Homeowners want hi-tech bathrooms

Today’s high-end bathrooms should have smart showers, heated floors, centralized and motion-control lighting, leak detection devices connected to mobile apps, sound systems and connectivity.

That’s according to a study commissioned by the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) and Custom Electronics Design and Installation Association (CEDIA), which suggests that end-users are ahead of the design curve.

The Bathroom Technology Awareness and Usage Report surveyed 206 NKBA designers, 47 technology integrators and 301 consumers who are in the process of planning a bathroom remodel. The purpose of the research was to understand why there is a significant gap between the bathroom technology that is available and the technology that consumers currently have in their master bathrooms, and to identify measures that can be taken to close the gap.

“Homeowners are bringing technology into their homes,” says Suzie Williford, chief strategy officer and executive vice president of industry relations for the NKBA. “In this instance, they are knowledgeable about what’s out there and are comfortable asking for it. We continue to study the market, learning what’s driving homeowners. Sharing these insights with our members and collaborative partners like CEDIA helps chart a course for deeper collaboration. Together, we deliver beautiful, safe, functional homes.”

Other wish-list items include automatic temperature adjustment and hands- or touch-free faucets and toilets

The study concludes that designers and technology integrators collaborating on master bathroom projects can add value to their roles by alleviating homeowner questions, providing confidence and guiding product decisions, according to the study.

For more, visit www.nkba.org. 

This article originally appeared in the November 2019 issue.