Living like the Jetsons is not quite so far off anymore. In fact, fully automated homes may soon become the norm in home construction, especially if consumers have anything to say about it. And they do.
According to recent surveys on home automation, home buyers expect smart-home technology like voice-controlled lights and appliances, heating and cooling systems that adjust based on who’s home, and refrigerators that can track and make grocery purchases, to be standard features within a decade or so.
In fact, more than half of respondents to the 2014 State of the Smart Home survey estimated that within the next 10 years home owners will be able to use a single remote to control their entire house. (This survey was commissioned by Icontrol Networks, a smart-home technology software and services company.)
Although a little more than 70% of home owners currently have at least one smart-home feature, many would like to see more in their next home purchase, according to NAHB’s most recent What Home Buyers Really Want survey.
Consumers overwhelmingly agree that security is the most important feature of a smart home. In fact, a wireless home security system tops the list of most desired technology features for 50% of home buyers. Right now, only 15% of home owners currently have this feature in their home.
Home buyers also want smart-home technology to help them save money and be more environmentally-conscious. Seventy-eight percent of respondents to the 2014 State of the Smart Home survey ranked energy management, such as programmable and remotely-controlled HVAC, outdoor water and lighting systems, as a top smart home feature.
Nearly a third of home buyers surveyed by NAHB also want remote-controlled and/or automated home audio and entertainment systems. Home owners who already have these types of systems rank in the single digits, so there is potential for growth in this market.
A majority (51%) of those surveyed by Icontrol Networks indicated that they would pay up to $500 for a fully-equipped smart home; a third would be willing to pay between $500 and $3,000.
Original date posted October 15th at:
http://nahbnow.com/2014/10/untitled-10/?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=mmb1020
