever before. The question isn’t whether smart home integration is worth it, but whether you can afford to build without it.

Ready to Explore Smart Home Possibilities?

Visit Our Display Homes: Experience smart home technology in action across our Perth display locations.

Talk to Your New Homes Consultant: Discuss smart home integration options for your specific home design and they are also able to book you into our Selection Studio for you to see your options.

At Shelford Quality Homes, we’re not just building houses—we’re creating intelligent homes that enhance how Perth families live. Your smart home journey starts with a conversation about what matters most to you.

Because the smartest thing you can do when building a new home? Plan for the future, today.

Ready to explore smart home integration in your new Perth build? Visit a Shelford display home or speak with our team about building a future-proof smart home in WA.