Smart Home Features Buyers Should Look for in New Construction

When shopping for a new construction home, buyers are looking for more than a floor plan they love. Today’s homes are being designed with technology, energy efficiency and everyday convenience in mind, giving homeowners features that can make their homes more comfortable, connected and efficient from the moment they move in.

At Two Rivers, homeowners can choose from a variety of homebuilders and floor plans, with many offering smart home technology, energy-efficient systems and modern construction features. From smart thermostats and video doorbells to Low-E windows, high-efficiency HVAC systems and energy-conscious appliances, these Two Rivers home features can add meaningful value to a new home.

Here are some of the smart and energy-efficient features buyers can find throughout Two Rivers.

Smart Technology That Makes Everyday Life Easier

Smart home technology has quickly become a popular feature in new construction, helping homeowners manage everything from the front door to the thermostat. These new home technology features can make every day routines more convenient while helping homeowners stay connected to their homes.

D.R. Horton includes its Home Is Connected® Smart Home System in its Two Rivers homes. The system gives homeowners convenient control of key home features and is designed to bring smart technology into everyday routines.

M/I Homes takes connectivity a step further with a smart home controller and security panel, video doorbell, touchpad entry lock and smart lighting switch at the entry. Homes also include programmable thermostats, Wi-Fi access point prewiring for the home and lanai, security camera prewiring at the garage and Wi-Fi garage door control. Homeowners also receive one year of free interactive service.

For buyers who want smart technology built into their home from day one, Taylor Morrison offers a smart thermostat, video doorbell and smart connect doorlock for keyless entry.

These features can provide convenience while also reducing the need to retrofit a home with technology after moving in.

Energy Efficiency Starts With the Home’s Construction

For buyers searching for energy efficient homes in Pasco County, it’s worth looking beyond individual appliances and considering how the entire home is constructed.

At Two Rivers, Homes by WestBay incorporates a comprehensive approach to energy efficiency. Features include high-efficiency air conditioning systems with SEER2 ratings that exceed current building codes, Low-E insulated double-pane windows, R-9 foam-filled block, R-13 insulation in exterior framed walls and R-38 ceiling insulation over conditioned spaces.

They also use hard-sealed AC ductwork with mastic, an air infiltration barrier between framing and drywall, an energy-efficient tankless water heater and third-party insulation and HVAC inspections. Its homes are certified ENERGY STAR® 3.2 rated.

William Ryan Homes also focuses on energy-efficient construction, using features designed to help reduce energy consumption while enhancing comfort. These include R-15.1 exterior wall assemblies, Low-E windows, sealed HVAC ductwork, R-38 ceiling insulation, 15 SEER air conditioning systems and HVAC equipment located within conditioned space.

The homes also feature energy-efficient lighting and appliances, water-efficient plumbing fixtures, programmable thermostats and humidity controls, MERV 8 air filters and efficient irrigation systems.

Look at the Windows, HVAC and Insulation

When evaluating the energy efficiency of a new construction home, buyers should look beyond the appliances. Some of the most important features are integrated into the home’s construction and mechanical systems.

Casa Fresca Homes includes energy-efficient double-pane Low-E windows and a Carrier® smart thermostat, combining energy-conscious construction with convenient temperature control. The builder also incorporates engineered hurricane structural hardware.

Lennar offers high-efficiency heating and air conditioning systems along with energy-efficient Low-E dual-pane windows.

Pulte Homes uses energy-efficient, dual-pane, and thermally insulated windows.

Homes by WestBay includes high-efficiency HVAC systems, insulated windows and extensive insulation throughout the home.

These features can help create a more comfortable indoor environment while supporting efficient energy use.

Energy-Efficient Appliances and Water Systems

Energy efficiency also extends into the kitchen and throughout the home.

Meritage Homes incorporates a broad range of energy-conscious features, including ENERGY STAR® dishwasher and appliance options, LED lighting, Low-E windows, spray foam insulation, conditioned attics, high-performance HVAC and water-efficient faucets. Its homes also feature high-performance air filtration, low-to-zero VOC materials and an ASHRAE 62.2 mechanical fresh-air management system.

Taylor Morrison offers ENERGY STAR® kitchen appliances, high-efficiency HVAC systems and gas furnaces, along with its smart home features.

At D.R. Horton, Two Rivers homes feature gas appliances, including tankless gas water heaters, gas stoves and gas dryers. These features combine everyday convenience with energy-conscious systems.

Stay Connected With UltraFi Internet

As an UltraFi community, Two Rivers residents enjoy lightning-fast 2 Gig x 2 Gig internet, designed to support everything from remote work to streaming, gaming and smart home technology.

UltraFi makes it easy to stay connected with:

• Lightning-fast 2 Gig x 2 Gig internet speeds
• All equipment included, including a modem, router and Wi-Fi extender
• Hassle-free installation for a seamless move-in experience
• Outdoor Wi-Fi in community common areas, helping residents stay connected while enjoying the community’s lifestyle offerings

Combined with the smart home technology and energy-efficient features available from many of Two Rivers’ builders, community-wide internet is another way homeowners can enjoy a connected, future-ready living experience.

Find the Features That Fit Your Lifestyle

Every buyer has different priorities when choosing a new home. For some, smart locks and video doorbells may be at the top of the list. Others may place greater value on energy-efficient HVAC systems, insulation, windows or appliances.

The benefit of new construction at Two Rivers is the opportunity to explore homes designed with many of these modern features already in mind. As you compare builders and floor plans, take time to ask what technology and energy-efficient features are included, which are available as options and how each system can contribute to the way you live.

Ready to find your energy-efficient home? Learn more about the homebuilders at Two Rivers and explore floor plans and available homes through our Homefinder.