Ask Yourself These 4 Questions When Building Your Smart Home Ecosystem

November 30th, 2021



When you integrate all of the connected devices in your Houston home, you have the ability to create a smart home ecosystem. A smart home allows you to control everything, from lights to security systems, through a single app or hub. If you’re considering building a smart home ecosystem, but are unsure how it will best fit your lifestyle, as yourself these four questions before you begin.

Do You Want A Professional Install Or A DIY System?

It seems like everyone wants to do everything for themselves. Do-it-Yourself (DIY) is a great trend that can be found in all aspects of home improvement. DIY home security systems have been slow to emerge, but today they can offer an affordable and convenient alternative to professional installations.

DIY home security systems require the homeowner to install all connected devices on their own. Those who choose to do this must do their research.  Systems must be purchased from a reputable distributor, and proper installation is the only way to ensure security. Those who are not comfortable with DIY should have their smart home ecosystem professionally installed. 

What Type Of Features Do You Want With Your System?

After you decide on your preferred method of installation for your smart home ecosystem, it’s time to think about the features you want. A professional installer will offer you the option of a 24/7 monitoring service. If an emergency occurs in your Houston home, an alarm will alert you to the threat. At the same time, the 24/7 monitoring center will be notified. They will proceed to contact emergency services.

Other options in smart home ecosystem security include:

  • Cameras
  • Carbon monoxide detectors
  • Garage door control
  • Lights
  • Locks
  • Motion sensors
  • Smoke alarms
  • Thermostats

What Is Your Property Like?

Do you live in a multi-tenant apartment complex, a townhome, or a single-family unit in Houston? Your smart home ecosystem options will vary based on your residence type. Those who live in a single-family home will need to consider outdoor smart lights. Those in a multi-unit complex won’t need to think about exterior protection. A reputable vendor can help you find a solution that meets your needs.

Those who own their property can customize their smart home ecosystem. Those who rent or lease do not have the same freedoms. Landlords often have restrictions on what equipment can be permanently installed, so check with your landlord to see what smart home security features are within the parameters of your lease.

Who Lives In Your Home With You?

Do you live alone? Or do you have roommates, children, or pets? Your smart home ecosystem should be built around the people who live with you. Pets and children can trip sensors and create a false alarm. If the system is activated when you’re not available, roommates need to know how to operate it. When you consider your options before integration, you can create a smart home ecosystem that works together in harmony to give you peace and security.

"Steve I just wanted to thank you and your partner Ray Kindsfather for the fine work you men did installing the security cameras around my home. The quality of the pictures is excellent, the clarity in day or infrared mode is exactly what I was looking for. What good is a camera if you can't identify the person and these cameras will greatly assist the police in identifying a perpetrator. The computer side of the job is easy and fast with very little adjustment time for me in finding what I want to see. Software and hardware get A+++++ no doubt about. The Ring is equally easy to use and the quality of the camera is equally strong. The installation was clean and fast. You maintain a clean site, it’s like you were never here. You answered all my questions with pin point accuracy. Integrity suits you well. Your answers were honest and to the point. Refreshing in today’s world. All and all you and Ray make a strong team at DWS Technology LLC. I have no problem recommending you to friend or family, home or business. God bless you both with your business. I will call you for future installations. "

Cliff Mulvaney

Homeowner

"Ray, in reviewing several different security cameras there were many good products, but none met my criteria of clarity and no long-term contract. Raymond, you showed me one product that caught my attention with the clarity and distance viewing that I could not get with other systems. The zoom after a few feet became distorted with the other systems but with the Alibi NVR package you demoed, we could zoom in and out with clarity which made this product stand out from all the rest. The NVR system is so simple, in fact, anyone can configure the system to suit their needs. You can monitor your home from your smartphone or tablet and having security cameras makes it a great deterrent for criminal activity. DWS Technology delivered as promised! Your installation crew worked clean and treated my home as if it was their own. Great attention to detail! I will recommend DWS Technology to anyone! Great job guys!"

Eli R.

"DWS Technology does great work! I found them to be knowledgeable, professional and cost-effective. DWS designed a company-wide integrated comprehensive solution with site survey drawings outlying every detail of the project for our nine major locations. The surveillance performance we needed was exactly what we received. DWS, you outperformed our expectations and continue to do so with your tech support. Thank you for providing great service and delivering on your promises."

John Schreiber

Building Superintendent, Catholic Charities

Call 832-324-3653