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Developers should look for a partner who provides a fully integrated, pre-configured system that does not require specialist installers. Key factors include ease of installation for standard electricians, ongoing support and maintenance, a proven track record with similar developments, and a system that adds genuine value for end buyers.
For property developers, selecting a home automation provider is not simply a procurement decision. The technology will be experienced by every buyer, demonstrated during every viewing, and reflected in the perceived quality of the development. Getting it right adds value and accelerates sales. Getting it wrong creates snagging issues, buyer complaints, and a system that undermines the premium positioning of the scheme.
The connected home market has grown rapidly, and with that growth has come a wide range of providers offering very different levels of service, reliability, and support. A 2024 CEDIA report found that 43% of developers who included home automation in their projects experienced significant delays or quality issues related to their technology partner, most commonly due to over-reliance on on-site programming and specialist labour.
One of the most important distinctions between providers is how the system is programmed. Traditional home automation companies programme systems on-site, which means a specialist integrator needs to visit the property, often multiple times, to set up and fine-tune the technology. This creates scheduling dependencies, extends the build programme, and introduces a variable that is difficult for the developer to control.
Pre-configured systems, by contrast, are designed and programmed off-site before delivery. The system arrives ready to install, and the on-site work is limited to physical connection and commissioning. This approach is more predictable, faster, and less dependent on specialist availability. For multi-unit developments, it also ensures consistency across every property in the scheme.
Consider who will install the system. If the provider requires their own specialist integrators to carry out the installation, this adds another trade to the build programme and creates coordination overhead. It can also introduce delays if the integrator's schedule does not align with the construction timeline.
Systems designed for installation by a standard electrician, like Baulogic, integrate seamlessly into the existing build programme. The electrical contractor already on site handles the full installation, following a clear cabling plan and installation guide. There is no need to brief, schedule, or manage an additional specialist team.
For developments with multiple units, scalability matters. The provider should be able to deliver a consistent system across every property in the scheme, adapted to the specific layout of each unit but maintaining the same quality and functionality throughout. Ask how the provider handles multi-unit projects. Do they produce individual specifications for each property type? Can they scale production to match the build programme without delays?
A 2023 survey by the National House Building Council (NHBC) found that consistency of finish was the single most important factor in buyer satisfaction with new-build properties. Technology should be held to the same standard as kitchens, bathrooms, and flooring: consistent, reliable, and professionally delivered across every unit.
Technology requires ongoing support. Ask about the provider's warranty terms, their response time for issues, and how they handle support after the developer has handed over the property to the buyer. A reputable provider will offer clear warranty coverage, accessible support channels, and documentation that enables the homeowner to use the system confidently from day one.
Also consider what happens if the provider ceases trading. Systems built on open standards like KNX can be maintained and expanded by any certified professional, regardless of the original installer. Proprietary systems may leave homeowners with no support options if the provider exits the market.
When evaluating a connected home partner, these are the questions that matter most. Is the system pre-configured off-site or programmed on-site? Can a standard electrician install it? What is the typical installation timeline per unit? How do you handle multi-unit developments with different layouts? What warranty and after-sales support do you provide? What standard does the system use, and is it open or proprietary? Can you provide references from similar developments?
The answers to these questions will quickly reveal whether a provider is set up to deliver reliably at the pace and scale that a development project demands.