I happened upon the press release issued by Keystone Market Research, about the latest edition of its quarterly ‘UK Consumer Fenestration Trends Report’ recently which looks, amongst other things, at homeowner views on smart home technology specifically for windows and doors.
It does not provide positive reading. According to Keystone: ‘A standout feature of this edition is an in-depth analysis of homeowner views on smart home technology – a topic that has consistently ranked as the lowest priority for consumers in surveys this year.’ The report aimed to determine whether this low ranking is due to a lack of interest or awareness among homeowners.
My interest has grown in smart tech for windows and doors, since I became the UK distributor for Gerda doors, as one of the products in the range is the ‘Tedee’ smart front door lock, which is one of the few such devices that has impressed me. It’s neat, simple to use and effective.
We sell a few, with demand generated by homeowners doing their own research and ordering through Gerda dealers when they order a door, rather than our otherwise worthy dealers actively selling the things. But beyond that, we have no demand whatsoever for smart hardware from our trade frame installer customers. And the Keystone report bears that out.
The report asked what the main barriers are that would stop them from adding smart home technology to their windows and doors and I have attached a graphic listing the various reasons why homeowners continue to resist the lure of smart hardware, despite smart access being widely used in our working lives – access to offices, factories and the like – and familiarity with smart tech through our phones and other home tech. But very few homeowners are prepared to entrust their homes to smart security devices.
I do get why someone would invest in a smart door lock, like Gerda Tedee and any of the increasing number of alternatives. I do not get the point of the built in sensors that come with window and doors hardware however.
Whilst automatically opening and securing a front door as you approach it laden with your week’s groceries has obvious benefits, being told as you board a plane to Dubai that you’ve cocked up and left your windows unlocked or worse, open, does not. Yes, I know there’s alerts and stuff through an app, but when you’re flapping to catch a plane, these can be easily missed.
I am sure that any of the smart hardware suppliers will be having a blue fit by now and ranting at this page, but the report bears out what I am saying: homeowners do not want smart window and door hardware. Whilst there is a broad interest in smart hardware, 62% of those questioned responded that the cost of installation was prohibitive, presumably including the one-off cost of the hardware and also any subscriptions required to activate the stuff once fitted.
44% were concerned about access/security, including the potential for failure, whilst a similar number (42%) were worried about being hacked. The 38% that responded ‘functionality not required’ is to me the single biggest issue: homeowners prefer physical keys and locks and, when more concerned, burglar alarms and Ring cameras.
The smart hardware suppliers, one in particular, have done a fine job in persuading fabricators to add the smart ready sensors and marketing stickers to their frames. But whilst I have not taken these up, nether have a I received single request from any of my installer customers bleating that they are losing business to other installers that might be offering this kit. And trust me, we would know within minutes.
Keystone says: ‘As discussed in every consumer report so far this year smart home technology has ranked as the lowest priority when homeowners are purchasing new windows and doors.’ ‘Hive’ and other smart home systems are regularly used to control heating and lighting for example, so there is an appetite for home tech; but smart window sensors and even door locks, just don’t float homeowner’s boats.
This excellent Keystone Report ‘UK Consumer Fenestration Trends Report – Summer Edition (Single) – 01.08.2024’ also contains a wide-ranging selection of topics, including consumer preferences on window, door, and extension roof glazing styles, frame materials and purchase priorities.
