From Cost Savings to Personalization: How AI is Transforming Homeownership

Image from Barcodia - BMind Smart Mirror - AI Powered (Manufacturer's Photo)

Artificial intelligence is increasingly impacting so many aspects of our lives and our homes are no exception. From maximizing energy efficiencies to enjoying a more personalized experience, a growing number of homeowners are taking a closer look at the benefits of AI-powered appliances and technologies in their homes.

While AI is far from new, the advancements of AI in smart home technology is growing in popularity. Innovations like AI-enabled smart appliances, AI-powered home assistants, personalized automation capabilities, and fault detection are just a few of the capabilities transforming living spaces.

Underscoring the growing interest in AI-powered solutions, a recent Global AI in Smart Home Technology Market Research report states that the global market is predicted to reach $57.3 billion by 2031, up from $12.7 billion in 2023.

As the report states, “The North America AI in smart home technology market is expected to register the highest market share in terms of revenue in the near future. Smart home solutions that provide ease, automation, and improved control over living spaces are highly preferred by consumers. Smart lights, security systems, and thermostats are just a few of the high-demand gadgets with AI capabilities.”

A desire to improve energy usage and sustainability is also driving more interest in AI. According to a recent survey by nonprofit Smart Energy Consumer Collaborative (SECC), 61% of Americans surveyed said they believe AI systems will prove beneficial to their electricity usage. This figure rises to 76% among those Americans who have experience with AI systems.

As technologies further evolve, the interest in AI will continue to gain momentum. To help homeowners navigate the innovations on the market, we’ve outlined a few ways in which AI is fueling change.

AI-Enabled Kitchens and Bathrooms

In the kitchen, smart refrigerators held the largest market share in 2023 (33.5% to 39%), according to a global research report. In fact, popular smart appliances like fridges (4.7%), dishwashers (4.2%), ovens (4.2%), and microwaves (4.1%) have become essential additions to a growing number of homes.

When envisioning an AI kitchen, think innovative technologies to automate meal planning, reduce waste, assist with grocery shopping, maintain appliances, and more.

Now, manufacturers are looking to take AI-enabled smart appliances to the next level, delivering an even more personalized experienced and interconnected smart home for today’s homeowners.

One example is Hisense. The manufacturer of consumer electronics and home appliances recently announced that its ConnectLife platform is bringing intelligent cooking features to the kitchen. Developed in collaboration with Microsoft using Azure AI Studio, the AI-powered recipe assistant can suggest personalized recipes based on available ingredients, dietary restrictions, and preferences. And it seamlessly connects with Hisense’s suite of smart appliances to further simplify cooking.

But the innovations extend well beyond the kitchen. Hisense also announced that the ConnectLife platform will now integrate with Google Home. According to the manufacturer, the expanded connectivity unlocks true home automation by integrating Hisense TVs and home appliances with third-party devices like lighting, curtains, doorbells, and more in a single app.

Meanwhile, GE Profile announced in 2024 that it is leveraging AI to take the guesswork out of cooking and baking with Cookcam AI. In-oven cameras take images of the oven cavity, and AI and machine learning is used to identify what food is being cooked and recommends the best Precision Cooking Mode. It can then automatically track progress, modify temperatures, and adjust cook times.

GE Cookcam AI Over the Air (Manufacturer's Photo)

Additional innovations include, but are not limited to:

• Samsung’s new refrigerators with AI Hybrid Cooling technology. The AI-powered technology can optimize energy use through adaptive hybrid cooling and extend freshness of perishable foods with precise temperature control. Samsung noted that it plans to introduce a model that can be recognized as the most efficient of Energy Star in 2025.

• LG’s ThinQ ON. It is an advanced AI home hub that integrates with LG's latest AI appliances to form the core of the LG AI Home Solution. ThinQ ON understands natural language so users can control appliances, Internet of Things (IoT) devices, and services with conversational voice commands.

• Delta Faucet’s Touch2O with Touchless Technology. It uses capacitive sensing (versus infrared motion-activation) to recognize human presence (not objects) within four inches of the surface for the quick water activation while keeping the faucet clean.

• Baracoda’s BMind mirror for the bathroom. The health tech company describes BMind as “the world's first AI-powered smart mirror for mental wellness.” It can identify different sentiments and adapt to a person’s mood by providing light therapy sessions, and personalized, auto-generated exercises like guided meditation and self-affirmations.

Smart Safety and Energy Saving Tech

Manufacturers are also using AI-powered innovation to further improve home safety and maximize energy efficiency.

One such segment that is gaining traction in the consumer segment and is poised for additional growth is the market for smart smoke and CO (carbon monoxide) detectors. According to data by market research and consulting company Park Associates, the segment generated $771 million in revenue in the U.S. in 2023, and, by 2027, is anticipated to reach $976 million in the U.S.

Meanwhile, smart leak detection technology is helping homeowners attain greater peace of mind and save money. In fact, consumer faucet brand Moen states that water damage accounts for 24% of all insurance claims —  six times more than fire and eight times more than theft. And it estimates that, nationally, insurers pay out more than $15 billion in water claim damages each year, of which a significant amount are related to leaks.

To help reduce the risk of water damage, a device like the Moen Flo Smart Water Monitor and Shutoff, for example, can intelligently and automatically notify the homeowner and automatically shut off the home’s water in the event a leak is detected. It attaches to a home's main water supply line and operates, in the background, 24/7 to monitor for potential water abnormalities. Using AI and enhanced FloSense 3.0 Technology and MicroLeak Technology, it learns the water usage patterns of the home and can sense leaks as small as one drop per minute, Moen stated. It can also detect other issues like running toilets and small drips.

Moen is working with several home insurance providers to help provide Smart Water Monitor and Shutoff devices to policyholders.

Moen Flo Smart Water Monitor and Shutoff

Intelligent heat pump water heaters are also gaining attention as homeowners look to improve energy efficiency.

Cala Systems, for instance, recently secured $5.6 million in seed funding to help support the commercial launch of its intelligent heat pump system. Using AI, Cala’s predictive controls enables the system to heat water based on the patterns of hot water usage in the home and the preferences of the homeowner. This can improve hot water availability during times of high demand and minimize costs, Cala stated.

Smart Kitchen and Bathroom Design

AI is also helping transform interior design, such as kitchen and bath remodels, through AI-powered interior design apps. The innovative apps can help users easily plan, visualize, and optimize the spaces in a matter of minutes and are quickly becoming a valuable tool for contractors.

By leveraging the technology, contractors can quickly create for clients detailed 3D models of the spaces that match a homeowner’s style preference (e.g., rustic, French country, modern, etc.), maximize functionality, and more.

This helps contractors provide a more personalized client experience, enhance client collaboration, save time, and deliver more precise quotes.

To learn more and see, firsthand, how AI-powered design apps can transform your living space, VAZ Kitchen & Bath invites you to send us a photo of the rooms you are looking to renovate. Contact us today at via email at viczamora23@gmail.com or by calling 253-800-9696.

ADUs - Sparking Interest Amongst Homeowners

A highly competitive housing market and intensifying need for affordable housing is sparking greater interest in accessory dwelling units (ADUs), which, for some homeowners, can be an attractive housing solution and ideal way to maximize the use of their property.

What is an ADU? As defined by the American Planning Association, an ADU is “a smaller, independent residential dwelling unit located on the same lot as a stand-alone (i.e., detached) single-family home.”

ADUs — which are also known by other names like mother-in-law suites, secondary suites, or accessory apartments — can be located within an existing home (i.e., internal ADU), attached to an existing or new home (i.e., attached ADU), or constructed as a standalone accessory structure (i.e., detached ADU).

A recent Freddie Mac consumer survey found that familiarity and interest in ADUs have been on the rise in recent years. In fact, the survey revealed that 32% of those who did not own an ADU reported interest in having an ADU on their property in the future. Furthermore, a 2020 Freddie Mac research insight found that, between 2009 and 2019, the number of first-time ADU listings averaged 8.6% in year-over-year growth.

The top cited reasons for considering an ADU, according to Freddie Mac research, include:

• Hosting out-of-town visitors (37%)

• Renting to tenants (33%)

• Short-term vacation rental (21%)

• Moving in family permanently with rent payment (19%)

• Moving in family temporarily without rent payment (18%)

It is also interesting to note that a separate survey conducted by OnePoll found that more than half (61%) of homeowners surveyed cited multigenerational housing (i.e., housing for aging parents or family members) as their main reason for constructing an ADU. OnePoll research also revealed  that one-in-four homeowners either house a disabled family member in their ADU or have plans to do so in the future.

Given the benefits to be gained with an ADU, the growing interest in the concept comes as little surprise. For example, an ADU may add value to a home while also providing the homeowner with rental income if used as a short-term or long-term rental. That rental income can help a homeowner offset higher living expenses and the cost of necessities like gas and groceries.

However, that’s not to say that challenges and concerns do not exist when looking to construct an ADU. According to Freddie Mac research, roughly half of surveyed homeowners without an ADU believed it would be somewhat to very difficult to create or build an ADU on their current property.

That’s why it is important for homeowners to turn to a trusted contractor who can help them navigate the complexities of constructing an ADU. Let’s take a closer look at some of the key factors to consider.

Covering the cost

The cost to construct an ADU will, of course, vary from project to project depending on such factors like whether it is an existing structure that is being converted, if it is a new structure being developed, the size of the ADU, etc.

According to Freddie Mac research, the most frequently cited ways to finance the costs of building and maintaining an ADU include leveraging personal savings and collecting rent from tenants. Seventeen percent cited taking out a personal loan from a bank and 14% would use their tax refund.

Fortunately for Washington residents, a number of regulatory incentives have been established to help ease the financial burden and to make the ADU permitting process easier. As noted in an article by Steadily, a provider of property insurance for landlords, such efforts include, but are not limited to, relaxing parking requirements for ADUs, prohibiting the requirement of street improvements as a precondition for the approval of ADU projects, and capping impact fees.

ADU zoning requirements, permits

To ensure compliance, it is imperative to become familiar with the specific ADU requirements of your municipality. Some questions homeowners must consider include, but are not limited to:

• Are the property owners required to live in the principal unit or the ADU?

• Are there any size restrictions on the ADU?

• Are there restrictions on who can live in the ADU?

• How do you apply for an ADU permit?

• Will the ADU connect to the utilities of the main house?

• What are the parking requirements for the ADU?

• Are there fee waivers or reductions offered in your area to help reduce costs?

Example of local ADU zoning requirements

In Steilacoom, for instance, it has been legal to have an ADU on a lot since 1995. Property owners are not required to live in the principal unit or the ADU, and the minimum gross floor area of an ADU is 320 square feet and the maximum gross floor area is 1,000 square feet.

If the property is located within Steilacoom’s historic district and installation of the ADU will require exterior modifications to the home, then the Historic Preservation and Review Board must review and approve the ADU plans before the ADU permit can be issued. The homeowner must also demonstrate that one off-street parking space is available for the resident of the ADU, in addition to the two parking spaces required for the main home.

The Town noted that, in 2023, State Legislature passed HB 1337, requiring cities and towns to allow up to two ADUs on every residential lot, subject to standard building code and zoning requirements. In December 2023, the Town updated its ADU regulations to comply with HB 1337.

These are just a few of the zoning requirements that must be considered to have an ADU in the Steilacoom.

As explained on the Town’s website, the ADU permit application process looks similar to the following:

• Obtain (from the Town website or the Town Public Works Building on Roe Street) and complete an ADU permit application and a building permit application. Return the completed application materials to the Planning Department at the Public Works Building.

• Within 30 days of receiving these materials, the Town will either deny or give preliminary approval to your ADU permit. If the proposed ADU complies with the ordinance, the Town will notify adjacent property owners that an ADU has been given preliminary approval. This notice gives the neighborhood an opportunity to appeal the ADU permit based on the grounds that the plans do not comply with the ADU ordinance. If no appeal is filed, the Town will issue a building permit to begin construction of the ADU.

• After the unit is installed, the ADU will receive final inspection. If the unit passes final inspection, the ADU permit is issued by the Town. The building department will notify the utility billing department of the new ADU permit and applicable utility charges will begin during the next billing cycle.

Partner with the right contractor.

To learn more about how VAZ Kitchen & Bath can help you successfully navigate the complexities of constructing an ADU, contact us at 253-800-9696 or via email at viczamora23@gmail.com.

Five Red Flags You Need to Know Before Hiring a Contractor

Whether it is to upgrade outdated finishes, replace worn-out materials, or improve livability, the reasons why homeowners look to invest in home renovation projects vary. While turning their envisioned project into a reality should bring a sense of joy and accomplishment, some homeowners may instead find themselves reeling from the impacts of a shady contractor.

In fact, problems with work performed by home improvement contractors or repairmen ranked No. 2 on the list of the top consumer complaints, according to the Consumer Federation of America’s 2023 Consumer Complaint Survey Report. Commonly cited complaints included quality, completion of work, and licensure status.

That’s why hiring a trustworthy contractor must be the first step in any home renovation project.

However, one of the challenges that homeowners may face is knowing how to identify a dishonest contractor who may perform shoddy work, damage their home, or even take their money and disappear before doing any work at all.

To help homeowners tell the difference between a trustworthy contractor and a swindler, we’ve compiled a list of five red flags that should not be overlooked. Let’s take a closer look.

Red Flag #1

All contractors must have an active license and be bonded and insured for damages that may occur. If a contractor’s licensure status is unclear and cannot be verified, and they are not properly bonded and insured, it is best to find another contractor. To verify a contractor’s status, visit the Labor & Industries (L&I) Verify tool.

Red Flag #2

If a contractor has lawsuits against their bond or safety or construction citations this is a significant red flag that should be taken seriously. Turn to the L&I’s Verify tool to see if they have any citations or lawsuits. This may sound obvious, but it is advisable to steer clear of contractors that have citations or lawsuits.

Red Flag #3

Contractors should always provide a detailed, written contract to be signed by both parties before any work begins. The written contract should include such details as the scope of work, completion dates, warranties, price, and “Notice to the Buyer” and “Notice of Washington Residents” clauses. If a contractor fails to provide a detailed, written contract do not hire them. Also, be sure not to focus solely on price. If there’s a big price difference among the estimates, ask the contractor for an explanation.

Red Flag #4

Be wary of contractors that ask for the full amount of a project up front, require large deposits, accept only cash payments, or request payments be made in their  personal name versus the business name. Furthermore, never pay the final payment until the project is complete and you are satisfied with the work.

Red Flag #5

Contractors are required, in most instances, to take out the permits. Therefore, be cautious of contractors who ask the homeowner to get the building permit. Permits are important as they help ensure that the work will comply with local building codes.

Home renovation projects can be stressful and overwhelming. Fortunately, they don’t have to be. Knowing the red flags can help you find the trustworthy contractor you need to successfully turn your envisioned project into a reality.

“We’ve been in the industry for nearly two decades and understand that home improvement projects can be stressful when not properly managed by the right contractor. Before hiring a contractor we encourage every homeowner to verify credentials on the L&I site and look for an experienced contractor with a good reputation,” said Victor Zamora, founder of Steilacoom-based VAZ Kitchen & Bath. “Carefully reading a contractor’s online reviews, from both current and prior years, can be a great way to learn more about the quality of their work, trustworthiness, and level of customer service.”

To learn more about the high-quality work and exceptional customer service VAZ Kitchen & Bath delivers, contact us at 253-800-9696 or via email at viczamora23@gmail.com.