Tech Assessment
Smart Home Property Assessment for Home Buyers & Real Estate Professionals
The RUSK™ Report by OnHive - Know exactly whether the AV, Home Automation, Security and Electronics are viable before you buy, sell, or list it.
Smart home technology is now a standard feature in residential properties across the GTA — but not all of it works, not all of it is compatible with modern systems, and not all of it adds value for the next owner. OnHive's Smart Home Property Assessment gives home buyers, real estate agents, and brokerages an independent, expert evaluation of every piece of technology in a property. You get a clear, jargon-free report that tells you exactly what you're inheriting and what to do about it.
Who Is This For?
HOME BUYERS
You've found the home you want. The listing says it has a "smart home system" — but what does that actually mean? Is it a $50,000 Control4 installation or a few smart plugs from Amazon? Does any of it still work? Is it compatible with your phone? Will you be stuck maintaining a system you don't understand? Our assessment answers every one of these questions before you close, so there are no expensive surprises after moving day.
REAL ESTATE AGENTS
Your clients are asking more questions about smart home technology than ever before and the answers can make or break a deal. Offering a RUSK™ Smart Home Assessment positions you as a knowledgeable, forward-thinking agent who goes beyond the standard home inspection that doesn’t cover the technology. Use it to add value during negotiations, justify a listing price, or give your buyer the confidence to move forward on a tech-heavy property without any regrets.
REAL ESTATE BROKERAGE
Make the RUSK™ Assessment a standard part of your buyer services package. Brokerages that partner with OnHive can offer their agents an independent, branded technology assessment they can bring to every client. It's a tangible differentiator in a crowded market and a service that directly addresses one of the fastest-growing concerns in residential real estate — the tech stack of a house.
The RUSK™ Tech Assessment Report. What Do You Get?
Every OnHive Smart Home Property Assessment produces a RUSK™ Report. Our proprietary evaluation framework that categorizes every piece of technology in the home into one of four clear recommendations:
RECYCLE
Technology that is outdated, non-functional, incompatible with current standards, or not worth maintaining. We identify what should be removed and what the removal or replacement cost looks like so you can factor it into your offer or negotiation.
UPGRADE
Technology that has a solid foundation but needs a software update, hardware replacement, or professional reconfiguration to perform properly. We outline exactly what an upgrade would involve.
SELL
Technology that has a solid foundation but needs a software update, hardware replacement, or professional reconfiguration to perform properly. We outline exactly what an upgrade would involve.
KEEP
Technology that is working correctly, is current, is compatible with modern devices and platforms, and adds genuine value for the new owner. We document what's worth keeping and provide a handover guide so you actually know how to use it.
What We Assess?
Our technicians conduct a full on-site walkthrough of the property and evaluate every smart technology system present, including:
Home Automation & Control Systems — hubs, controllers, apps, and voice assistant integrations (Control4, Savant, Google Home, Apple HomeKit, Amazon Alexa and others). We check whether the system is licensed, active, and transferable to a new owner.
Lighting & Shade Control — smart switches, dimmers, motorized blinds and shades. We test every circuit and identify whether the system requires a paid subscription or dealer account to operate.
Security Systems — cameras, doorbells, smart locks, alarm panels, motion sensors, and access control. We verify what is monitored vs. self-monitored, check for active contracts, and flag any equipment that is tied to the seller's account and will stop working at transfer.
Audio-Visual Systems — distributed audio, home theater, multi-room speakers, and display systems. We identify equipment brands, assess condition, and note anything that requires a specific streaming subscription or configuration to function.
Networking & Infrastructure — WiFi access points, routers, structured cabling, and network equipment. We assess coverage, speed capability, and whether the infrastructure will support the buyer's devices and usage patterns.
Climate Control — smart thermostats, HVAC integrations, and automated climate zones. We confirm compatibility with standard HVAC systems and flag any proprietary integrations that may require a technician to maintain.
FAQs
What does a Smart Home Property Assessment cost?
Our assessments are priced based on property size and the complexity of installed systems. A standard detached home under 5000 sq.ft assessment typically ranges from $495 to $795. For real estate agents and brokerages booking multiple assessments, volume pricing is available.
How much notice do you need to schedule an assessment?
We typically book within 3–5 business days. If you're working against an offer deadline or a firm closing date, contact us directly and we will do our best to prioritize your booking.
Can the assessment be done without the seller present?
Yes, but we do require access to the property. We typically coordinate with the listing agent to arrange access. We assess based on what we can observe and test on-site.
Do you offer assessments for condos and townhouses?
Yes. We assess all property types. For condos, we focus on in-unit technology — building-level systems are outside the scope of a standard assessment, though we can flag anything that appears to be building infrastructure versus unit-specific equipment.
Can OnHive help us with any upgrades or reconfigurations identified in the report?
Yes and this is completely optional. If the report identifies systems worth upgrading or configuring, you're welcome to engage OnHive for that work. There is no obligation, and you are free to use any qualified systems integrator or AV company for the follow-up work.
We're a brokerage interested in partnering with OnHive, how does that work?
We offer preferred pricing and a co-branded version of the RUSK™ Report for brokerages that want to include smart home assessments as a standard buyer service. Contact us to discuss a partnership arrangement that fits your team's volume and workflow.