A recent survey found that 70% of homeowners trust their electrician or plumber more than a retail associate for smart home device recommendations, yet only 15% of trades professionals actively offer such advice. This significant gap reveals a missed opportunity for skilled trades to solidify their role as trusted home technology advisors, extending beyond traditional services. Homeowners are actively seeking guidance on smart home integration, preferring the expertise of the professionals they already rely on for critical home systems.

However, homeowners are eager for smart home integration and trust their trades professionals for advice, but many trades professionals are hesitant to recommend devices due to perceived complexity or lack of reliable information. This hesitation creates a market void, as the very professionals homeowners trust most are often reluctant to engage with this evolving segment.

Trades professionals who proactively educate themselves on reliable, easy-to-install smart home solutions are poised to capture a significant share of the growing smart home market, while those who don't risk being left behind. This strategic move is not just about new revenue; it is about maintaining client trust and future market relevance against more agile competitors.

The smart home market is moving mainstream, increasing demand for professional guidance, reports the Gartner Hype Cycle for Smart Home. Trades professionals are uniquely positioned to address homeowner concerns about smart home security and privacy, a trust noted by the Consumer Trust Index. This creates a clear opportunity for trades to become indispensable smart home advisors.

The Untapped Market: Why Trades Professionals Are Key

  • $200 billion — The global smart home market is projected to reach this value by 2026, with a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 15%, according to Statista.
  • 70% — Homeowners prefer smart home device recommendations from a trusted trades professional over a retail salesperson, according to a HomeAdvisor 2023 Survey.
  • 10-20% — Offering smart home recommendations can increase the average job ticket by this margin for trades professionals, as reported by the Contractor Business Journal.