In residential real estate, the home is now a tech sector

Homebuilders are responding to the rising popularity of “smart home” automation services by prewiring new residences for future-proof high-tech compatibility. Another shift: designing homes with zero Wi-Fi dead zones.

“We map the homes for optimal Wi-Fi coverage as well as optimal bandwidth,” says Sean Strickler, president of PulteGroup’s West Florida division. “Then we offer a package price option for things like Amazon Alexa, a smart thermostat and a garage door opener you can operate from your phone. It’ll run you about $1,500.”

In addition to Amazon, Strickler says PulteGroup has formed partnerships with Honeywell, which makes smart thermostat controls, and Liftmaster for garage door openers. But because today’s buyers increasingly like to shop around and abhor long-term commitments to one particular provider, PulteGroup’s prewired setups are compatible with different systems.