When Developing Real Estate, How To Implement Smart Technologies?
Hi everyone! 

I'm currently getting into CRE development and I'm really interested in Smart Home &amp; IoT. How would a new developer implement these technologies? I already know that I should find an architect that will design the building with its tech. **Should I tell the architect which exact technologies I need**, or **will he find all of them for me?** I would be very grateful if someone could help me! Thanks!
[{"id": "ggizs93", "text": "Some stuff has universal or wireless connectivity while (less frequent) others require specific wiring. If you\u2019re developing ground up, of course rather over-wire than under-wire. If a Reno I would be more targeted. Either way, I\u2019ve always started with the solutions I\u2019m looking for and then call up 3 vendors and ask about what requirements they have to operate their solution in my building and then have the conversation with the MEP\u2019s after. MEP\u2019s sometime know it, and sometimes don\u2019t. I\u2019ve found it hit or miss and usually been the one to introduce a new solution to the MEP team they weren\u2019t aware of if it\u2019s something on the newer side of the smart home/IOT universe. Good luck.", "replies": [{"id": "ggkwajt", "text": "What\u2019s an MEP", "replies": [{"id": "ggv451w", "text": "Mechanical/Electrical/Plumbing schematics and is usually required for permitting and fire code compliance. They show the details of each system (Electrical shows all the wiring, switches, outlets...I'm sure you get the point by now, haha!).", "replies": [], "depth": 3}], "depth": 2}], "depth": 1}, {"id": "ggj4unj", "text": "Do you have examples of what you are looking for more specifically?  What features do you want to control?", "replies": [], "depth": 1}, {"id": "ggj7mon", "text": "architect who is certified.", "replies": [], "depth": 1}, {"id": "ggjm6jc", "text": "Internet is usually put in via cost sharing arrangement with the provider (either exclusive or non exclusive). Smart home features, like a smart key, thermostat, speakers, etc are determined on a case by case basis via third party market study from someone like RCL co, Meyers, or Concord. Greystar recently released a market update that included their survey of the perceived value of amenities by tenants. I was just looking at it the other day so I can tell you that smart features were pretty low. Number one was a pool.\n\nIf your market study says you need it or you want to add it, there are vendors that provide a suite directly to MFR owners/developers. Good architects are up to speed. Bad ones are not. As someone else noted, it\u2019s really the MEP consultant, which is usually a separate outside consultant, you should be talking to.", "replies": [], "depth": 1}, {"id": "ggjr2w3", "text": "Give them a shell and let them figure out what they want.  Unless it's some super handy iot that cuts major costs; but the lessee will know better than you.", "replies": [], "depth": 1}, {"id": "ggki0t1", "text": "It seems like a headache, for whoever rents from you. \n\nOur landlord, large multifamily owner, installed smart locks from Smart Rent with their own 4G router. To say they're Absolute garbage is a compliment. \n\nMy husband couldn't get in the house the other day because the app had an issue unlocking the door and pulling up the pin code so he sat outside for half hour trying it repeatedly. \n\nBefore that, both of us almost got locked out going to the trash chute, thankfully the door closed slowly so the mechanism extended before the door had closed, so yf you don't have your phone with you or don't remember the pin you are screwed. I almost got locked out at 1am that way! \n\nIt's been months since install, we still cannot reliably set the ac temperature via the app. \n\nI ve heard a woman from our building said her lock kept unlocking randomly\n\nOverall I can't believe how bad it has been to be honest and if I had tenants I'd probably like the convenience of not having to juggle keys but as we found out this also has drawbacks", "replies": [{"id": "ggl1d2d", "text": "We have a system like this and we use keys a decent amount and also the mail person can't get in sometimes. Or system is for the front door though but sounds similar in terms of problems", "replies": [], "depth": 2}], "depth": 1}, {"id": "ggkk3pf", "text": "The only smart tech that I\u2019d be interested in for CRE is water detection and automated shut offs.  \n\nInsurance wise water damage is generally the most likely peril. Being able to show your insurer you have a solid plan that can seriously mitigate the severity of water events goes a long fucking way to ensure your long term insurance premiums are manageable (have seen some buildings end up with 8-10x the premium yoy)", "replies": [{"id": "ghc1ylb", "text": "Any products you've had success with on the water detection?  We use the Flo device in our residential units which I find to be awesome.  Don't think it will scale for a multi-family or commercial property, though.", "replies": [{"id": "ghc2j7s", "text": "I\u2019m personally still looking. \n\nThe bigger issue is many commercial or multi family use water based heating and cooling so the flo and phyn type of detectors don\u2019t work.", "replies": [], "depth": 3}], "depth": 2}], "depth": 1}, {"id": "gh8jxbq", "text": "I\u2019ve always hired technology consultants to work alongside the Architect to assist with these types of items. It\u2019s not simply what you want to implement but also the infrastructure and other coordination items also. I\u2019ve always tended towards the IT consultants who can do working drawings so it\u2019s a fully coordinated set vs those that just want to markup a PDF.", "replies": [], "depth": 1}, {"id": "ghk0poc", "text": "Get in contact with CBRE's Digital Advisory team - they do all things related to smart building tech for developers!", "replies": [], "depth": 1}]