Smart Home Technologies to Watch

Nearly half of households in North America will feature smart home systems by 2026, with market penetration set to reach 46% and global device shipments approaching 1.25 billion units. Smart thermostats, energy management systems, and integrated security solutions are leading adoption, driven by consumer preferences for convenience, savings, and safety.^[3][5][7]

Top 3 Innovations in Smart Homes

• Voice Assistants & Automation: Advanced AI enables predictive energy management and seamless user control.^[5]
• Home Security Upgrades: Nearly half of all households are installing smart cameras and doorbells for enhanced protection.^[3]
• Energy Management Platforms: Fastest-growing segment, optimizing HVAC, lighting, and appliances for cost and carbon reduction.^[3]

Sustainability in 2026 Builds

Builders are navigating new green regulations that require higher energy performance and materials with low embodied carbon. Net Zero and LEED certification trends are surging, with provinces like British Columbia mandating stricter compliance and more projects seeking Zero Carbon Building certification each year.^[4][6]

Energy Efficiency Standards

• Codes are evolving to require mechanical heat recovery, solar integration, and electrification mandates for new buildings.^[6]
• Incentives such as tax credits and utility rebates support upgrades and retrofits.^[6]

Eco-certification Trends (LEED, Net Zero)

• Both commercial and residential sectors are pursuing LEED and Net Zero certifications to attract sustainability-minded investors and buyers.^[4]
• The Canada Green Building Council notes a steady increase in certified projects nationwide.^[6]

ROI on Green Building

• Studies show 8–15% faster leasing, higher resale value, and operational savings up to 20% with certified sustainable builds.^[4][6]

Builder Impact: What This Means for Builders

Single-family starts are expected to rebound modestly through 2026, and demand for skilled labor in smart and sustainable construction remains high. Builders must focus on digital skills, productivity tools, and adoption of prefab and modular construction to meet project deadlines and address the ongoing workforce shortage.^[2][8]

Builder Case Studies

A Vancouver-based firm cut operational costs by 18% after upgrading to smart energy management and earning Net Zero certification; another developer saw 60% faster delivery on multifamily projects using prefab techniques.^[2][4]

Consumer Preferences Survey Insights

• 51% cite safety as the top reason for smart home adoption; 40% of prospective buyers are millennials.^[3]
• Nearly 43% of households are comfortable investing in smart home extras, indicating broad appeal across demographics.^[3]

Builder Checklist for 2026 Readiness

FAQs for Builders

1. What’s the forecast for smart home adoption in 2026?
   Smart home penetration is expected to reach 46% of North American households, with energy management platforms showing fastest growth.^[7][3]
2. Which eco-certifications lead for new homes in 2026?
   LEED and Net Zero are gaining ground, with more projects seeking certification year-on-year.^[4][6]
3. What are the top ROI drivers in sustainable construction for 2026?
   Certified builds benefit from faster leasing, greater buyer demand, and savings on operating costs.^[6][4]
4. Will regulatory codes change energy standards in 2026?
   Regulations are tightening, with provinces adopting higher standards and incentives for renewable integration.^[6]
5. How is workforce availability affecting builders in 2026?
   Labor shortages persist, so investing in digital skills and modular methods is vital for competitive advantage.^[8][2]
6. What are consumers seeking most in new homes?
   Safety and convenience are key—smart security and energy-saving tech top buyer wish lists.^[3]

Sources:

1. https://www.usp-research.com/insights/blogs/5-trends-in-the-construction-industry-for-2026-and-beyond/
2. https://thebirmgroup.com/construction-trends-in-2026-revolutionary-changes-shaping-the-industry/
3. https://www.consumeraffairs.com/finance/smart-home-market-trends.html
4. https://www.iankhan.com/green-building-standards-and-certifications-for-net-zero-a-future-ready-guide-fo/
5. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/smart-home-market-size-key-highlights-insights-scope-jyxbe
6. https://www.dentons.com/en/insights/newsletters/2025/january/23/global-regulatory-trends-to-watch/dentons-canadian-regulatory-trends-to-watch-in-2025/canadas-legislative-framework-for-building-environmental-performance
7. https://www.statista.com/outlook/cmo/smart-home/worldwide
8. https://thunderbirdproducts.com/blogs/resource/construction-outlook
9. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/building-blocks-market-upgrade-path-2026-trends-sjjjf
10. https://electricaltrends.com/2025/08/18/updated-construction-forecast-for-2026-2029/
11. https://www.buildingradar.com/construction-blog/emerging-trends-shaping-us-commercial-construction-in-2025-2026
12. https://iotbreakthrough.com/the-smart-home-in-2026-whats-actually-sticking-and-whats-not/
13. https://natural-resources.canada.ca/energy-efficiency/building-energy-efficiency/canada-green-buildings-strategy-transforming-canada-s-buildings-sector-net-zero-resilient-future
14. https://elijahkord.com/nars-2025-2026-market-forecast-a-custom-builders-perspective-custom-home-builder/
15. https://www.goranbrelih.com/net-zero-carbon-vs-leed-key-points-to-consider/
16. https://atradiuscollections.com/in/knowledge-and-research/reports/industry-trends-regional-construction-industry-trends-2025-2026
17. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/whole-house-smart-home-system-market-2026-deep-dive-trends-vcdpf
18. https://www.arup.com/globalassets/downloads/insights/net-zero-opertationa-buildings-state-of-the-art.pdf
19. https://uk.finance.yahoo.com/news/canada-construction-industry-report-2025-085300825.html
20. https://explodingtopics.com/blog/construction-industry-trends

Sanjeevan

CTMO

Sanjeevan Premkumar is the Chief Technology & Marketing Officer at Bridge, specializing in digital strategy and real estate market research. He combines technical insight with a deep understanding of the property sector.

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