There is a fondness for tech gadgets everywhere.
Lights can be controlled with smart light bulbs, shutters can be timed to open, close, and slant with the sun. Gate sensors that will send your ‘home assistant’ a picture of the visitor (or intruder) at the gate without loud, annoying alarms and flashing lights.
What will they come up with next, and how can you get it for your shed or outdoor spaces?
Your arms are full, you are tired, you walk up to your door and issue a command to ‘unlock front door’, and it is unlocked and opened just as you approach.
A husky, masculine voice (or whatever you prefer) greets you by name and asks if you would like the kettle on for a cup of tea.
Yes, please, Rupert, turn the hall light on.
You move through your home, issuing requests to the butler, and kettles start to boil, messages are being read to you, and the oven comes on with the message that dinner will be ready in 30 minutes.
It seems so unreal, it’s like you are a modern character on The Jetsons. The amazing thing is the ability to take this modern technology and bring it outside to your shed, backyard, and outdoor living space.
Of course, there are things to think about before running Ethernet cables all over the yard.
You want to ensure all the added requirements needed to operate these systems can be handled by your shed, and if it’s fit for a refurbishment and the upgrades you dream of.
The Upgrades
To simplify things, here are four of the top things you should plan on when you are taking on this kind of project:
Power
All this funky tech cannot happen if your electric panel cannot handle the load. It also makes no sense to be running extension cords all over the yard. These would be exposed to the elements and would be safety hazards.
So do some research and look into things you might need to decide on:
-
Would an underground cable work? Would permafrost or inclement weather be too much for this option?
-
What kind of extensions or wiring would be required for the outdoors?
-
Would there be specific kinds of outlets required? What would the costs be?
-
How can things be kept dry when the environment is damp and wet?
Network Reach
-
What kind of WIFI range do you get from your house? Is there a way to extend the range?
-
Can an Ethernet cable be buried and hardwired to a specific access point?
-
Could a satellite be erected to pick up movie networks or streaming platforms?
-
Would dedicated computers be needed to watch movies on a big screen inside the shed?
-
Would the walls be strong enough to tether an electric roll-down screen inside?
-
How is all this tech going to be weatherproofed and kept?
Security Concerns
With upgrades to the technology your smart home shed gets, there’ll be security issues that arise, and you’ll need to think about the threat of theft of your devices, damage from unsocial behaviours, and home security costs.
You have left your tools and your lawnmower in the shed for years without thinking about this, but all the money you are investing in a modern smart system, you’ll want to protect it:
-
Call your home insurance company and ask for a quote to protect your investments. You might be surprised and find the changes you are making will be beneficial to your insurance on your home and not be as expensive as you think.
-
Motion sensors or gate sensors with video attached might be another upgrade you might like for the perimeter of your home.
-
Look into locks that can auto lock if an intruder enters the back yard or the shed, or a watch system that will call the police of its own volition if there is no facial recognition.
-
Invest in keyless entry systems and get rid of the old padlocks you are using now.
Is the Shed Ready For What’s Coming?
In the grand scheme of things, this might be the most pressing question you need answered.
You really need to ensure your shed structure is solid, weatherproof, and secure:
-
Is it feasible to mount security cameras on the fascia board? What condition is it in?
-
Is the roof solid enough to handle the addition of a satellite dish?
-
Are there any trouble areas with leaks or cracks?
-
Is the foundation level? Are there any gaps from the wall to the floor?
Before you invest in anything, find a company that focuses its entire business on sheds (e.g., repair, replacement, building, reroofing, doors, removal/demolition, flooring, pads/foundations, repainting, etc.) such as Shed Repair LLC. This way you can get a 100% professional assessment of the integrity of the structure and what would need to be upgraded, reinforced, or be cautious of.
Basically, you want to make sure the shed is structurally safe and sound – so not just for storage, but for people who’ll walk in and out of it. Leaky roofs, sagging floors, unstable/squeaky doors won’t do. You don’t want a liability; you want a useful space.
Conclusion
If you take your time, do your research, and make sure your outdoor structure is ready for the future, you’ll be like gadget central and can enjoy all this tech offers you. You’ll be the envy of your mates at work and the neighbors.
If you are gonna do it, go big, well, go big!
