5 Smart Home Upgrades You Can Bring Outdoors

Smart home technology isn’t limited to what’s inside your house anymore. From lighting that adjusts automatically at sunset to pergolas that open and close with a tap, your backyard can now be as intelligent and comfortable as your living room.

At First Round Construction, we help homeowners across Orange County and Los Angeles design smart patios that combine beauty, durability, and convenience. Here are five of the best smart home upgrades to bring outdoors during your next remodel.

1. Smart Pergolas – Comfort and Control at Your Fingertips

Smart pergolas are one of the most impressive upgrades you can add to your outdoor space. These systems feature motorized louvers that open or close automatically depending on sunlight or rain. You can control them with a remote, wall switch, or mobile app, creating the perfect balance of shade and airflow throughout the day.

Some even come with integrated LED lighting, ceiling fans, and heaters, all tied to a single control system.

💡 Pro Tip: When we install smart pergolas, the best results always come from planning electrical and structural details early — before concrete or pavers go in. This lets us hide all wiring for lights, fans, and outlets inside the posts and beams, keeping the design clean and modern. It also helps us waterproof every connection properly, so the system lasts for years without issues.

2. Smart Outdoor Lighting – Set the Mood Instantly

Outdoor lighting has evolved far beyond simple wall sconces. With Wi-Fi-enabled LED systems, you can schedule lights to turn on automatically at sunset, dim them for evening relaxation, or highlight landscape features — all from your smartphone.

Lighting can also enhance safety and ambiance simultaneously: pathway lights improve visibility, while color-changing LEDs transform your patio for gatherings or quiet nights outside.

💡 Pro insight: We often recommend low-voltage landscape lighting with weatherproof transformers — energy-efficient, long-lasting, and perfect for California’s mild nights.

3. Outdoor Sound Systems – Seamless Entertainment

Music completes any backyard experience. Whether you’re hosting friends or enjoying a quiet evening, weather-resistant wireless speakers like Sonos Move or Coastal Source systems deliver rich sound without visible wires.

For high-end projects, we integrate in-ground subwoofers or built-in speaker zones directly into pergolas or retaining walls — all connected to your Wi-Fi or smart home hub.

🎶 Pro insight: Plan outlet locations and conduit routes early. Once concrete or pavers are in, running new cables becomes more complicated.

4. Wi-Fi Controlled Heaters and Fans – Year-Round Comfort

In Southern California, you can enjoy your patio almost every day of the year — if it’s designed for comfort. Smart infrared heaters and ceiling fans keep the temperature just right, all controlled through a mobile app or smart switch.

You can even program zones — for example, heating only your dining area at night or turning on fans automatically above the lounge area when it’s over 78°F.

🔥 Pro insight: When adding ceiling elements like heaters or fans, we reinforce overhead framing and ensure all electrical boxes are rated for outdoor use and proper load capacity.

5. Smart Irrigation Systems – Save Water, Keep It Green

California’s dry climate makes efficient watering essential. A smart irrigation controller monitors local weather and adjusts watering times automatically — skipping irrigation when it rains and increasing it during heat waves.

Systems like Rachio, Orbit B-hyve, or Rain Bird ESP integrate directly with your phone, giving you full control even when you’re away.

🌿 Pro insight: During remodels, we often replace old PVC lines and add drip irrigation near pavers and planters to reduce overspray and staining.

The Future of Outdoor Living

A smart patio remodel isn’t just about technology — it’s about how you live outdoors. The goal is to create a connected, comfortable space where form meets function. At First Round Construction, we integrate electrical, drainage, lighting, and design planning from the start — so everything works together beautifully.

If you’re ready to upgrade your outdoor space with modern features and timeless craftsmanship, contact us today for a free consultation. Let’s design a smart patio that fits your home, your lifestyle, and the Southern California sunshine.