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Smart Homes is an increasingly popular term we’ve been hearing for some time now so let’s first start with a basic understanding of what it is. Coldwell Banker and CNET defined a smart home as: A home that is equipped with network-connected products (i.e., "smart products," connected via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or similar protocols) for controlling, automating and optimizing functions such as temperature, lighting, security, safety or entertainment, either remotely by a phone, tablet, computer or a separate system within the home itself According to e-Marketer, more than 1/5 of U.S. internet users already own or are very familiar with wireless lighting that can be controlled from a smartphone device.
With how quickly the world changes due to technology, it’s not surprising that smart homes are now becoming practically a standard in the U.S. Has anyone seen the Disney show from the 90’s Smart House? Did you ever think any of the concepts in the show were actually even possible? It’s pretty crazy to think that less than 20 years later, some of those concepts are now a reality. As described in the definition, there are many different ways to make your home…well “smart”. From controlling lighting to temperature to safety, the list could go on. The question is: how difficult is it to install smart home technologies? Is this something anyone can install or is this a project for a professional electrician? Depending on your knowledge level of technology, this answer can vary. There are some devices that can easily be installed by anyone familiar with most modern-day technology. Products such as smart light bulbs, wireless speakers, wireless security cameras, etc. are all smart products that you can easily install yourself by following the directions on the product packaging. When you start talking about wanting to install a smart HVAC system, light dimmers, thermostats compatible throughout your home, whole home security systems, etc. – this is when it would be wise to call up your local electricians. When systems require tampering with wiring, it can be extremely dangerous if you don’t know what you’re doing. From deciding the proper voltage, connecting to a network and then programming and trouble shooting devices, there are many steps that electricians need to take in order to safely and properly install smart home devices. It’s no question as to why smart homes are increasingly becoming more popular. If you can just dim the lights from your smartphone without having to get out of your warm and cozy bed, why wouldn’t you right? If you are in Michigan and interested in turning your home smart, contact R.A. Lee Electric: your local electricians, to make an appointment. Some of the most common smart home installations include:
Set up an appointment to have R.A. Lee Electric come out and install your SATCO Flat Panel Lights. Give us a call at (248) 332.8100.
Featured JOBDo you remember this featured project from back in November?! Well, we're happy to share that the job is all complete. We were thrilled to team up with Joseph Phillip Craig Custom Homes and Renovations to complete the electrical work for his home in Troy. It's safe to say this house turned out absolutely beautiful!
Blue skies, warm sun, blooming flowers, and longer days are all just a few signs that Spring is finally here and Summer is just around the corner. With the weather turning, there’s no better place to be than on your porch after a long day’s work or on the back patio with friends for a weekend get-together. Not only does the weather make these nights perfect, but it’s the lighting that really sets the mood. Outdoor lighting is one of the easiest ways to add beauty and character to your home. For it being it being easy, there are many different options of lighting to choose from that make the task more difficult than it needs to be. Let’s look at some of the outdoor lighting trends for 2018 to help you decide the rights lights for the exterior of your home:  Subtle Wall Lights On those clear night skies, all you want to do is gaze up at the bright stars. The upward shine of lights can sometimes screen the stars from view, which is why subtle wall lights where the light points downward are in this year. The subtle wall lights not only give you a better view of the sky, but also give your home an elegant and chic look. Colored Filters Traditionally, white lights were the only option as far as outdoor lighting décor. Today, color filters can be used to bring out warmth or create a cool tone – highlighting certain areas of your lawn or drawing attention to seating areas. Small Lights Small lights bunched together and hidden in accent areas around your patio can add depth and help highlight those landscape features you’ve spent a bit of time and money on.  Large and Bold Feature Lights For your covered front porch or around your backyard, large and bold feature lights are in. These lights are not only the centerpiece, but can also be quite the conversation starters.  Hanging Lights Pendant lights are popular this year and provide a beautiful soft illumination for over your garden or table. Environmentally Friendly Lights It’s no surprise that environmentally friendly lights make this year’s lighting trends. LED lights not only help reduce the cost of your energy bill, but also have a much longer life. Solar powered lights are also up and coming for those homeowners interested in natural resources. Choosing the right outdoor lights for your home doesn’t have to be difficult. R.A. Lee Electric, the Michigan-based electrical contracting company, offers unique and beautifully-made Kichler light fixtures. For more information on outdoor lighting ideas or to have your outdoor lights installed, give R.A. Lee Electric a call at (248) 332-8100.
Sources: https://www.loveyourlandscape.org/expert-advice/outdoor-living/outdoor-lighting/the-brightest-trends-in-outdoor-lighting/ https://www.google.com/amp/www.bellacor.com/blog/2018-outdoor-lighting-trends-for-the-early-bird/amp/ https://www.familyhandyman.com/smart-homeowner/14-outdoor-lighting-trends-for-2018/view-all/
Set up an appointment to have R.A. Lee Electric come out and install your outdoor light fixtures. Give us a call at (248) 332.8100.
featured jobThis month’s featured job is a beautiful 15,000-square foot home up in Traverse City. Scott is the head guy on the job with Aaron as the apprentice. When finished, the entire home will have LED lighting throughout and will be complete with a 100kw standby generator.
Set up an appointment to have R.A. Lee Electric come out and install Eaton's Complete Home Surge Protectors. Give us a call at (248) 332.8100.
new at r.a. lee electric
Set up an appointment to have R.A. Lee Electric come out and install Eaton's Complete Home Surge Protectors. Give us a call at (248) 332.8100.
Set up an appointment to have R.A. Lee Electric come out and install your RAB Flood Lights. Give us a call at (248) 332.8100.
featured projectThis edition's featured job is a commercial project at Goldfish Swim School. The school hired R.A. Lee to install a few different lights to see which ones they liked best. Two of our guys, Brett and Justin, went in and installed the different lights over and around the pool area.
new at r.a. lee electricJanuary ended our #HelpOurHeroes campaign. In honor of those who have served or are currently serving our country, we launched a campaign called #HelpOurHeroes, which aimed at providing free electrical services to disabled veterans, those whose spouses are serving in the military, deployed military personnel, and military widows. We were so pleased with the calls we received for the campaign. From fixing broken circuits to installing light fixtures, the R.A. Lee team was thrilled to be able to give back to those who have given so much. What a wonderful experience it was getting to know some of our heroes around the local area. 
Set up an appointment to have R.A. Lee Electric come out and install your Emerson SR Heat Cable. Give us a call at (248) 332.8100.
New at R.A. Lee ElectricIt's the last month of our #HelpOurHeroes campaign - make sure to share this campaign with your friends who are eligible. In honor of those who have served or are currently serving our country, we've launched a campaign called #HelpOurHeroes, which aims at providing free electrical services to disabled veterans, those whose spouses are serving in the military, deployed military personnel, and military widows. "We want to give back to the families who have given so much" - Rich Lee With the winter approaching and the holidays coming up, there's no better time than now to show our heroes how much they mean to us. #HelpOurHeroes runs from November 1, 2017 - January 31, 2018. For campaign details, visit our website. You can also visit our social accounts (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn) to share the campaign with your friends. 
Set up an appointment to have R.A. Lee Electric come out and install your Generac generator. Give us a call at (248) 332.8100.
New at R.A. Lee ElectricChristmas Party R. A. Lee Electric hosted our annual Christmas party this past weekend at Buck Shots Bar & Grill in Clarkston. It's always wonderful to end the year by getting together with everyone and their families. There is never a dull moment when we all come together to celebrate the joy of the season!
#HelpOurHeroes In honor of those who have served or are currently serving our country, we've launched a campaign called #HelpOurHeroes, which aims at providing free electrical services to disabled veterans, those whose spouses are serving in the military, deployed military personnel, and military widows. "We want to give back to the families who have given so much" - Rich Lee With the winter approaching and the holidays coming up, there's no better time than now to show our heroes how much they mean to us. #HelpOurHeroes runs from November 1, 2017 - January 31, 2018. For campaign details, visit our website. You can also visit our social accounts (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn) to share the campaign with your friends. 
Set up an appointment to have R.A. Lee Electric come out and install your LED Linkable Diamond. Give us a call at (248) 332.8100.
featured jobOur featured job this month is a brand new, almost completed home in Troy, Michigan. Two of our head guys, Chris and Brett, did a fantastic job tag teaming this home. One of our apprentices, Tommy, did a great job assisting in the finish of this beautiful home by some unique fixtures!
new at r.a. lee electricNovember is the first month of our #HelpOurHeroes campaign! In honor of those who have served or are currently serving our country, we've launched a campaign called #HelpOurHeroes, which aims at providing free electrical services to disabled veterans, those whose spouses are serving in the military, deployed military personnel, and military widows. "We want to give back to the families who have given so much" - Rich Lee With the winter approaching and the holidays coming up, there's no better time than now to show our heroes how much they mean to us. #HelpOurHeroes runs from November 1, 2017 - January 31, 2018. For campaign details, visit our website. You can also visit our social accounts (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn) to share the campaign with your friends.  |
AuthorR.A. Lee Electric is Michigan-based, family-owned electrical contracting company that specializes in residential, commercial, and industrial electrical projects of any size. Archives
March 2020
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