If you’ve thought about bringing in some high-tech products to make your pad more of a smart home or are considering offering these installations as a part of your business, you’re not alone according to the Klein Tools State of the Industry Survey. I’m game – the more of my home I can control from my phone whether I’m there, sitting in my car, or attending a media event, the better. The convenience is undeniable (until your phone falls into your margarita of course).
The 400+ respondents (60/40 split between union and non-union workers) answered a variety of questions regarding industry trends. We reported on the results regarding Women on the Jobsite earlier this year, but now we move into the tech world. The focus on high-tech installs and smart home jobs revealed some interesting trends that may help you focus your business this year.
So what exactly did Klein’s survey find?
Change in High-Tech Heart?
There was a notable increase in the number of union workers who prefer working on high-tech installations. 42% now say they want that kind of job compared to 31% last year. Among those that have between 10 and 19 years of experience, the jump was even greater – from 24% last year to 51% this year. Comparatively, the less experienced group (less than 10 years) and the more experienced group (20+ years) weren’t as enthusiastic with less than 30% in both groups reporting a preference for high-tech work.
This is really just about preference. What we’re seeing is the middle range of workers is either becoming more excited or more experienced in the high-tech and smart home installations. Either way, this is a good thing as you’re more likely to find an installer that doesn’t see this kind of work as a negative aspect of the job. As a business owner, it also gives us some insight of what experience range you want to look for when you want to bring someone on board specifically for this end of the market.
The Multi-Family Smart Home
48% of electricians reported seeing more smart homes getting connected, which is actually down from 56% last year. When it comes to multi-family homes, the number of electricians reporting a rise increased from 25% last year to 31% this year.
The drop in smart home connectivity is surprising, but it may coincide with product development. The initial influx of systems are in place and that’s not something you expect users to upgrade every single year – particularly considering smart product upgrades are more likely going to be app-based rather than the hardware itself. Products like Woods’ WiOn smart power sources are starting to make their way into homes – but these are power strips and plates, not the kind of hardware that most people would call an electrician to install.
I get the multi-family movement – members of my family have considered it and there’s certainly the nostalgic thought of a multi-generational family to help raise the kids, earn income, and care for the property. It’s probably not going to be as big in the city as it is in rural areas, but these homes will intersect with the smart movement as well. With 4 people in my home, we have 20- yes, twenty – internet/wifi connected devices (and only two of those belong to my kids – yikes!). Add people and you add devices. That kind of connectivity will lead to more opportunity for smart products to make their way in.
Conclusions
As a whole, the smart home movement is far from over. Technology keeps getting better and cheaper, making it more accessible and more capable with each year that passes. Shoot, just look at what Milwaukee has done with the One-Key system – and that’s for power tools! There’s a reality that connected homes are no longer for the elite alone. Nearly everyone can pick up a few items at their local big box store to enhance their experience, which may lead to openings for the service/installation end of your business.
What I would take away from this report is that it will be worth your while as a business owner to bring in someone well-versed in smart home products or train one of your crew for it. As an electrician, I’d keep in mind that taking some time to learn more about these products or get some CEU’s specifically for them can be a big boost for your resume’.
