Builder Series: Smart Home Upgrades That Sell Homes Faster
In today’s competitive housing market, it takes more than granite countertops and an open floor plan to stand out. Homebuyers are savvier than ever—and increasingly, they’re asking one simple question: Is this a smart home?
For builders, that question is no longer a future-facing curiosity. It’s a make-or-break decision point. Smart home upgrades have gone from being nice-to-haves to essential features that can help homes sell faster, for more money, and with a competitive edge.
Here are the top smart home features we recommend builders include—and why they make all the difference.
1. Structured Wiring & Central Panels
A clean, modern smart home starts with solid infrastructure. Pre-wiring for Ethernet, coax, and power, and running conduit to key locations like behind TVs, in ceilings, or near HVAC zones, is essential. Not only does this allow future device installation without messy retrofits, it sets the home up for long-term compatibility with emerging tech.
Structured wiring isn’t just a tech feature—it’s a selling point. Buyers appreciate the foresight, and home inspectors love it. According to TechHive's guide on structured wiring, it boosts resale value, reduces install costs later, and simplifies network distribution for smart features across the home.
Bonus: A centralized panel gives the mechanical room a clean, professional look and provides a hub for serviceability later.
2. Smart Lighting
Lighting automation is one of those upgrades that immediately feels high-end. With motion-activated closets, schedules that match natural light cycles, and scenes that shift from day to night, smart lighting becomes part of how the home lives and breathes.
The National Association of Home Builders lists lighting control as a top-requested smart feature among new home buyers, particularly millennials. Plus, pairing smart switches with low-voltage keypads or dimmers removes the clutter of switch banks, adding a clean, modern aesthetic to hallways and common areas.
Pro Tip: Opt for a consistent, scalable system (like Lutron RA3 or Philips Hue Pro) to allow for upgrades without full rewiring later.
3. Environmental Monitoring (Water, Smoke, Temp)
Adding smart detectors and sensors throughout the home offers peace of mind—and a surprising amount of utility. Place water leak sensors near water heaters, under sinks, or in laundry rooms. Use humidity sensors in bathrooms to control exhaust fans. Upgrade smoke detectors to ones that alert your phone no matter where you are.
These safety-forward upgrades not only protect the home, but also resonate with insurance providers and buyers alike. As Consumer Reports notes, smart safety tech can reduce home insurance claims and provide valuable early warnings.
Smart, safe, and saleable.
4. Smart Thermostats and HVAC Zoning
Comfort sells—and nothing feels more comfortable than climate control that adapts to you. Smart thermostats let buyers schedule heating and cooling by room or by time of day. Add zoning and you take it to the next level: quiet bedrooms, cozy living rooms, and efficient use of energy.
The U.S. Department of Energy reports that programmable smart thermostats can cut annual energy costs by up to 15%. That promise of savings, combined with daily convenience, makes smart HVAC a true win-win.
Why it works: Comfort + savings + green living = buyer appeal.
5. Pre-Wired or Installed Doorbell Cameras
Video doorbells have gone from novelty to necessity. More than 20 million homes in the U.S. already have one, and that number is only growing, according to Statista. Buyers not only expect it—they often assume it’s there.
For builders, pre-wiring for low-voltage power and network (or PoE) is a no-brainer. Taking it a step further by pre-installing a known device adds instant value. Bonus points if you label the breaker and provide an instruction card or app download link during closing.
Small detail, big impression.
6. Integrated Smart Locks and Garage Openers
Imagine this during a walkthrough: a real estate agent opens the front door from their phone. No keys, no fuss. That moment alone can sell a buyer on the smart lifestyle.
Smart locks and garage systems make everyday life smoother—and they're incredibly popular for security-conscious buyers. Security.org points out that smart locks consistently rank among the top-requested features for new construction. Builders who offer them demonstrate modernity and care.
It’s not just tech—it’s peace of mind built in.
7. Energy Monitoring & Alerts
More buyers are thinking long-term about energy usage. By installing a circuit-level energy monitor at the panel (like Emporia or Sense), you can give future homeowners real-time insights into what’s using electricity—and when.
This kind of feedback can save money, highlight inefficiencies, and even alert owners to appliances left running. Sense reports that most users reduce their usage by around 9% just by having visibility.
Data-driven homes sell faster because they speak the language of today’s buyer: control, savings, and insight.
Why Work With Leios?
At Leios, we work directly with builders to offer pre-configured, fully supported smart home packages that buyers understand and appreciate. From wiring to app onboarding, we make the tech seamless—and stay available after the sale for support, updates, and scaling the system over time.
Our systems prioritize local control, data privacy, and no subscriptions, which today’s buyers increasingly value. That means fewer callbacks for you and happier clients.
Let’s build homes that don’t just look modern—they live modern.
Interested in offering Leios-ready smart homes? Let’s talk.