The International Builders Show (IBS) 2024 highlighted some key trends that are already redefining the housing market: the rise of “plug and play” smart homes. During the innovation showcase, it was clear that the future of residential living is not only smart, but also seamlessly integrated and ready to use from day one. Cox Communities is leading this effort, delivering innovative and market-directed solutions.
75.4 billion is a staggering number that not only highlights the scale of digital integration into our daily lives, but also sets a new standard for what we expect from our living spaces. Christopher Phelan of CSI Construction shared his insights on the evolving landscape of smart home technology, particularly in the multifamily and senior housing sectors.
Phelan explains: “In the ‘rental’ space, we are seeing large developers like Lincoln Avenue Capital and Lennar adopt sophisticated access control applications traditionally used in apartments to single-family rental projects. To provide end users with a safe living space and peace of mind in their homes, it is important to be able to control who has access to buildings, neighborhoods, and facilities.”
As demand for homes equipped with smart technology increases, builders and developers are increasingly focused on offering properties that cater to tech-savvy renters and buyers. A highlight of this year’s IBS was its focus on Single Family Homes for Rent (SFR) equipped with the latest smart home technology. This trend reflects a major shift toward housing that offers not only the comfort and privacy that comes with living alone, but also the convenience and connectivity of the latest technology.
said Guillermo Rivas, an executive at Cox Communications. “A key insight from IBS 2024 is the clear consumer demand for homes that blend traditional comfort with modern convenience. We are committed to anticipating renters’ evolving needs and ensuring they have great connectivity and instant access to smart technology.”
The data speaks volumes about this shift. According to the National Association of Home Builders, single-family BTR will begin to increase by a staggering 91% year over year in the second quarter of 2022. This is complemented by consumer demand for smart homes, with 82% of renters wanting at least one smart device in their living space. Cox Communities is at the forefront of meeting this demand by pre-loading homes with Cox Fiber, ensuring residents enjoy high-speed internet and a variety of smart devices from the moment they move in.
It is essential to consider not only the amount of gadgets connected, but also the quality of your home’s energy management system. Tim Curtis from Siemens brought an innovative perspective to the forefront, highlighting solutions that align with the evolving demands of home electrification and efficiency.
Curtis said: “We showcased Inhab in recognition of the market’s shift towards electrification and the need to do more with less. Our goal is to start by understanding the power of our customers, This insight comes as homes are increasingly equipped with high-tech gadgets, from smart appliances to electric vehicle (EV) chargers, leading to more sophisticated approaches to energy management. This is particularly important as the need for
Siemens addresses common barriers for EV owners, avoiding the need for expensive panel upgrades and allowing homeowners to utilize their existing panels while avoiding significant material and labor costs We are planning to release the product. “For those looking to purchase an EV charger who don’t have space on their panel, our next product will allow them to use their existing panel and avoid an unnecessary expense of $5,000 to $20,000,” Curtis said. he explained. Additionally, the introduction of SmartHe breakers, which are compatible with existing Siemens equipment, demonstrates the company’s commitment to innovation in home energy management.
IBS 2024 attendees were also talking about this emerging trend. “Moving into a home that already has high-speed internet and smart devices installed is a game-changer,” said one attendee. “It’s not just about convenience. It’s about having an instant feeling of being at home.”
The “plug and play” model identified at IBS 2024 points to a future where people can move into a new home and have instant access to a fully connected living experience. Cox’s approach simplifies the transition for renters and buyers and provides turnkey solutions to the digital lifestyles demanded by modern consumers. This strategy not only increases the appeal of single-family rental companies (SFRs), but also positions Cox as a key player in the evolution of smart home integration.
The pre-enabled smart home represents a broad industry move towards providing comprehensive, ready-to-use solutions for the digital age. Cox Communities’ commitment to proactively equip homes with advanced connectivity and smart technology is a testament to the company’s commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction. As the trend toward “plug and play” smart homes continues to grow, Cox’s proactive stance ensures smart homes stay ahead of the curve and shape the future of smart, connected living in the process.
Brianna Ruelas is an account executive and news desk editor at Grit Daily, based in Dallas. She is a motivational speaker and singer, a creative educator, and a best-selling author.please contact her [email protected].