We all know that the Texas sun makes things hot for a good part of the year. Despite our share of cold fronts from the North in the winter, soon enough we’ll be settling into the six-month summer season. That means that the sun will be warming your house and your now dormant air conditioning will be springing into action.

In the warm (or should we call it hot) season, it’s likely that you have to use your window treatments to block out some of the sun. UV rays can fade furniture, carpets, and other interior furnishings. The heat can make your thermostat drive your air conditioning to work harder to maintain a comfortable temperature. In the summer, some Texas homes with large windows are actually somewhat dark inside, because people are drawing window shades, blinds, and shutters closed to keep out the heat.

That darkness might lead to using artificial lighting more even though there's a blazing sun outside. Does that seem paradoxical? It is, but there's a better way. It involves home lighting control and motorized shading, a dynamic duo of smart technologies that will keep your Park Cities home comfortable, well-lit, and efficient no matter what the season.

Ready to learn more? Just keep reading.

If you're planning on remodeling a house, most likely you have several goals in mind for your new abode.  More than likely, you are updating kitchens and baths, as those are the areas that often get the most attention and return the most for your remodeling investment. If it's a full remodel, you may be gutting the interior or even adding on square footage, all of which is a significant project.

Regardless of the size of the project, any time you are moving walls, changing trim, upgrading electrical wiring, or replacing cabinets and plumbing, there is a perfect opportunity to install smart home automation.

Nothing updates a home more than installing current home automation capabilities. According to recent data from the National Association of Home Builders, 7-12% of home remodeling projects go to electronics.  Much of this is going to smart home upgrades in lighting, climate control, entertainment, security, and here in Texas, smart shading and pool control as well.

If you are planning a renovation or remodel in the Park Cities, now is the perfect time to integrate a smart home automation system to modernize your property fully.