Top Smart Devices For Your Airbnb Listing
Welcome to the future where the Millenials are always on their phone and can’t spend a moment not being connected to the internet. Today, technology rules every aspect of most people’s lives. If you are renting out to a tech-savvy consumer(read: young) then you need to give your guests the experience reminiscent of their own well-connected lives.
Why set up smart devices in your Airbnb?
If you are located in a city or tech hub or your client base is mostly young people who care about technology and being connected, being away from their devices at home can make them feel very isolated. A feeling that like that can make them leave a lower review score. If you want to protect that score and are willing to spend some money, you can deck out your property with amazing tech that will even make the hardest Silicon Valley techie blush! The value of your Airbnb will go up as you provide features to market it as a “smart home”.
Modern devices do a good job of adding a layer of security to your property. Connected devices can be easily monitored and their history can be used to resolve disputes you may have with the guests.
Smart devices can offer some separation between the guest’s space and yours. It gives them privacy and control and you get peace of mind. For example, smart locks are a great way to track whether all the doors in the house are secure. You can set up alarms to notify you if the wrong doors are opened in the middle of the night.
What to look for?
Look for devices that will help make the guests stay more convenient and secure. Think of devices that make it easy to control things around the house. Look for devices that connect over wifi that offer you the option to control them with apps. The guest should feel like a wizard. Those who are used to living in homes like that will feel completely comfortable. For everyone else, it will be like stepping into a high tech house. It will surely leave an impression in their minds!
Look for something that will not break the bank and can be repurposed. So no permanent fixtures. Go for devices that can be simply taken out and kept in storage if not being used anymore.
Make sure the devices are childproof and tamper-safe. It will help prevent any injuries to children and potential lawsuits.
Don’t buy brand new appliances. Instead, look for plug and play devices that interface with your existing appliances to add wifi connectivity and control.
If you are not skilled enough to set up the devices, look for the ones that provide an installation service. It usually comes with a small fee but should make your life a lot easier.
Suggestions for smart devices:
BOND – Smart Home Automation This little device lets you control ceiling fans, fireplaces, and shades from the comfort of your couch. It is Alexa and Google home enabled. So you can control it with your voice or smartphone. No installation is needed. The installation is quick and easy. It makes your existing appliances smart. It currently supports ceiling fans and fireplaces. Support for more appliances is on the way.
August Smart Lock To maintain security in your property, consider adding a smart lock to the premises. This device lets you have secure and keyless entry for your smart home. You can lock and unlock your door, control keyless access and keep track of people going in and out of your home, all from your phone. You keep your existing locks and keys. This device attaches separately. It needs a wifi bridge which is sold separately. If the details are complicated but you like the service this can provide to your guests, expert installation is available and not very expensive. This is a must-have device for hosts concerned about security.
Smart WiFi Light Bulb If you want to give your guests the power to set the mood for their own experiences then these light bulbs are a great addition to your airbnb. These bulbs can change colors using voice commands. You can even schedule the lights to turn on/off or change colors based on a timer. You can control the lights in your home even if you are not in your house. The products come with a free 24 month warranty.
Amysen Smart Wi-Fi Plug These smart plugs interface with your existing plugs and give them the ability to be controlled over the internet. Just plug it into an outlet, connect your device and then you can wirelessly control your home appliances. It comes with an easy to use app. They come in a 4 pack so that you can connect most appliances in your house. They also help save energy and prevent electrical hazards like overcharging and overheating.
Echo Plus: The amazon echo is a great device to give your guests the connectivity they are used to in their homes. The 2nd generation echo has a built-in Zigbee hub to easily control any smart devices you may already have. Think of this as a control center for all your devices. Since it has Alexa, you can talk to it naturally. No need to install extra apps and fiddle with the settings.
Precautions to take:
The inherent risks that come with smart devices could be a deterrent. Smart devices, since they are connected, are possibly open to hackers. You need to set up the systems such that they protect yourself and your guests from data intrusions. The best way to do that is to have a professional install and guide you through the process. A DIY approach may lead to security holes that can prove costly.
Don’t be afraid to have strict rules regarding the use of smart devices. If the guest is not technically savvy always provide them traditional ways to interface with your devices. Some people may just not want to interact with simple household items through technology.
Ensure that you have a good wifi router to handle all the smart devices. It may be a one time upgrade but it should be enough to future proof your home.
Love,
Scooch and Steve
