What exactly is a smart home? And how is a connected home different? If you’re planning a new build for your home in Sydney, chances are you’ve heard these terms used interchangeably. But while they share similarities, there are important differences, and understanding them can shape the way your home is designed, built, and lived in.
At Switch, we help homeowners, builders, and architects bring technology and lifestyle together through tailored smart home systems. Here’s what you need to know about connected homes, smart homes, and what it takes to get it right.
What is a connected home?
At its core, a connected home refers to a residence where various devices and systems are linked to a central network, usually through WiFi or structured cabling. These may include things like:
- Smart lighting
- Climate control systems
- Door locks
- CCTV cameras
- Entertainment systems
- Voice assistants
In a connected home, devices can “talk” to each other (and to you) via apps, voice control, or central hubs. You might be able to dim your lights with your phone, turn on the air conditioning before you get home, or view your security camera feed remotely.
But connection isn’t enough.
Just because a home is connected doesn’t mean it’s smart.
What makes a home smart?
A smart home takes things further. It doesn’t just give you control over connected devices, it lets those devices work together intelligently and automatically in response to your habits, preferences, and schedule.
A properly designed smart home system enables:
- Scene-based control: Tap “Good Morning” and your home lights up, blinds open, music plays, and the temperature adjusts; automatically.
- Automation: Lights turn off when no one is home. Security systems arm themselves at night. You don’t have to think about it.
- Integration: All your systems are linked, not siloed in separate apps.
- Personalisation: Everything responds to you; how you live, what you like, and what makes your day smoother.
In short, a connected home gives you access.
A smart home gives you intelligence.
Smart homes are changing the way we live
Smart home technology has evolved far beyond gimmicks and gadgets. In high-end homes, it’s now seen as essential infrastructure, like plumbing or air conditioning.
Here’s why more architects, builders, and homeowners are integrating smart home systems into their designs from day one:
1. Lifestyle enhancement
Smart homes simplify the everyday. You can automate mundane tasks, personalise routines, and create a home environment that’s always just right. Whether you’re entertaining guests or relaxing after a long day, the system responds instantly to your mood and needs.
2. Improved energy efficiency
Smart lighting, motorised blinds, and automated climate control help reduce wasted energy, without sacrificing comfort. Your home learns when and where to adjust settings to reduce consumption and cut costs.
3. Security and peace of mind
Smart surveillance, motion sensors, door locks and access control systems protect your home, whether you’re there or not. Monitor your front door, get alerts when someone enters, or check in on your property remotely from your smartphone.
4. Hands-free convenience
Smart homes support voice assistants like Alexa, Google Assistant or Siri. So whether your hands are full, or you just prefer to speak instead of swipe, you can adjust your environment effortlessly.
Building a smart home starts with smart planning
Here’s the catch: adding a few smart lightbulbs doesn’t make a home “smart”. Neither does downloading an app.
Creating a true smart home, one that’s intelligent, beautiful, and reliable, requires a clear strategy. That’s where Switch comes in.
As a Sydney-based smart home integration specialist, we collaborate with your architect, builder, and interior designer to make sure your systems are considered from the start. That means:
- Clean cable runs (not retrofits)
- Devices that complement your architecture (not clash with it)
- Tech that disappears into the design (not sits awkwardly on walls)
- A user experience that feels natural, not clunky
What we offer at Switch
We don’t just install hardware. We take care of the entire smart home process, so you don’t have to manage multiple suppliers or worry about system compatibility.
Our services include:
- System design
We map out how technology will work across your home, aligned with your floor plans, layout, and lifestyle. - Project management
One point of contact from start to finish. We liaise with your trades and make sure everything is delivered on time and to spec. - Hardware supply
We only use high-end, reliable technology from trusted partners like Control4, KNX, Basalte, Lutron and Sonos. No cut-price parts. No shortcuts. - Installation & commissioning
Our team installs everything to precision, tests all systems, and custom-programs them to suit your needs. - Support
After handover, we stay with you. We offer flexible support packages, remote troubleshooting, and updates as your needs change.
The difference between DIY and done right
You might be wondering: can’t I just set up a smart home myself?
Sure; if you’re just connecting a few devices. But if you want a system that’s:
- Reliable
- Fully integrated
- Custom-programmed
- Scalable
- Aesthetically discreet
- Professionally supported
…then DIY can only take you so far.
The Switch approach ensures your smart home works not just on day one, but for years to come. And because it’s designed around your life, it feels less like tech… and more like comfort, security and control.
Let’s bring your smart home to life
Whether you’re renovating, building, or just starting to explore your options, we’re here to help.
Visit our Rosebery showroom to experience the systems first-hand, or book a consultation with our team to discuss how we can bring connected living into your home.
