| In the nineties it was whirlpool baths and granite | | | | different outfit than the company who designs it |
| counter tops that became a necessity and | | | | for him, with little guarantee that the program will |
| defining feature for all luxury homes on the | | | | work. However, he is able to capture the |
| market. In this decade we are seeing a similar | | | | maximum profit margin. A typical system requires |
| growing demand for home automation, as the | | | | approximately four days of pre-wiring followed by |
| technology becomes more refined and attractive | | | | another four days of installation. A licensed |
| to upscale computer savvy home buyers. Some | | | | electrician is only needed for a very small part of |
| of the latest must-have features in these | | | | the job - installation of smoke detectors and light |
| systems allow the homeowner to view his | | | | switches. All other components of home |
| security cameras over the internet, as well as to | | | | automation systems are low voltage, requiring no |
| call his house from the road to turn on his Jacuzzi, | | | | special license to install in most areas. |
| switch off lights or arm the security system. | | | | The third option offers a middle ground for the |
| But for the builder, home automation poses two | | | | homebuilder. There are companies that offer |
| difficulties. First, most builders do not have the | | | | contractors full design and programming of home |
| specialized training to design and program these | | | | automation systems along with supplying the |
| hi-tech systems. And mistakes in this field are | | | | equipment. These companies cater to builders and |
| expensive; home automation systems start at | | | | electricians who want to sell and install the |
| $5,000 and climb to over a $1,000,000. Secondly, | | | | systems for their clients. They offer full service |
| if the builder turns to a local dealer who provides | | | | programming and consultation along with extras |
| the complete package of service - from custom | | | | such as educating the contractor in how to |
| design and programming, to sales and installation, | | | | present the product options clearly to the |
| he will miss out on substantial profits for these | | | | homeowner, providing marketing materials, and |
| large up sells. | | | | handling service calls. The builder is able to offer |
| The three options open to builders interested in | | | | his client a system at a fair price and make a |
| providing home automation systems are as | | | | sizable profit on his time and effort. When |
| follows: | | | | systems are installed in spec homes, the home |
| 1. Hire a local home automation installer to handle | | | | automation company will customize the system |
| the entire project. | | | | for the new home owner over the internet. This |
| 2. Use an independent home automation | | | | follow up service is included in the price to the |
| consultant who provides only the system design | | | | builder. |
| and/or programming. | | | | No matter which option the builder selects, |
| 3. Use an outfit that provides the design, | | | | equipping his custom home with a quality home |
| programming and equipment plus provides | | | | automation system is as important in today's |
| instruction on how to install the system yourself. | | | | competitive luxury home market as providing top |
| We have already mentioned the first option | | | | of the line kitchen appliances and whirlpool tubs. |
| above. While a local dealer offers the builder | | | | With such an investment he will attract the |
| peace of mind with a complete | | | | growing demographic of young upwardly mobile |
| design-to-installation package including performance | | | | professionals who are demanding that their new |
| warrantees, the high price tag leaves little room | | | | homes be 'smarter'. |
| for any additional markup to the client. | | | | Written by Susan Ferguson, a freelance writer |
| The second option of a consultant allows the | | | | from |
| builder to realize maximum profit from his home | | | | Outsource your Home Automation & |
| automation system. The disadvantage is that the | | | | Distributed Audio Needs. provides Complete B2B |
| builder has to coordinate purchasing all the | | | | Home Automation Systems. |
| customized parts for the system from a | | | | |