With technology creeping into just about every aspect of our everyday lives, it was only a matter of time until the garage became smart too. Whether you’re looking for something to spruce up your garage or just want the latest technological advances to show off to your neighbors, there’s a little something for everyone with these garage gadgets.

5 Ways to Make Your Garage Smarter

What tasks in your garage can you leave to the robots? Just about anything! The 5 most common ways people apply smart technology into their garages are:

1) Smart Garage Door Openers

There are no downsides to installing a smart garage door opener. Not only do they have battery backups in cases of power outages, but they can be operated and monitored remotely. You can use your garage door from anywhere via your smartphone, and have a real-time record of when the garage door’s been used. No more easily-hacked keypads or lost opener remotes.

2) Automatic Lighting

Motion-sensored lighting is a must inside and outside your garage. Better if the bulbs inside the garage are wi-fi capable. Why? Wouldn’t it be great to have your garage already flooded with light when you’re getting home at midnight from a particularly scary horror movie? Motion-sensor lighting outside is also a great security feature, as it’s a deterrent for intruders.

3) Video Monitoring

Gone are the days of feeling like someone was in your house but having no way to figure it out. And also the days when you needed an expensive subscription to a professional security service. Products like Ring, Nest and Wyze all offer affordable, modular security camera systems you can view from anywhere on your smartphone.

4) Door Alarms

Add door sensors to your security setup, which are particularly useful for when you’re on vacation. Little devices sit against each other on the frame and the garage door panel, and send a signal when they are separated as the door opens. You can set them to alert you via smartphone and to make an alarm sound when the door is breached.

5) Charging Stations

The most obnoxious part of EVs is the charging. You need a streamlined, convenient setup inside your garage. Home EV charging stations take up very little space and are user-friendly, as they can be operated and configured on a smartphone app.

There are also other cool techy gadgets, like one that can make any device wi-fi enabled, automated lifters for overhead storage, and modular climate-control solutions for garages that don’t have HVAC that’s integrated with the house. When we said you could automate just about anything in your garage, we meant it.

5 Top Smart-Tech Products for Your Garage

Wondering where to get started on your smart garage journey? Here are 5 of our favorite products on the market today:

1) Chamberlain MyQ Garage Door Opener

For homeowners wanting to purchase a smart garage door opener, the Chamberlain MyQ is a great option. At an affordable price point of $129.99, this opener offers a low-cost entry point for those looking to setup a smart garage. It’s super easy to install and you typically won’t need any more garage door parts other than what’s included in the box.

This wireless device integrates itself with your homes WIFI and allows you to operate the door from anywhere with an internet connection. Wife lost her keys? No problem, you can pop open the garage right from work using a free smartphone app. You can even monitor the status of your door. No more wondering if you forgot to close your garage door or not!

Plus, the device allows you to integrate numerous other devices like a camera or lights to further customize your smart garage setup. Just be prepared to shell out some additional cash.

2) Chamberlain Universal Garage Parking Assist

Another winner from Chamberlain, this parking assist device helps ensure you can park your car safely in the garage without running over your kid’s favorite bike. With an MSRP of $29.99, this gadget can fit into most people’s budget.

3) Phillips Hue Lighting

A popular lighting system, Phillips Hue combines the convenience of motion sensor lights with the brightness and longevity of LED bulbs. If you just purchased new garage doors, these lights can help light up the exterior of your new investment and ensure unwelcomed guests stay away. Plus, they’re useful for parking your car when it’s dark outside!

4) MyLifter

MyLifter is a unique multi-purpose motorized lifting device that allows you to optimize your garage space by storing just about anything in your overhead space. It’s mounted on your garage ceiling using a simple-to-install bracket system and is controlled with an app on your smartphone. It can lift anything from a bike to kayaks and retails starts at $199 for the basic model.

5) Leviton Humidity Sensor

There’s little point in having a loaded smart garage if it’s uncomfortable to be in! The Leviton Humidity Sensor will automatically detect excess humidity in the garage and activate a fan to help regulate the dampness. This will help reduce mold and mildew and keep your garage comfortable and habitable.

 Is a Smart Garage for Everyone?

Converting your garage to smart tech used to be a pretty expensive undertaking, making it difficult for many people to afford. But with more devices entering the market, the price point needed to get started is becoming more affordable. If you’re thinking about renovating your garage with smart accessories, now may just be the best time to get started. Maybe it’s just one or two devices at a time, though as we saw, many of these products are pretty affordable. If you’re starting an endeavor to convert your garage to more modern technology, we recommend starting with the opener, as many of today’s openers incorporate features of other devices you previously needed to purchase separately. Give us a call for a consultation and let us help you upgrade your garage!