At Bohan Contracting, we understand that remodeling your home isn’t just about making it look better — it’s about making it work better for the people who live in it. For families across the Annapolis area, that means creating safe, functional spaces that meet the real needs of life with kids. That’s where the kid-friendly smart home comes in.
More families today are asking how they can use smart technology to make their homes more efficient, organized, and secure — especially when children are involved. As remodelers who’ve worked on everything from kitchens and basements to full-home renovations, we’ve seen the impact a well-designed smart home can have on family life.
In this post, we’re highlighting remodeling ideas and smart features that support everyday parenting, grow with your children, and add long-term value to your home.
Why the Kid-Friendly Smart Home Is Worth It
A kid-friendly smart home isn’t about adding gadgets for fun. It’s about using technology that helps families function better.
The modern family home is a command center, a classroom, a playroom, and a sanctuary all at once. When we build smart features into remodeling projects, we’re giving parents better tools to manage safety, routines, and independence — without needing to rely on constant supervision or reminders.
These upgrades help reduce stress, make your home easier to manage, and boost resale value in a market where buyers increasingly expect smart-ready homes.
Entryway Upgrades That Work for Families
Keyless Entry for Independence
Giving your kids more independence doesn’t have to compromise security. A smart lock with keypad or app access lets older children enter the house safely after school — no keys needed. Parents can manage codes, receive entry alerts, or unlock doors remotely, which adds a layer of control without micromanaging.
Smart Lighting in the Mudroom
Incorporating motion-activated smart lights in your entry or mudroom helps kids find shoes, coats, and backpacks even during dark early mornings. You can set schedules so the lights brighten gradually as the family wakes up, making mornings smoother and reducing the chance of forgotten items during the rush.
A smart mudroom setup can include voice-activated reminders or screens that display daily schedules — tools that bring real value to a kid-friendly smart home.
Kitchen Remodeling for the Kid-Friendly Smart Home
Smart Fridges That Keep Families on Track
A smart refrigerator goes far beyond food storage. It becomes a digital command center where parents and kids can check calendars, leave notes, and even see what’s inside without opening the door. Some models even feature family profiles that track preferences and dietary needs.
This is especially useful in homes with multiple children who have busy schedules or unique routines.
Voice-Activated Controls
Adding voice control to your kitchen remodel allows you to stay hands-free while managing multiple tasks. From setting timers for homework breaks to asking about dinner recipes or weather updates, voice assistants streamline the way families interact with their home.
In a kid-friendly smart home, this tech becomes a multitasking lifesaver — and helps kids develop independence through guided instructions or alarms.
Safer Cooking with Induction
Induction cooktops are ideal for homes with small children. They heat pans using electromagnetic energy but remain cool to the touch — reducing the chance of burns. Plus, many models come with child locks, auto shut-off, and smartphone integration, giving you more peace of mind.
Living Room Tech That Grows with the Family
Built-In Smart Speakers and Controls
Create a central space where the family can relax and stay connected. Installing smart speakers in your living room remodel adds voice-activated control for music, lights, thermostat, and more. Parents can monitor what’s playing and set boundaries through parental controls.
It’s an easy win for families building a kid-friendly smart home that evolves with their needs.
Automated Lighting and Shade Control
Automated shades and lighting aren’t just for convenience — they’re useful tools in your parenting toolkit. Set routines for wind-down time, or sync lighting changes with storytime. You can also block excess sunlight during midday naps or keep the room dark for movie nights.
These small upgrades make everyday transitions easier, especially for younger children.
Kid-Friendly Smart Bathroom Upgrades
Touchless Faucets
Touchless bathroom faucets limit mess and waste. They’re more hygienic, and they help kids practice good hand-washing habits. During flu season or after outdoor play, it’s a simple way to support cleaner habits without the hassle. For even more flexibility, choose a model that includes a manual override — allowing the water to stay on when needed, such as during teeth brushing or when rinsing multiple items.
Safe Shower Controls
Digital shower systems allow you to set a safe maximum water temperature, so your child won’t accidentally turn it up too high. You can also pre-program temperatures for each family member, which saves time and keeps bath time predictable.
These features are especially useful in multi-child households or homes with older adults sharing bathrooms.
Bedroom Remodeling with Smart Touches
Smart Nightlights and Monitors
Incorporate nightlights that gradually dim, or switch colors at bedtime to signal that it’s time to sleep. Smart nightlights can be controlled remotely or tied to a bedtime routine through an app.
Baby monitors or motion detectors can be integrated directly into the remodel so you don’t have to rely on plug-in devices cluttering your space.
Flexible Closet Systems with Lighting
Smart lighting in closets helps kids dress themselves with less help. You can also install motion sensors that turn lights on when doors open. Combine this with modular shelving, and your child’s closet becomes a flexible, functional part of a kid-friendly smart home.
Finishing Basements with Smart Features
Playroom-Ready Smart Spaces
Transforming a basement into a playroom? Start with the basics: good lighting, durable flooring, and outlets designed for charging devices and running smart tools.
Add Wi-Fi access points, built-in speakers, or voice-controlled lights that kids can use safely. As your children grow, the space can shift from playroom to media room, teen lounge, or guest suite — all without redoing the infrastructure.
Zoned Climate Control
Basements often run cooler or hotter than the rest of the house. A smart thermostat that supports zoned heating and cooling keeps the basement comfortable year-round. It’s a great investment for families who want their basement to be a usable, safe part of the home.
Outdoor Smart Upgrades for Families
Video Doorbells and Smart Cameras
A smart doorbell lets you monitor arrivals and deliveries in real time. Whether your kids are coming home from school or a neighbor drops by, you’ll get instant alerts — a major benefit for any kid-friendly smart home.
Lighting That Supports Safety and Play
Install motion-triggered or app-controlled lighting around outdoor play areas. You’ll keep your kids safe during early evening playtime and avoid accidents in dark pathways or driveways.
You can also tie outdoor lighting into routines — such as dimming when it’s time to come in — without having to call out across the yard.
How Bohan Builds the Kid-Friendly Smart Home
At Bohan Contracting, we take a personal approach to every remodeling project. We work with families in Annapolis, Cape St. Claire, Severna Park, and surrounding communities to create smart, safe, and highly usable spaces.
We focus on the features that will matter most to your daily life — from the right layout to the right tech. When we build a kid-friendly smart home, we don’t just install devices. We build a smarter experience for your whole family.
Planning a Kid-Friendly Smart Home Remodel? Let’s Talk
A remodel is an opportunity to make your home work better — not just look better. Choosing to build a kid-friendly smart home means choosing function, safety, and future value.
From small upgrades to major renovations, our team is ready to help. We’ll guide you through design, product selection, and construction with transparency and care.
Get in touch with Bohan Contracting today to schedule your free consultation. We’ll walk your space, talk through your family’s needs, and help you create a smart home that’s truly made for family life.
Ready when you are — let’s build something better together.
Rich Nelson, an Annapolis resident for 34 years, has been a vital part of Bohan Contracting since 2017, bringing over two decades of construction experience. Starting his career in 1994, Rich has developed a deep understanding of the industry, from project management to customer-focused solutions. His leadership roles and commitment to delivering high-quality results make him an essential member of the team.
