5 Excellent Reasons You Will Want Home Automation Now
Is Your Home a Smart Home Yet?
We’ve been busy here at Strand Security in the Myrtle Beach area, not just with installing new home security systems and home automation features, but also with writing this blog and several of the articles we’ve been writing lately are about home automation. The Grand Strand area is growing rapidly and new homes, new neighborhoods, new businesses and new roads are being build at incredible speed!
It’s a popular topic to write about as it’s a growing trend among home owners!
People like you want the right information to make the right decision about their home before they invest time and money into home automation. Believe us when we say ‘we get it’!
Home Automation Information and Latest News
Want to know more about home automation and what home automation can do for you, here are some of the most recent articles on our very own Strand Security blog that talks about automation and smart technology.
? How to convert an old home into a smart home. Read it here
? Smart home. Safe home. Secure home. Read it here
? How to give your home a voice. Read it here
? Party like a rockstar at home with SONOS. Read it here
? How to program your universal remote the easy way. Read it here
? Smart homeowners get smart home demos in Myrtle Beach. Read it here
We hope these articles have inspired you and made you excited about using home automation to turn your home into a smart home! We are here to help you…!
Don’t Put Off Home Automation! What Are You Waiting For?
In case you are still hesitant, here are 5 reasons you will want home automation now!
1) Improved security
Of course you will get improved security with home automation! Your systems will work together and the possibilities are endless. The best part? Once it’s set up, your overall security is enhanced by it. For example, you might be able to watch your home security cameras in real time from an app on your device! Nothing will get by you.
2) Timesaver
As your home is automated, many ‘daily tasks’ will be automated. With voice activation simple commends like ‘good morning house’ could lower the temperature in your home, raise the blinds and unlock your front door all at the same time without you lifting a finger!
3) Frustration-Free
Since everything is automated, it is, well, automated! No more frustration that you forgot to change the thermostat before your left the home. No more frustration that you forgot to set your security alarm system. No more frustration that you can’t remember if you fed the dog…
4) Saves Money on Utility Bills
Home automation will automatically save you… money! Of course it does. Your thermostat will be automated to give you the perfect temperature when you are home, saving energy when you are not!
5) Resale Value of Your Home
If you are ready to sell your home soon, home automation features can be an important selling point and enhance the overall feel for your home to a potential buyer. Getting the best and latest and greatest gadgets is something most home buyers would want!
How Do You Get Started With Home Automation?
Call your local professional to consult with. Our phone number number is 843-318-6392
After doing research, like reading this and other articles online, you might have an idea of what features you might want and need in your home. The next step would be to have a professional come out to your home and give you an even clearer picture of home automation possibilities.
3 Easy Ways To Add Value To Your New Home
Are You A Myrtle Beach Contractor or Builder?
If you are, or know someone who is, pay close attention.
Are You Looking to Purchase a New Home In Myrtle Beach?
If you are, or know someone who is, pay close attention.
Are You Building a New Home on the Grand Strand?
If you are, or know someone who is, play close attention.
The Myrtle Beach area, the Grand Strand, is booming!
New roads.
New neighborhoods.
New stores.
New banks.
New hospitals.
New schools.
New local attractions.
New hotels.
New restaurants.
You name it and someone, somewhere, on the Grand Strand is building it!
Isn’t it crazy to see the road construction and the building, the new neighborhoods, stores and restaurants just popping up all over the place?
Just the other day we were driving on Business 17 on the south end of Myrtle Beach near the airport, and what seemed like happened overnight (probably took a few weeks) another new Walmart Neighborhood Store popped up on a corner lot! Not really keeping count, but we can name at least five such stores that were built in the last year or so on the Grand Strand. That’s a LOT of new Walmart stores in one area… and area that already has several Super Walmart Stores!
Take it from Walmart – if they build new stores, that area is thriving and growing!
Stores, schools and roads, oh my!
That’s all great, but who is moving to Myrtle Beach?
It seems everyone is!
What is There Not to Love About Myrtle Beach?
People move to the beach for
- weather
- cheap cost of living
- cheap homes
- low tax rates
- join up with family
- jobs
- retirement
- seasonal work
- college
Whatever reason they come, most people stay and make Myrtle Beach their permanent home!
If You Are Building a New Home in Myrtle Beach, Pay Attention Here!
We are a locally owned and locally operated small business, Strand Security. We live and work right here at the beach with you, in a neighborhood just like yours.
If you are investing in the Grand Strand area, by buying a new home or establishing a business, especially a new construction, we want you to get more bang for your buck.
We work with contractors, builders and home and business owners on a daily basis.
Here is what we learned: It pays to think and plan ahead!
Meaning; when building a home or a business building, it is a good idea to add wiring and pipes for certain add-on features you might, or might not, want at a later date.
Here are three adds-on features (we feel these aren’t really add-ons but we’ve learned they are) you might want to consider planning for BEFORE construction on your home or business building is complete!
These three features are
If you have any of these item on your ‘wish list’ for your new home let us tell you that adding these AFTER your construction is complete, you’ll also be adding more money to overall cost for these items!
Wiring for a security system or adding the central vacuum to your new home is MUCH EASIER and MUCH CHEAPER to do BEFORE the WALLS GO UP! That does make sense, right? The same holds true for the construction of a home theater! Getting the right wiring, the right outlets in the right place on the right wall makes it ‘done right’ the first time and saves you money down the road.
Last but not least let us mention that adding these ‘extra’ features adds immediate value to your new home!
Let Us Work With Your Builder!
We enjoy working with builders.
If you are in the midst of construction for a new home or business, come talk to us at our office in Murrells Inlet or call Chuck anytime at 843-318-6392. We prefer doing your installation before the walls are up, but certainly before the home is completely finished. It will save you money and that makes not just us happy, but it should make you happy as well!
How may we help you today?
Party Like A Rockstar at Your Home With SONOS
Spring Time is Party Time!
What happens in spring time?
Here is a list!
- Graduations
- Weddings
- Babies
- Baptisms
- Confirmation
- First Communion
- Bar Mitzvah
- Sports Championships on TV
just to name a few events!
Whether you have a small or large family, these special events call for special parties.
If you have the right set up at home, you can host a beautiful get-together at your home, utilizing both the inside as well as your outside living space to play host to your family and friends. If you are in the Myrtle Beach area, spring time is a great time to include your outdoor space in your party planning! The worst of the pollen should be behind us and it’s not too hot yet to be outside! Hire a caterer and it’s even easier. But wait… what about a DJ? No party is complete without entertainment and music.
Let SONOS Be The Life of Your Party!
What is SONOS?
Sonos is the wireless Home Sound System that fills as many rooms as you want with great-sounding music, movies and TV. Stream via WiFi. Play whatever you’re craving. And amp up every moment with intense, pulse-pounding sound.
SONOS is a speaker system that streams your music to any room, or all of the rooms in your house. Small or big, SONOS has a speaker that will compliment each room. The speakers are wireless and deliver a smooth and crystal clear HiFi sound that will help produce magic at any party. This speaker system can stream music from your personal music library or from your favorite music services. SONOS have a versatile design and can easily fit anywhere in your house or outdoor living space. Control the music you want with the SONOS app on your tablet, PC or smartphone.
With SONOS you can be sure that whatever it is you want to hear, can be heard anywhere is your home.
With SONOS you can be sure that whatever it is you want to see, can be viewed anywhere in your home.
Check out this video to see how it all works together!
SONOS, You and Strand Security Makes For a Great Party Let Strand Security be your ‘party planner’ and take care of your home theater for you! We’d love to plan, order and install your SONOS home sound system for you, as well anything else you might love to have in your home that’s part of your dream home theater. Give Chuck a call today!
6 Awesome Sonos Tips for Sports Fans Everywhere!
Sonos speakers are so versatile!
We love having these Sonos speakers in our office and our home. We always have great quality sounds whenever and wherever we want it. These speakers are also great if you have an outdoor kitchen or a pool, a restaurant or entertainment venue. They are easy to set up, easy to use and come with a great app. Of course, being able to stream Apple Music doesn’t hurt one bit!
Go ahead and have a dance party!
But there’s more to Sonos speakers than just music…!
Sports Fans Unite
Now Sonos gives you six more reasons to celebrate with these six awesome Sonos tips for sports fans everywhere!
Get a Running Start
Never be late to a game again! Set a game time alarm to fire up your Sonos right when the game starts! Even when you get busy, Sonos will have your covered…!
Make a Trade
If you haven’t done so yet, download the Sonos app! There are many advantages to having the app, here is just great tip for sports fans everywhere. With the Sonos app, use tune-in radio to do something super cool; you can replace (or trade in) those announcers you despise with your favorite local sportscast! How great is that? No more listening to annoying announcers you can’t stand.
Catch Every Call
Sound is important to a good game! But when there’s a crowd watching the game, background noise can be, well, irritating! If you have the Sonos Playbar, turn on ‘speech enhancement’! This will boost the sound of the broadcasters’ voices and make it a much more enjoyable game for everyone!
Follow Your Team
How frustrated do you get when you can’t watch or listen to your favorite team play live? Say no more; we used to feel your pain. No more frustration with the MLB Gameday app when you listen live on Sonos! You can pick your team and follow every game; including all regular and post-season contests. We mean every single game, whether they play at home or away. And those annoying blackout dates…? We don’t have those!
Mets or Yankees?
Can we add to Mets or Yankees maybe Red Sox or Orioles? If you and your family can’t support the same team, no worries. Sonos will make sure neither of you has to suffer and watch the ‘wrong’ game. You can stream one game in one room and a completely different game in another with Sonos. Meet in neutral territory for snacks! May we suggest the kitchen, unless you’ve got a third uncle who has claimed that room!
Cover All Your Bases
If you are busy in your home (maybe you are chasing a toddler from room to room) here’s on last handy tip! Group all of your Sonos speakers together to play the same game on all of your speakers simultaneously. You will be guaranteed not to miss a single action-packed play ever again unless you leave your home! You can move from your living room to your kitchen to your bedroom to the kids playroom; wherever there’s a speaker is set up, you’ll be able to follow the game!
No die-hard sports fan should miss a game…
These Sonos speakers make great gifts for Dads, grandpas, teachers, neighbors and uncles… but wait! Moms, grandmas and aunts love Sonos speakers too!
If you need help selecting the best speakers for your home or office, please connect with us or stop by our showroom for a demo!
3 Unique Father’s Day Gift Ideas For Outdoor Summer Family Fun!
Who Doesn’t Love to Hang Out With Dad in the Summer, Outside?
We at Strand Security are so very lucky to live near the beach! Our summer starts early and lasts… well, until we say it’s over!
The Myrtle Beach (and Grand Strand) area is a great place to play outdoors and by ‘play’ we mean play in the water, sand and more water!
Pools, beaches and rivers a-plenty and there’s not much stopping us from enjoying the outdoors with Dad besides the number of toys we have! Or is there?
If your Dad already all the fishing equipment, hunting gear and boating toys he needs, what will you get him for Father’s Day this year?
Unique Father’s Day Gift Ideas
Father’s Day gifts are a great way to start your summer off with some fun new toys and experiences the whole family can enjoy! Why not give the gift of family fun – hey, if you want to buy that cologne for Dad, or that special tie, we are sure he’d appreciate that, too – to create lasting memories!
So when we start thinking about family fun and Father’s Day gifts, summer outdoor fun and family time, we come back to the same few ideas!
Our first (and best) idea this:
1. Get Dad the Gift of Outdoor Music with SONOS Speakers!
Did you know that SONOS wireless speakers can be placed anywhere and that by using our app Dad will be able to play all his music?
Well, if you have an outdoor living area, or a pool area, why not stream your favorite music right to where the fun is? Give Dad a SONOS speaker this year for Father’s Day.
Then plan a party and dance, swim and eat with music – it makes every experience better and memories last longer!
2. Outdoor Toys for Fun Time with Dad
Our next idea is to give Dad some outdoor toys of his own – but toys that are only fun to play with if his family gets involved. So here is a list of gifts Dad would appreciate – but he’d need your help to play with.
- volleyball net and ball
- kite
- soccer ball and goal
- two tennis racquets and a sleeve of balls
- corn hole set
3. Give Dad the Gift of Time Spend With Family
The last Father’s Day gift idea we have is to find ‘experiences’ in your area; fun outings you just haven’t taken the time to do. Here are some ideas we found in the Myrtle Beach and South Carolina area.
- wild water rafting
- touring a plantation
- riding bikes on trails
- canoe trip down the river
- jetski fun
- fishing charter trip
- riding the skywheel
- playing a few rounds of putt-putt
- beach or pier fishing
- surfing lessons for everyone
Dad will appreciate and love any gift given to him. He will.
But… and there is a but!
He will remember what was given to him if it created lasting, precious memories!
How Will You Treat Dad This Father’s Day?
Now it’s up to you to treat Dad well.
Make him breakfast in bed.
Spend some time with him.
…and promise to help him enjoy his new toys and upcoming outings!
Apple Music on Sonos Speakers
Sonos And Apple Join Forces
There is a new way to listen to your favorite songs on your Sonos sound system! Sonos has the competitive edge with Apple Music! At least 6.5 million people use it and now with Apple Music integration, you will have more options for music. What better way to listen to that music than on your Sonos multi-room audio system!
We at Strand Security have introduced Sonos to you before. We have also invited you to come experience the audio system first hand in our state of the art showroom. Now, if you have missed out on our introduction in the past, we are going to review Sonos again. Because this product is the best, we can’t help it. 😉
Sonos
Sonos are powered speakers that can stream music anywhere in your house. The speakers can be located in as many different zones in the house as you want, and can play the same music across all zones, or different music in different zones. How cool it that. Many business owners use Sonos speakers in their establishments such as restaurants and retail stores!
Sonos makes a variety of sizes that can compliment any area you prefer.
The speakers are wireless and transport clear and polished HiFi sound.
The speaker system can stream music from your personal music library or from your favorite music services, which now includes Apple music!
You can use the Sonos app on your PC, tablet or smartphone to control the music. The Sonos app allows you to explore, play, and control music, to your preference!
Sonos has the most diverse speakers and is the most sophisticated music streaming system.
Visit Strand Security of Myrtle Beach to get a live look at how Sonos works.
Sonos was featured as a product of the month in our showroom!
Now that we have reintroduced Sonos, lets discuss Apple music…
Apple Music
Apple Music is a new streaming music service. Instead of downloading music, you can now stream music with Apple. Similar to competitors like Pandora, you’ve heard of them, right?
Some might have been worried that they would have to change out their Sonos speakers for some Apple friendly audio streaming systems. But, no worries now! By the end of 2015 Sonos devices started streaming and playing Apple Music.
“For Apple Music Members, the collection you own and love is just the beginning. Now you can also listen to the tens of millions of tracks in the Apple Music library. Our dedicated team of experts is here to help you find new music to love. Enjoy recommendations handpicked just for you or explore everything they find that’s new and noteworthy in the world of music. It’s all yours.”
For more information on Apple Music, click here.
For help setting up Apple Music, use the following steps…
- Open the Sonos app
- Click on “Settings” then “Advanced Settings”
- Click “Beta Program”
- Click “Join the Beta Program”
- Update the Sonos system
- Add Apple Music from the “Add Music Services” menu
Now that you can stream the best songs with Apple Music on your Sonos speakers, why not show off a little! With the Super Bowl quickly approaching, your sound system would help you throw the tailgate party of the century!
Home Surround Sound(s) Better With Sonos Speakers
The Magic of Music at Home
The magic of music can lift you up, calm you down, bring people together or make you dance like no one is watching. Experience this magic by filling each room with your favorite tunes. Make chores refreshing by blasting your favorite beats and dancing your way through laundry. Cook dinner while singing with the kids as they do the NAE NAE.
According to Oprah, the best way to listen to your favorite music is through Sonos speakers!
What is Sonos?
Sonos is a speaker system that streams your music to any room, or all of the rooms in your house. Small or big, Sonos has a speaker that will compliment each room. The speakers are wireless and deliver a smooth and crystal clear HiFi sound that will help produce magic. This speaker system can stream music from your personal music library or from your favorite music services. Sonos have a versatile design and can easily fit anywhere in your house that you want music. Control the music with the Sonos app on your tablet, PC or smartphone.
…and you know if Oprah likes the sound, it has to be good!
Can Sonos Be Used In Your Home Theater?
If you are looking for quality sound in your home theater, get the full theater experience with HiFi sound for television. We all know the new Star Wars Movie is coming out soon! Have a party in your home theater and enjoy the sounds of the FORCE.
“Complements HD television screens with highly detailed, richly textured sound.”
“Uses your WiFi, easy to set up and expand your system over time.”
“Requires just two cords: one power cord, one optical cord (both included).”
“Understands and speaks most IR remote’s language and can be controlled by free apps for your Android, iPhone or iPad.”
“Plays all sources plugged in to your HDTV: cable/SAT boxes, Blu-Ray players, and video game consoles. If it’s connected to your HDTV, PLAYBAR will play it.”
What Music Can You Enjoy With Sonos?
Play all of your favorite songs! Think iTunes, Pandora, Spotify, podcasts, Deezer, Google Play, and more! Stream your favorite services. Listen to over 100,000 Internet radio stations from around the globe.
Control Sonos
Control all of your favorite music from an app! The Sonos app lets you find, play, control and explore your music, your way.
Download the app and control your music from your smartphone, tablet or PC.
How Easy Is It To SetUp Sonos?
- Plug in your Sonos product to power.
- Download the Sonos app to your phone, tablet, or computer that is connected to your home WiFi network.
- Open the Sonos app and select “Setup New System”.
- When you’re presented with a choice between STANDARD and BOOST setup, select STANDARD and follow the on-screen prompts.
Build a house of sound, one room at a time with Strand Security of Myrtle Beach.
Strand Security can help with recommendations and setup, and of course we sell and demo the speakers in our showroom!
Magic Music
If you want a magical music system that covers your entire house and will play all of your music, no matter where it’s stored, Sonos is your best option. Sonos is the most sophisticated of all modern streaming music systems with the most diverse speakers, ranging from your desktop to your home.
Sell Homes Faster When You Do This
Three Things To Add To Your List When Building A House
When building new houses from the foundation up, there are many things to take into consideration. Things such as cabinets, paint colors, lighting, and flooring to name just a few. However, there are other items that are not so cosmetic that are also part of the process and very important. Electrical wiring and plumbing are two of these examples. We all know that both electrical and plumbing systems have to be installed during the building process. May we suggest three things to add to your list that may help sell your house faster if they are pre-installed?
Wiring and cables for things such as home theaters, Central Vacuums, and security systems are much easier to install before the drywall goes up. It is far cheaper and easier to install these during the building process rather than later. Can you imagine the cost of having a central vac added after the walls go up and everything is completed?
“It is a competitive Real Estate market; having extra features can help sell your homes much faster.”
Here are a few great reasons to consider having your new spec homes wired for a home theater, security system and having a central vac installed.
Home Security System
Why pre-install a Security System?
Both homeowners and builders should consider the statistics when it comes to protecting their families, and clients. Statistics paint an interesting picture as to how home security systems and alarm monitoring can affect crime rates and home burglaries. According to the FBI, there were an estimated 8,277,829 property crimes in the United States during 2014. A major deterrent to home burglaries is a home security system. With crime rates increasing in metro cities especially, now is the time to pre-install a security system.
According to a study done by University of North Carolina, when interviewing burglars, a security system is a deterrent.
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“Within a broad set of potential target hardening deterrents, alarms and outdoor cameras and other surveillance equipment were considered by a majority of burglars.”
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“About 60% of the burglars indicated that the presence of an alarm would cause them to seek an alternative target altogether. This was particularly true among the subset of burglars that were more likely to spend time deliberately and carefully planning a burglary.”
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“Most burglars would try to determine if an alarm was present before attempting a burglary. Among those that determined that an alarm was present after initiating a burglary, about half would discontinue the attempt.”
Pre-wiring and installation by professionals during the building process assures that the security system will be in place the moment you move in. That means you can feel safe immediately upon moving in. For decades, home security systems have kept houses and their occupants safe and secure.
Central Vacuum
Why have a central vacuum pre-installed?
Central Vacuums are very convenient! Are you sick of dragging a heavy and awkward canister vacuum around the house and even up the stairs? Give your back a break and install a Central Vacuum. Another added bonus, the Central Vac canister only needs emptied about 2 to 3 times a year! They are also economical to install and will add value to the home.
“EPA estimates that indoor air may be up to five times more polluted than outdoor air.”
Pollen, dander, fur, dust and more remain in the canister vacuums and will escape back into the air. A central vacuum removes them all to the outside of the house, while only taking approximately 30 minutes.
Central Vacuum Cleaners are the best solution for healthier air!
Home Theater
Why pre-install a home theater?
If you greatly enjoy watching movies then it will likely be worth the investment for you. Experience being at a movie theater in the comfort of your own home! The surround sound alone will put you in the drivers seat of your favorite movie.
You can upgrade your home with more than just granite countertops; a state of the art home theater system. By pre-wiring the whole house, you allow a new home owner to choose whether to add a home theater immediately or later, without having to reconstruct anything.
Investing in a security system, Central Vacuum, and home theater takes a great deal of research, knowledge, and confidence. That is why it is convenient to go ahead and get your systems pre-installed when your home is being built. Strand Security of Myrtle Beach can do all of your installations for you!
Remember that pre-installation is cost effective and will save a lot of work in the long run and it may just be the ticket to selling your homes faster!
To learn more about how we can help you, give us a call today!
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