1) How did TiO and Baker Residential come together?
We became introduced to TiO through another builder at our design studio. We began conversations about how we could bring effective home automation at an affordable price point into our homes, and TiO came back to us with some solutions. We’re rolling out a home automation package with our home that gives homeowners audio control and lighting in 10 different locations throughout the home. Having a system like TiO gives us a competitive edge in the marketplace.
2) Are there barriers to home automation that TiO overcomes?
There are actually a couple of different barriers that TiO makes easier. With TiO being a completely WiFi based system, there’s no additional wiring required—this allows the system to be changed or modified well after the initial installation as opposed to having to reconfigure wiring at a later point. It’s also easily adaptable to the homeowners’ lifestyle, so they can expand the system by simply adding on additional TiO hardware. But one of the best parts about TiO is that it doesn’t rely on internet access to work, and the system can function on its own. Plus, the introduction of new voice activated controls makes it universal to what homeowners are already using in their homes today, making the adoption of TiO seamless.
3) How much technical knowledge is needed with TiO?
Actually very little—the real beauty of the system is that TiO is shipping us kits with preconfigured settings so that all we have to do is plug it up and turn it on. That’s it! A lot of other systems require a specialist to come on site to reprogram or setup the system, which adds to the bottom line. TiO takes out that step completely, which makes home automation simple and accessible. The homeowner comes in on day 1, downloads the TiO app and the system’s presets can be changed from there.
4) What would you say to a builder who’s skeptical of TiO?
You’re either forward thinking or you’re following trends. We’re one of the first to adapt TiO into our community of homes and we’re proud to be constantly setting trends. So any skeptics will be waiting to see what happens, but with this partnership, we know they’ll be trying to play catch up.