Nationwide Study Shows Consumers Want Networked Homes; Security Systems Tops List

April 12, 2002
Home-security systems top the list of the most important custom electronic features according to a recent study by the Custom Electronic Design and Installation

Home-security systems top the list of the most important custom electronic features according to a recent study by the Custom Electronic Design and Installation Association (CEDIA).

RoperASW surveyed more than 1,000 American adults, ages 18 years and older, in a weekend poll. Eighty-three percent of the survey respondents said that they would be interested in installing some type of custom electronic system in their homes. Additionally, 86 percent of the respondents said they would seek the help of a qualified and certified technician to install a home-networking system in their homes.

CEDIA, an association for the custom electronic design and installation industry, released these results prior to the International Builders' Show to demonstrate how this growing trend will affect the home-building industry as more and more homeowners are looking to integrate these systems into their lives. According to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), 34 percent of builders now offer structured wiring packages as standard or optional amenities.

Thirty-one percent of the respondents said they considered a centralized home-security system the most important home-networking system. Other systems ranked as follows:

  • Home-theater systems: 19 percent

  • Automated-lighting systems: 12 percent

  • Automated window shades: 11 percent

  • Automated audio-and-video systems: 10 percent

  • Not interested in home networking: 14 percent

  • No response: 3%

Billilynne Keller, executive director of CEDIA, said the results of the survey demonstrate the increasing importance of home networking.