How Technology Is Changing Home Design

The increased availability of and access to technology has changed the way that homeowners work with remodeling contractors, as well as changed the types of amenities that are included in remodeling projects. Sales Design Consultants with Callen explain how increased technology has impacted home remodeling.

Marie Owens, a Callen Sales Design Consultant, said the biggest change for her is in how she physically designs projects. “I have been in the industry long enough to have been doing hand drawings to show and illustrate my designs,” Marie said. “Now with computer design software, I can help the client feel like they are almost in their new space before we construct it. This is not only helpful when I am designing, but particularly when I am explaining the design to the client. It also becomes easy to explore and show alternative design options. All of this really helps to eliminate surprises throughout the process.”

According to Paulette Sodemann, Senior Sales Design Consultant for Callen, the ease of communicating with clients has been enhanced through technology. “Drawing designs on the computer and showing a visual of the client’s space is huge,” Paulette said. “It really makes it easier as a Sales Design Consultant to show your vision. It is amazing how the computer generated programs look so much like the final result.”

Paulette also said it is much easier to communicate with clients before, during, and after the project. “Most people have very hectic schedules and they are not always able to return a phone call during normal business hours,” she said. “E-mail is a nice form of connecting with a client, as it allows them to get back to me at a time when it is convenient for them to respond. For example, you can send change orders via e-mail to keep the job moving forward if something is modified during the project. The ability to text or e-mail the client at the home to get a quicker response is beneficial to all involved.”

In addition to making it easier to communicate with homeowners, working with suppliers, vendors, and installers has also been improved. Said Marie, “Communication with the tradespeople, supplier vendors, and installers is fast and immediate. Technology has sped up the process of finding products and specifying the details of products. It is so easy to search for products and instantly have the necessary specifications.”

“Most tradespeople are in the field during the day, so sending an e-mail or text gives them a chance to get to it when they can without playing ‘phone tag,’” Paulette said. “Being able to look up specs and products online also reduces time trying to find answers, allowing me to get back to the vendor or client faster.”

The advent of social media technology and more detailed websites has also influenced the design process, as it gives both clients and Sales Design Consultants inspiration. “Social media outlets such as Houzz and Pinterest, as well as manufacturer websites, helps homeowners see styles to which they are attracted, which helps narrow down a desired look,” Paulette said. “Being able to visualize something is huge for people, so having those types of websites can also help to explain the vision of the Sales Design Consultant. Social media and websites also give us an outlet to show our work to people regardless of where they reside. You are no longer limited to magazines to garner inspiration.”

“Houzz and Pinterest make the search for ideas easier with more results, plus these sites make it easier to exchange ideas,” Marie said. “Folders can be created to show ideas, once again making the ‘imagine this’ process much easier.  I frequently use these sites to explain overall design ideas as well as specific ideas such as lighting, hardware, backsplash tile, and more.”

Marie and Paulette said there is a variety of new technology being incorporated into designs throughout the home. For example, in the kitchen USB ports for docking and charging stations are being added, with televisions being incorporated into the space. “Induction cooking unit are becoming very popular and setting all lighting on dimmers is a feature I’m putting in all of my designs,” Paulette said. A more recent feature in bathroom is an exhaust fan with sensors to turn the unit on when it sense humidity.

In terms of current technology, Marie believes there is one item that will soon become irrelevant. “Keyboards in general will be seldom used or obsolete,” she said. “I believe we will just be talking to our phones or other portable devices.”

Paulette said that with everything going wireless, it will continue to be easier to install technology in existing spaces. “As we move forward with home renovations, every part of the home will be impacted by technology. I’m excited to see what the future holds, and how I get to help people make their home perform to its full capacity,” she said.

Call Callen today at 414-765-2585 to schedule a no-obligation consultation. We’ll be happy to provide you with a FREE quote for your remodeling project.