Arlington, VA–Builders and contractors are turning to custom technology installers as often as they employ security and electrical installers, according to new data from the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA). The increased popularity of installed home technology has resulted in more than 60 percent of builders and contractors employing custom technology installers in 2006, according to CEA’s Fifth Annual State of the Builder’s Study recently released at the International Builders’ Show in Orlando, Florida.
“The fact that builders and contractors employ technology installers as often as security installers and electrical contractors is proof that custom technology installation is quickly becoming the fourth trade,” said CEA director of research Joe Bates.
The study also found the majority of builders believe the home technology market has a positive impact on builder revenue and remains important to the successful marketing of new homes. While builders cited increased profit potential as a reason to include home technologies as a standard offering in 2005, the number one reason to include home technologies in 2006 was at the specification of the buyer or architect.
“Home technologies are without a doubt helping to counteract the slumping housing market,” Bates said. “Consumers are increasingly asking for installed technologies, whether it’s for a home theater room or an intricate home network complete with servers and structured wiring. Clearly, builders, contractors and consumers believe that these offerings are no longer just ‘the wave of the future’ but a reality; a reality from which builders and contractors are reaping the benefits.”
The Fifth Annual State of the Builder Study (January 2007) was conducted in November 2006. It was designed and formulated by CEA Market Research, the most comprehensive source of sales data, forecasts, consumer research and historical trends for the consumer electronics industry.
