A new report has suggested soaring demand for smart home products across the UK, although many consumers want help when it comes to choosing the right products.
The smart home has long been promised as a way of making every day life easier, although many consumers still struggle to get to grips with the systems available and the various different ecosystems they live within.
In fact, while 68.5% of Brits are likely to purchase a smart home product within the next two years, according to a report from Legrand, many described a lack of product knowledge as a key barrier to purchasing technology.
Legrand highlights this as a key indicator in the electrical industry’s ability to be there to help consumers make better smart home decisions, with 10% of respondents noting that they would turn to an industry professional for information or advice.
While this is likely to be positive news for electricians, contractors and housebuilders will also be pleased to know that consumers are increasingly looking to buy houses with smart home technology installed. The report noted that almost half of respondents would be more likely to purchase a home if it had smart technology installed, providing housing developers an opportunity to differentiate from their competitors’ products.
Pascal Stutz, CEO at Legrand UK & Ireland, commented, “There is more pressure than ever on electrical contractors, consultants and housebuilders to produce homes up to the high standards that consumers expect. Our latest research shows there is an opportunity for professionals, which is why we have created this report. We outline the barriers facing installers and housebuilders alike, as well as outline ways to overcome them.”
Electrical professionals are also being encouraged to take part in smart home installation training to learn the full capability of the most popular devices and systems. The perceived value that smart home technology brings to a property makes training and development in these installations a practical step for increasing revenue on projects of all sizes.
Stutz continued. “We are committed to being a partner to the electrical industry, improving lives by transforming the places we live, work and meet. For those working in the residential sector, we deliver this through our Connected Living products, expertise and training. The report is just one way we’re supporting the industry as we navigate our way to a more efficient and connected future in our homes.”
