Less Than Half of Smart Home Installations Subcontracted to CEDIA Dealers, Says Study

Less than half of smart home technology installations are subcontracted out to CEDIA contractors by home builders, architects, and interior designers, said a CEDIA study done in June and July by The Farnsworth Group. The survey of 273 homebuilders, architects and interior designers was designed to gauge interest level in the smart home category and awareness of the CEDIA channel, said the trade group. Among the results: 74 percent of interior designers and 61 percent of architects look to subcontractors to install smart home technology and contract out to a certified home technology professional in most cases, and some 63 percent of home builders do the work themselves or subcontract out to an electrician. Nearly 70 percent of home builders are aware of CEDIA vs. 58 percent of architects and 35 percent of interior designers, said the study. Certifications were seen as “very important” to 70 percent of the survey group, and 70 percent said they would hire a certified smart home contractor over a non-certified one. Four in five respondents said they're interested in some level of smart home technology, it said. Developing a deeper relationship with designers and builders has been a goal of the trade association since inception. CEDIA CEO Tabatha O’Connor said Wednesday the study sets a “benchmark” for the organization to understand where it is today and to measure success in building awareness and opportunities for members going forward. Survey findings show opportunities exist for members’ services “if we can build awareness and create more demand,” O’Connor said. CEDIA is exhibiting this week at Design and Construction Week and will again at DCW in February, it said.