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JESSE BAKER
Buzzer
reply 16 vote 8
 

What are the best (& worst) high-tech features in new condo developments?

In my experience, many of the 'high-tech' features being offered in new condo developments are ultimately just marketing gimmicks that are not very practical and do not necessarily add value.

What are your opinions on some of the high-tech features you have seen?

What new features do you think are genuinely innovative and will have a lasting impact on the industry? 
13
British Columbia / General Chit-Chat
 
 
 
MATTHEW SLUTSKY
Senior Buzzer
reply 2299 vote 171
 
 
2 BEST REPLY
I wish a developer would equip each suite with the Nest thermostat.
 
 
 
JESSE BAKER
Buzzer
reply 16 vote 8
 
 
1
Here are my thoughts:

Best:

Integrated digital home controls – allows you to control audio/video, telephone, lighting, security, climate, energy management, Internet etc. from one central location.This is great as long as you still have the option to control it manually.

Example: http://toromagazine.com/lifestyle/tech/toro-tv/20121121/one-tricked-out-high-tech-condo

Bazinga - connects homeowners/tenants with developers, owners and property managers. I think it is a great idea for establishing accountability.

Worst:

Automated parkades – In theory, this would be a great alternative to spiralling into an underground parkade and trying to squeeze your car into a very narrow stall. But in reality, I have only heard complaints from friends who, on multiple occasions, have been forced to find other means of transportation when the system failed and could not retrieve their car (e.g. Jameson House in Vancouver).

Electronic faucets – I am referring to both motion sensor and tap on/off faucets. We have all experienced the motion sensor faucet that turns off after 3 seconds if your hands are not perfectly positioned. I have also had some frustrating experiences with tap on/off kitchen faucets that are very finicky, and sometimes won’t turn off at all!

Virtual concierge – This is a relatively new concept that I have seen in Toronto and Vancouver developments. It is a good idea for reducing maintenance fees and does have some potential. But the virtual concierges I have interacted with have had significant time delays and were frequently interacting with people in other buildings when I arrived (they often serve multiple projects).

Like any new technology, I understand these things take time to perfect. So perhaps we will see future generations of these products that work much more effectively.

On the fence:

The 'eight room, 420 sq. ft. apt' – This was featured on BuzzBuzzHome earlier this year. At first, I really liked the idea and applauded the space efficiency. But the more I think about it, the more I begin to question a) How convenient is it, really? b) For the same cost of a ‘high-tech’ studio apartment, could you not purchase a more conventional, larger apartment?

Here is the link - http://blog.buzzbuzzhome.com/2013/01/the-eight-room-420-square-foot-studio-apartment.html

 
 
GORD SMART
Buzzer
reply 224 vote 37
 
 
1
If this qualifies as high-tech, then .... I like!

https://mobile.twitter.com/RealScout/status/370621712749965312/photo/1
 
 
JESSE BAKER
Buzzer
reply 16 vote 8
 
 
Here is a very cool technology that makes sense and definitely adds value!

The Digital Doorman:

http://www.inman.com/2013/09/18/say-hello-to-the-digital-doorman-video/
 
 
ALLEN
Buzzer
reply 192 vote 54
 
 

I second the Nest thermostat, however reading the installation manual I remember it says that it may not be compatible for some heat pump systems typically used in condos.   
I love mine. I saved a ton on utilities, it looks great, and I could control it from anywhere from my phone, iPad or laptop.
Luckily Nest could now be bought from any Home Depot and installation is relatively simple.

 
 
ROY BHANDARI
Senior Buzzer
reply 512 vote 60
 
 
1
I guess the problem with builders implementing technology is that it changes so fast...a Nest is cool today but who knows what they'll come up with in 4-5 years. Remember the condominiums being delivered today were being marketed and sold in 2009-2010 ... Nest hadn't even been thought up yet, let alone delivered.

FYI: @155 Redpath Condos is equipping all suites with a Nest Thermostat.

I know @Tridel are really starting to think ahead with technology in suites and are looking at things like suite entry using your cell phone, more automation etc.
 
 
MATTHEW SLUTSKY
Senior Buzzer
reply 2299 vote 171
 
 
So @Roy Bhandari, since technology is always changing, and these projects are not being built for 5+ years, do you think that they should be built with just rough-ins for whatever the future holds?
 
 
ROY BHANDARI
Senior Buzzer
reply 512 vote 60
 
 
@Matthew Slutsky - it's great in theory but where do you start.

I think automation and convenience are the best uses of technology - things like automatic window coverings, controlling alarm systems etc.

It's really really impossible to know what's going to catch on.  To put things into perspective, in 2009 when many of these condominiums were being marketed and sold - the iPad had not been invented yet.

I've seen some new home automation technology that revolves around a mounted iPad that controls everything from window coverings, to the thermostat (nest) to music....how do you prepare and rough in for something like that?

I can almost guarantee you that the technology that we will be using in our homes in 2018 does not even exist yet.      
 
 
ANONYMOUS
NewBee
reply 3
 
 
@jessebaker awesome to see that you think bazinga is one of the best value adds for a new condo development.
 
 
MARCO DIFOTI
Senior Buzzer
reply 550 vote 45
 
 
Automatic blinds are great.

Full system automation boxes on the wall are dated.
 
 
ANONYMOUS
Buzzer
reply 19
 
 
@Jesse Baker,@Mehmet Akcagliyan. something better than Bazinga.....

The company is called CONASYS INC. Has been in the industry since 2006, having a lot of experience with over 400 clients across Canada/USA and feedback from those clients has helped build the platform. It is a communication Portal between the Homeowner and Developer/Builder.

 
 
ANONYMOUS
NewBee
reply 3
 
 
Being around longer and having more clients doesn't necessarily constitute a better product, but I'm biased, I work at Bazinga :). Just thought it was cool that others were taking notice. Conasys is probably good too. @Bart
 
 
ZACKERY COTE
Buzzer
reply 34 vote 1
 
 
I just need awesome luxury which will reflect and enhance our lifestyle. Though there are many condos in Canada my favorite is @Waterview Condominiums. This is from LJM developer. You must watch this video . https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F5nYISmJKrA
They have just revealed their floor plan. Very innovative way of floor plan.I just liked it .
 
 
 
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