Considering home renovations? Consider connected devices, too

By Lulu Chang Published September 15, 2016

houzz smart home study honda us dp6v4730 — Image used with permission by copyright holder

Just consider them the new granite countertop.

Smart technology — it’s the latest trend in home renovation. According to a new survey conducted by Houzz and the Custom Electronic Design & Installation Association (CEDIA), homeowners today are installing at least one smart device when they remodel their homes, with smart thermostats claiming the honor of the most popular connected device. The 2016 U.S. Houzz Smart Home Trends Survey involved nearly 1,000 homeowners either planning or conducting home renovation projects, and discovered that nearly half of those respondents are using smart technology, defined as “systems or devices that can be monitored or controlled via smartphone, tablet, or computer.”

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This was especially true for folks who previously did not have a smart home device in their household — in fact, the survey found, “renovated homes are more than twice as likely to include a smart system or device than before the renovation (51 versus 20 percent).” And of course, it seems as though homeowners who do take the connected device plunge are happier with these upgraded smart features than their standard appliances.

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“Our data sheds light on how renovating homeowners are embracing smart technology,” said Nino Sitchinava, principal economist at Houzz. “These homeowners aim to improve the comfort, convenience, safety, and energy usage of their home during their renovations, and smart technology appears to address many of their needs. While many homeowners report difficulty learning about and finding the right smart products to fit their needs, high levels of adoption and satisfaction among renovators are sound predictors of a wider reliance on these technologies among the general public in the near future.”

And the general public will likely be pleased to discover that many of these smart appliances are none too expensive. In fact, the majority of smart home security and safety upgrades spent less than $1,500 on their new features. Nearly half also spent less than $1,500 on smart entertainment upgrades, lighting upgrades, and climate control technology.

So if you’re looking to make a few changes to your crib, you may want to consider making your crib a bit more clever. We hear it’s the “in” thing to do these days.

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Fascinated by the effects of technology on human interaction, Lulu believes that if her parents can use your new app…

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