When buyers walk into a D.R. Horton model, they expect the home to be smart and secure from day one.
“Security features that provide visibility, remote access, and seamless smart home integration, such as video doorbells, smart locks, and security cameras matter most to our homebuyers,” says Jill Helwig, national purchasing manager at D.R. Horton. Those expectations are precisely why the builder has made connected security a baseline rather than a bonus.
D.R. Horton includes a core package of smart home products, powered by Alarm.com, in every home, then lets buyers personalize that setup with Safe Haven, its smart-home integration partner, after closing. The goal: keep a repeatable standard that can flex as preferences and perceptions of value shift.
A core package that covers the basics
A baseline package can include a smart panel, front door lock, garage control, thermostat, and a lighting switch for the front porch—all integrated through a single platform.
Buyers prioritize video doorbells, smart locks, and cameras for visibility and access control. D.R. Horton has refreshed its smart home program “to ensure we are including the right basic products while allowing for seamless integration with additional products added by the homebuyer,” Helwig notes.
The division of responsibilities is straightforward: D.R. Horton provides the foundation; Safe Haven helps homeowners build on it with optional add-ons after closing.
A unified platform that keeps evolving
Behind the scenes, one platform ties security, video, locks, thermostats, lighting, water management, and wellness devices into a single system. Broad device compatibility helps builders keep today’s infrastructure relevant as standards and products evolve.
Powered by Alarm.com, the platform receives regular software updates so builders can keep a consistent core while the technology stays current.
Building trust through privacy and data control
As smart systems become more capable, buyers are also asking harder privacy questions, especially around video and data sharing, so D.R. Horton leans on its platform partner’s security practices.
“We lean on Alarm.com and their platform for data security and privacy,” she says. “With Alarm.com, data belongs to the customer and the dealer, and they do not share data with third parties. Sensitive data, like video, is strongly protected, and dealers can’t access this information without instance-specific permission from the customer.”
This “data belongs to the customer” approach helps builders reassure buyers that the system protecting their home isn’t monetizing their behavior.
Why pro-installed beats DIY
Helwig is clear: D.R. Horton’s sales and construction teams aren’t being asked to become tech support.
“Using the unified platform, powered by Alarm.com, and white glove service by Safe Haven helps to ensure that the homeowner experience is consistent across the board,” she says. “This allows our sales and construction teams to focus on building and selling a home instead of trying to become smart home experts.”
After closing, Safe Haven schedules an in-home visit to activate the system, integrate any existing devices, and walk the homeowner through the app. DIY can leave owners juggling apps and unclear support—and builders fielding calls they aren’t equipped to handle.
From job sites to model homes to AI
The same Alarm.com platform that powers D.R. Horton’s in-home experience can also support builder operations: construction-site video monitoring, model-home security and analytics, and integrations with self-guided tour platforms—extending access control from build to move-in.
AI features are expanding smarter video search and real-time deterrence that can respond to suspicious activity.
For Helwig, the focus stays on the fundamentals—security, access, and ease of use—on a platform that can evolve as the technology matures.
“As homebuyer needs and market dynamics around affordability and value change quickly and often, we find the best strategy is to have a core program that serves as a strong foundation and allows for quick response and flexibility,” she says.
Learn more about how Alarm.com can support your next community.