Hardware & software

Introducing specific hardware and software can lower stress and increase guests´ safety and happiness. Okay, here is a small list of items you can install that dramatically ease your duties as a Host.

Hardware

Wireless Door Locks

You might have used one when entering a commercial building or seen them on ProductHunt.

The basics are: A guest installs an app, and you invite them to use the app to open the door (as a replacement for a key). You can send it out the day before they come and limit their entrance to the days they are staying. The day they move out, their app will not have access anymore. A simple, effective, and highly secure system.

Examples: bit.ly/wireless-door-locks

Doorbell Camera

Instead of running down to open the door, your mobile beeps, and you can chat with the person through your screen. If your device is connected to the Wireless Door Lock, you can unlock it through the app too.

Examples: bit.ly/doorbell-cameras

Home Security Cameras

Remember to install this early on, as guests won’t be happy if you try to introduce this in the middle of their stay. It’s much easier to point out the cameras when they arrive and to state that it’s solely for their security clearly.

Be sure to reassure your guests that it’s used purely to monitor suspicious behavior and deter robbers. It’s a known fact that the installation of cameras reduces the risk of break-ins and theft.

Do not install cameras in bathrooms.

Examples: bit.ly/home-security-cameras

Smart Thermostats

This allows you to automatically reduce electricity costs by lowering the nighttime temperature when there are fewer people in the common areas.

You may also change the temperature from your phone and get stats.

Examples: bit.ly/smart-thermostats

Low Electricity Bulbs

These bulbs save energy but still give a lovely light. Some can be connected to your Smart Home System to be turned off or dimmed when necessary.

Example: bit.ly/led-light-bulbs or bit.ly/smart-home-devices-examples

You can also add Apple TV/Netflix and/or other TV/Entertainment solutions for the social areas – a big crowd-pleaser!

Software

This is often used for two purposes:

• Communication with and between existing guests and new guests.
• Communication with and between employees.

Of course, we recommend coliving.com for bookings, guest management, and payments.

Here are some examples of software we regularly use:

Slack – fantastic for staff communications

Facebook Groups – existing/alumni

Acasa – a fantastic tool that tracks expenses made by employees or between guests if the community is not very big

Resources:

• The role of technology in the coliving movement/