A Builder's Road Map to Profit from Home Automation

Legrand offers insights on this hot trend 

Technology is more woven into our lifestyle and everyday living habits than ever before. In the world of the IoT (Internet of Things), many of the “things” we currently connect and communicate with – mobile phones, tablets, and computers – can also control products in the home: security systems, cameras, thermostats, lights, entertainment systems, door locks, window shades, DVRs, and other appliances. 

“Connected” home devices already drive billions of dollars in sales from home owners, and builders have the front-end opportunity to capture this revenue stream. How can home builders most effectively leverage this opportunity? Legrand, the global specialist in electrical and digital building infrastructures, offers insights on this in its new white paper, ‘Five Things Every Builder Should Know About Leveraging Opportunities in Home Automation’.

The home building market is approaching a time when installing an Internet-connected automation or entertainment system will be no more remarkable and no less essential than installing electrical or plumbing fixtures. The good news is that the integration of home automation systems to their product mix is attainable for any builder. By coordinating strategic research, teaming up with the right partners, and executing a well-thought and organized plan, builders can significantly boost revenue and profits, delivering a smart home that will excite home buyers and improve competitiveness.
Reaping the benefits of smart home technology

The first and most important decision builders make about incorporating smart home technology is in choosing two key partners: the product manufacturer and the home electronics contractor that will perform installations. These decisions should not be made independently, as a strong “triangular” partnership is the key to success. 

When selecting a manufacturing partner, builders should ask:

• Does the company offer complete, scalable, and repeatable solutions? 
• Are its products and systems favorably reviewed by experts?
• Does it offer the smart home features buyers want, with tiered options for step-up sales and upgrades? 
• Can it support a major building program with its production capacity, distribution network, and local inventory?
• Does it offer long-term technical support, training resources, and product warranties? 

When researching installer/contractor partners, these questions are crucial: 

• Is there enough manpower (field teams and management)? 
• Do they have a customer-centric corporate culture? 
• Do they have a strong relationship with the system manufacturer? 
• Are processes and procedures in place to ensure and verify quality? 

This, of course, is just the beginning. For more insight into the fundamental principles of integrating technology into new homes, as well as a step-by-step guide for successful organization, preparation, strategy, and execution of this effort, we invite you to download the Legrand white paper.