Research from the Joint Center for Housing Studies at Harvard University suggests that home automation, energy efficiency, and aging-in-place will be the dominant themes in home remodels for at least the next decade. Presented at the semi-annual Remodeling Futures Conference, the studies polled remodelers, architects, and consumers. One study revealed that 73 percent of consumers demand energy efficiency in their remodeling projects while 69 percent demand home automation. In a study by The Farnsworth Group, meanwhile, 40 percent of remodelers viewed energy-efficient products and construction as the top trend. Home automation consists of additions such as lighting control, connected appliances, HVAC, and security. Aging-in-place would include single-story homes with flat thresholds, wider hallways, and accessible kitchens and baths. | Read More