Dallas, TX–Homebuilders sold $11 billion worth of technology products in 2004 and expect sales to increase 10-12 percent in 2005, according to new data.
Parks Associates’ “2004 Builder Survey” findings show builders growing into a formidable channel for the distribution of advanced products such as home networking and multi-room audio systems, with 62 percent of all U.S. builders on the lookout for new products and capabilities that could differentiate them in the market.
“Builders are well into a new era in home building that encompasses much more than lumber, bricks, and granite countertops,” said Bill Ablondi, director of channel research for Parks Associates. “Over one-fourth of builders have employees actively evaluating new technologies for their potential both to boost sales and serve as differentiators. Solutions such as home networking and audio distribution systems offer great opportunities for manufacturers to get in on the ground floor of the digital-home trend.”
To gain greater insight into this growing market, Parks Associates, in partnership with Hanley Wood LLC, has launched “2006 Builder Insights”, which is a multilevel project surveying builders’ sales of technology products and services.
2006 Builder Insights is designed for manufacturers and service providers to learn about the builders who are adding technology products to their offerings, the selection criteria they use to choose products and vendors, and what they need to help merchandise these amenities. The research will comprise both a broad-based survey of at least 250 local, regional, and national home builders and case studies of selected builders chosen based on their profitable technology sales strategies.
“Key product categories we plan to cover include home theater and multi-room audio systems, structured wiring, central control and security systems, and others such as central vacuum systems,” Ablondi said. “We also plan to analyze current partnerships and future opportunities between builders and service providers, such as utilities, telcos, and cable MSOs, to offer communication, broadband Internet access, security monitoring, and premium content services.”
“2006 Builder Insights” will also provide forecasts for builder sales of home theater, multi-room audio, structured wiring, central controls, and security systems. For more information, visit www.parksassociates.com.n or www.hanleywood.com.
