When remodelling, most people focus on new tiles, fresh paint, and updated fixtures—but what about upgrades that truly enhance your daily life? Smart home technology is one of the most overlooked yet impactful additions you can make during a renovation.
By 2025, 80% of UK homes will have at least one smart device, and nearly half will feature three or more. These upgrades go beyond aesthetics; they improve security, reduce energy costs, and make everyday tasks more convenient.
Whether it’s smart locks, discreet security cameras, or whole-home automation, integrating these features now will future-proof your space and add long-term value. Here are six must-have smart home upgrades to consider while renovating.
If you are renovating, here are six smart home improvements that every homeowner in the UK should consider. Let’s take a look!
Smart Home Upgrades to Install During Your Remodel
Here are the six smart home upgrades to install during your remodel:
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Smart Locks for Enhanced Security
Regular locks can be easy to bypass. Thieves can pick or force them open, putting your home at risk. Smart locks offer a much safer option. They let you secure your home without keys and provide helpful features like remote access.
According to Statista, the smart lock market in the UK is predicted to be worth around £235.6 million by 2025, and it’s anticipated that 10.1% of homes will possess them. This quick expansion demonstrates the growing demand for home access solutions that are both smarter and more secure.
With a smart lock, you can use your phone, a code, or fingerprint to enter your home. You won’t have to worry about losing keys or someone making a copy without your knowledge.
Smart locks can connect to your smart home system. This means you can see who enters and leaves your home, even when you’re away. Some smart locks allow you to create temporary codes for guests or workers, which you can forfeit whenever possible.
Image Source: Smart Locks
There are popular smart locks that are available in the UK and here they are:
- Yale Linus Smart Lock: Works with Alexa and Google Assistant.
- Ultion Nuki Smart Lock: This lock is hard to pick and keeps your stuff safe.
Installing a smart lock lets you choose who can come into your house, making it safer and easier.
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Reinforced Smart Doors for Better Protection
A solid front door is your primary protection, so if you’re renovating, consider replacing it with a strong, bright door. These doors provide extra security with features like steel reinforcement, multiple locks, and the option to use smart locks.
Image Source: Smart Doors
Many strong doors also come with built-in cameras in the peephole or hidden sensors that can detect break-in attempts. They are designed to be secure but can still match your home’s style, so you don’t have to give up looks for safety.
Choosing a reinforced door lets you feel at ease understanding your home is safe from break-ins.
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Smart Alarm Systems for Complete Home Monitoring
Upgrading your home with a smart alarm system is essential for any modern household. Unlike old-school alarms, these intelligent systems link directly to your phone, so you get instant updates whenever something fishy happens.
Most smart alarm setups come with motion detectors and sensors for your windows and doors. They can even be linked to the police or a security company. Some of the more advanced ones can recognise faces and use AI to spot potential threats.
Image Source: Smart Alarm Systems
Companies like barrybros.com specialise in high-quality solutions that integrate seamlessly into your home’s design. Opting for a professional system guarantees that your alarm blends seamlessly with your home’s style, all while delivering maximum security.
Whether at home or on the go, a smart alarm system offers round-the-clock protection and keeps you constantly informed about your home’s security status.
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Discreet Smart Surveillance Cameras
You no longer need those big and obtrusive cameras to keep your home safe. Sleek, modern surveillance systems blend nicely, letting you watch over your place without them sticking out like a sore thumb.
With features like motion sensors, night vision, and the ability to talk and listen through them, these wireless cameras let you check in on your house from anywhere. Some of the more popular choices out there are:
Image Source: Smart Surveillance Cameras
- Doorbell Cameras: See what’s happening at your front door and get real-time alerts if something’s happening. Studies have shown that the doorbell camera market in the UK generated $106 million in 2023 and is expected to reach $283.9 million by 2030, expanding at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 15.1%.
- Indoor Hidden Cameras: It looks nice in your home style, so it doesn’t stick out.
- Outdoor Smart Cameras: Keep an eye on your home all the time, with storage for videos and live streaming.
You can use unique cameras that connect to your smart home. This lets you see what’s happening at home on your phone or by asking your voice assistant. So, you can check your house from anywhere!
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Smart Lighting for Convenience and Energy Efficiency
Smart lighting is a simple yet powerful home improvement that can be added during a renovation. It boosts convenience, strengthens security, and helps you use less energy.
You can use smart lights to adjust the brightness and colour and set schedules through an app or your own voice. Lights that turn on with motion can also discourage would-be burglars.
Image Source: Smart Lighting
Key benefits of smart lighting include the following:
- Remote Control: You can control your lights from your phone.
- Automation: Set timers or turn them on in the sun.
- Energy Efficiency: Save on electricity with special LED bulbs.
- Security Boost: Make it look like someone is home to keep burglars away.
In the UK, popular smart lighting brands are Philips Hue and LIFX, which both provide a variety of customisable options.
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Whole-Home Automation for Seamless Control
If you’re keen on stepping up your smart home game, a whole-home automation system is the way to go. These systems combine all your smart devices, giving you power over security, lights, heating, and even your entertainment, all from one place.
With systems like Control4, Crestron, or Lutron, you can create “scenes” that change several settings simultaneously. Say you have a “Goodnight” scene; it could lock your doors, turn down the lights, and lower the thermostat, all at the touch of a button.
Home automation boosts security, saves energy, and makes daily life much easier and cheaper.
Conclusion
Renovating your home is more than just making it look nicer; it’s a chance to prepare for the future. Adding smart technology can improve your home’s security, efficiency, and convenience.
Consider installing smart locks, security cameras, automated lighting, and systems that connect different parts of your home. These upgrades do more than modernise your space; they make daily life easier and safer.
These improvements are an investment for the future. With the right innovative features, your remodelled home will look great and enhance your life for years to come.
So, when planning your renovation, think beyond looks and choose technology that can benefit you.
