The Top 5 Smart Home Features Every Modern Home Should Have

rick cassani
Oct 26, 2025
2 min read

Technology has shifted from being a “bonus” to being an essential part of modern living. Homeowners expect it. Builders use it to stand out in competitive markets. And in places like College Station and greater Houston—where luxury homes and custom builds are booming—smart home technology is no longer optional.

At Advanced AV & Automation, we help families and builders design systems that fit lifestyle, design, and budget. Here are the five smart home features we believe every modern home should have—and why.

1. Whole-Home Audio & Video

Think beyond the living room. With distributed AV systems, homeowners can:

Stream music throughout the entire home.
Watch a movie in the theater while kids watch sports in the game room.
Add outdoor zones for backyard entertaining.

Pro Tip: Instead of relying on a jumble of Bluetooth speakers, whole-home audio uses in-wall or in-ceiling speakers, hidden amplifiers, and a central control system. Builders who pre-wire for this create homes that feel premium right away.

2. Smart Lighting Control

Lighting sets the mood, enhances security, and saves money. With smart lighting, homeowners can:

Press “Goodnight” to turn off every light in the house.
Automate porch and pathway lights at sunset.
Change brightness and even color to match activities.

Did you know? Smart lighting can reduce energy use by up to 30% when paired with occupancy sensors and schedules.

3. Advanced Security & Surveillance

Today’s homeowners want peace of mind—and they want it in their pocket. Modern systems include:

Video doorbells that send alerts to your phone.
AI-powered cameras that can distinguish between people, pets, and vehicles.
Smart locks you can control remotely.

Real-world scenario: Imagine you’re at work and your kids get home from school. With a smart system, you see them walk in via camera, get a push notification, and unlock the door for them—all from your phone.

4. Reliable Networking & Wi-Fi

Every device in your home—from TVs to thermostats—relies on a strong network. Yet most people still depend on a single router from their ISP.

Better solution: Professional-grade networks use multiple wireless access points, seamless roaming, and enough bandwidth to handle streaming, gaming, and work-from-home simultaneously.

5. Home Automation Systems (Control4)

The real game-changer is integration. A Control4 system ties everything together:

Audio, video, lighting, and security in one app.
Custom “scenes” like Vacation Mode that lower shades, adjust thermostats, and activate lights.
Flexibility to start small and expand later.