Smart Homes Need Smart Technicians

“Wrench jockey” is a somewhat insulting term sometimes used to describe a trade worker. These days, the terminology is not only unkind but off the mark.

Sure, wrenches, screwdrivers and other manual tools are still essential components of a toolbox, but the tools of the skilled trades are constantly evolving to include sophisticated electronic instrumentation needed to adapt to the wants and needs of modern society. You can’t be a dummy and handle the job these days. You can’t be computer illiterate. You can’t lack understanding of modern electronics. You must know how to work with sophisticated devices that contribute to energy efficiency, home security, comfort and safety.

A recent survey by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) found that today’s home buyers are demanding a wide array of gadgetry. In particular, the survey revealed that the top five most requested technology features of 2021 either dealt with energy efficiency or home security. People want thermostats that adjust automatically, they want doorbells with cameras that peek outside to see who’s on the doorstep, they want heating and cooling systems that deliver the same comfort everywhere in a large house without bloated energy bills.

Homeowners of today want to live in healthy homes with purified air fee of noxious odors and mold spores. They look at bathrooms not only as modern outhouses but also places of comfort and relaxation. They want lights that automatically go on when needed and off when not. They want maximum security for their loved ones and property. They want to reduce their electricity bills.

All of these features and more require a different breed of trade worker to install and troubleshoot than the “wrench jockeys” of old. It’s not enough to wield tools with muscle power. Today’s trade professionals require an upgraded understanding of electricity, airflow, hydraulics and the instruments that measure and calculate their loads.

Fortunately, young people of today have grown up with the internet, smartphones and all manner of electronic gadgets. Most of you are better equipped than people of older generations to adapt to the equipment and ways of today’s skilled trades.

In the next few blogs, I will detail some of the exciting and innovative technologies and features that promise a bright future for people embarking on different skilled trade careers.