Homes Are Getting Smarter, Studies Say

The state of tech-enhanced homes was strong in 2021, says the 2022 U.S. Houzz & Home Study. The study notes that 21% of renovating homeowners added smart security cameras, 19% home assistants, 15% smart thermostats and 14% smart light fixtures and wireless doorbell cameras.

The industry faces both challenges and opportunities to completely rebound to pre-COVID levels, according to “Modern Living: Enabling the Smart Home,” a report by the Home Improvement Research Institute. Return rates of smart home devices are high, broadband connectivity issues are rising in increasingly connected homes, and more than one-third of purchasers are frustrated by how difficult it is to install their smart devices.

“After a dip in 2018 and a plateau in 2019-2020, the industry outlook is again very favorable as purchase intention climbed in 2021,” the study says. “Converting intenders into buyers are key to maintaining inertia.” The report was prepared for HIRI by Parks Associates, which surveyed 10,000 head of households in internet connected homes on a wide variety of topics related to smart home devices.

As tech-enhanced homes continue to rise, come join 15,000 home-tech pros from Sept. 29 - Oct. 1 at the premier home-tech event of the year, CEDIA Expo 2022. The Dallas expo will explore the ever-changing smart-tech landscape in both single family and multi-family dwellings including innovations in sound, lighting, security and more. It’s a great place for professionals in interior design, construction and architecture to stay on top of the type of technological convenience clients are seeking, and to meet other pros. Come meet us at the Houzz booth #6049.

Until then, we’ve gathered a brief summary of some of the HIRI report’s insights to get you primed for the event. Here are six things to know about residential tech trends:

Houses Are Smarter Than Ever

A total of 37% of internet-connected homes now include at least one smart device, and the total number of connected devices overall rises every year according to the the HIRI report.

Demand Is High

Whether it's a robotic vacuum or smart doorbell that is on their wish list, 43% of consumers reported a high intention to purchase a new smart home device, and 36% say they are actively shopping for one.

Security & Privacy Matter

Smart door locks and smart video doorbells were the fastest-growing smart home device categories in 2021 and outdoor lighting fixtures with cameras experienced growth after several years of stagnation.

Home Renovations Drive Purchases

Spontaneity is not a hallmark of smart device buying. A full 75% of purchases are planned in advance, the report notes. But homeowners who are renovating, moving or own a second home are twice as likely to purchase a smart home device.

Unhappy Customers

Too often the smart home devices purchased don’t stay in the buyer’s home for long. “A glaring concern for product developers of smart products is the rate of return for individual devices among broadband households, which is not uncommon to be around half the rate of product purchases,” the HIRI study notes.

Building Consumer Confidence

More than one-third - 36% of consumers - who install smart home devices on their own experience difficulties, the survey notes. The HIRI report includes recommendations for overcoming those challenges. 

For the solutions and more details on smart home trends, see the full HIRI report available here. Come see the Houzz Pro team and all things residential tech in Dallas at the CEDIA Expo 2022, Sept. 29 - Oct. 1. Learn more and register here. You can find us at booth #6049.