Daniel J SaitCEDIA has launched the Smart Home Assurance Programme, an initiative designed to make it easier for specifiers and volume homebuilders to future-proof new homes, while creating opportunities for integrators to build relationships with property developers and certify the next generation of connected homes.
The programme offers a structured certification system for builders that join, ensuring new homes are constructed with reliable technology infrastructure.
The demand for smart home technology is growing rapidly, with in-home connected devices expected to increase 50-fold by 2030. Builders and developers face challenges in installing or supporting smart technology and are seeking trusted professionals to deliver robust, future-ready systems.
Recent research, Smart Moves – The Role of Technology in New Homes, finds that 63% of respondents prefer a CEDIA-certified professional to install their technology, and 49% are more likely to select a home accredited by CEDIA or a similar industry body. This makes partnerships between builders, developers, and CEDIA members particularly valuable, says the association.
Mandisa Khabo, Technical Director at Greystar, comments, “As a vertically integrated owner and operator in the multifamily industry, it’s critical to Greystar that the technology in our communities performs reliably. When systems don’t work as expected, it impacts both our bottom line and the resident experience. Partnering with CEDIA helps us ensure we’re getting the most value from our investments and that everything functions as planned.”
CEDIA members can become CEDIA Smart Home Assessors, earning fees for certifying homes under the programme. This role allows members to expand their services by providing third-party certification and quality assurance, building relationships with developers and builders, and generating additional revenue through testing, assessment, and compliance services.
Assessors review developer wiring plans to ensure compliance and may witness, test, and certify site installations to meet programme standards. The CEDIA team may also provide ongoing support to homeowners and property managers, offering troubleshooting, upgrades, and technology consultations, supported by assessors.
A representative from Auberry of London says, “The CEDIA Smart Home Assurance scheme shows our purchasers that we’ve made best practice provision for what they’ll need in the future. It makes it easy for us, as developers, to get it right without being at the mercy of a number of expensive, proprietary systems.”
To support the programme, CEDIA has updated its Smart Home Infrastructure guidelines, available free via CEDIA’s Product Catalog.
Candidates seeking accreditation as CEDIA Assessors must be members, hold a CEDIA CIT or IST certification, and have a valid CSCS or ECS card, such as the Home Technology Integrator card.
Matt Nimmons, Managing Director at CEDIA EMEA, says, “Connectivity has never been more important in the home than it is today. Technology plays a pivotal role in our lives, and expectations for it to work seamlessly are extremely high. The CEDIA Smart Home Assurance Programme exists to ensure the technology installed in these properties is reliable. Educating developers and builders is hugely valuable so the right wiring infrastructure is planned from the outset on future projects.”
CEDIA hosts Smart Home Assessor Workshops in St. Neots, Cambridgeshire. The member-only course, led by industry veteran Steve Moore, costs £99. Contact CEDIA via info@cedia.org for available dates.