How to Use Smart Tech to Up Sell Home Improvement Projects

Is the Internet of Things a Big Deal?

These days, turning a great project into a fantastic home/lifestyle upgrade is likely to involve some aspects of the Internet of Things (IoT). Not unlike The Force, of Star Wars fame, the IoT connects everything to everything (and everyone) and makes it possible to do amazing things - like see who’s at your door when you’re at the beach, or create a grocery order based on what your refrigerator tells you are its contents.

According to Gartner¹, a leading research firm, there are currently 8.4 billion connected devices in use worldwide, an increase of 31 percent in one year. That number is expected to reach 20.4 billion by 2020. The IoT is a big deal. It’s here to stay and poised for significant and speedy growth. The point is: this is not something remodelers can afford to ignore. It’s a tremendous opportunity for new business and additional revenues.

Smart Contractors Create Smart Homes

We’re talking about smart home technology here. And it should be included in every project your salespeople propose. Not just because it’s the latest buzzword, but because it can improve security, efficiency, save energy, and time, and lower costs. Bottom line? Smart Home tech enhances the homeowner’s lifestyle.

The Smart Kitchen

Because new technology seems to appear daily, a kitchen remodeling project must include the “infrastructure” required to support it. For example, today’s kitchens need electrical outlets everywhere – like inside cabinets or in special “charging drawers.” At least some of those outlets should include USB ports. And, you should also consider including plugs that can be controlled from a smartphone or using Amazon’s Alexa voice controls.

Your next kitchen project may include:

Connected appliances, like refrigerators that enable users to check their status online
An intelligent oven that senses prepared food and determines the best way to cook it
A slew of digital countertop devices, like a connected coffeemaker, Bluetooth thermometers, and more.

The Smart Bathroom

As with the smart kitchen, it's essential to consider the Internet of Things when creating a bathroom remodeling project. For example, these days, a strong Wi-Fi signal is as important in the bathroom as it is in any other room of the house.

Upgrades for tomorrow’s bath include:

Spa-grade freestanding tubs with hidden speakers that emit sound waves to calm and sooth
Temperature-controlled faucets
Remote controlled window shades
Toilets with integrated cleansing and hands-free seat operation
Digital showers with personalized water temperature controls and rain-like soaking experience

Making the IoT Affordable

Creating a smart home, using elements of the Internet of things, can be costly. It can also enhance your customer’s overall satisfaction and provide the “wow” factor that turns a “job well done” into a grand slam home run.

One of the key benefits of offering financing is the ability to help your customers afford to go beyond their original vision and create the home of their dreams. Offering them the power to get more, provides you with the means to grow your average ticket size, while significantly increasing customer satisfaction.