The Home Technology Association announced an update to its Technology Budget Calculator. This tool helps prospective clients understand realistic installed cost budget ranges for their home technology projects. Instead of asking homeowners their budget, the HTA Technology Budget Calculator provides an informed starting point for discussions.

The company says the updated HTA Technology Budget Calculator brings several key enhancements, most notably the addition of lighting fixtures. With the input of industry professionals Patrick Laidlaw of AiSPiRE/WAC, Mike Libman of DMF and David Warfel of Light Can Help You, the tool now includes architectural lighting fixtures. HTA says this ensures that homeowners, architects, interior designers and builders are aware of the advanced lighting solutions that can impact the look, feel, ambiance and wellness of their homes. It also informs them that home technology integrators are a resource for lighting fixtures, which most are unaware of. As part of this upgrade, the HTA also created a consumer-friendly glossary of key lighting terms that can be found here: https://htacertified.org/app/lighting-terms.

Watch this video to understand why the HTA did this:

The following entities can embed the budget calculator on their websites with a unique embed code: HTA Certified integrators, HTA Supporting Brand members, rep firms and related industry associations. Notably, the NAHB (National Association of Home Builders) has already embedded the HTA budget calculator in the members-only knowledge section of its website. Also:

• Lighting Fixtures: Provides basic information and budget ranges to start conversations on this complex topic.
• Networks / Wi-Fi Updates: Added a new “Professional” category between “Consumer-grade” and “Enterprise-grade.”
• Emphasis on Lighting and Shades: These topics have been moved near the top of the calculator.
• Emailed Reports: Improved formatting for emailed budget results.
• Embedded Calculator Color Matching: Customizable header color to match the target website’s color theme.

Go to: https://htacertified.org/tech-budgeting to see how the HTA Technology Budget Calculator works.