Are you a control freak in the home? You’re not alone. Nine out of 10 homeowners in Britain are self-confessed ‘control freaks’, according to a new report into home behaviour.
The survey of 2,000 adults by smart home specialists Hive found that ‘control freaks’ feel uneasy if they’re not in charge of key aspects of their home, such as holding the TV remote, controlling the thermostat or changing the décor.
Interestingly, 78% of respondents attributed being a self-confessed control freak as a good thing – happier in their preferred role because it led to them feeling more content and in control.
Three in 10 admitted being in control actually made them feel happier, 39% found it relaxing and a third felt less inclined to worry.
Jo Hemmings, a behavioural psychologist working with Hive, said of the findings: “Feeling in control of your home is a very healthy attribute that can leave you feeling happier and more motivated. In today’s unpredictable lifestyle, it is fitting that we are seeing a rise of ‘connected home controllers’ using technology to help them complete those everyday tasks and find balance in their home.”
Positivity and Self Build
This positive view of controlling the ins and outs of your home and day-to-day home life is what inspires a number of self build and renovation projects. Many self builders and renovators embark on a building project to create an individual homes, tailored around their lifestyle and how to want to live in their homes.’
With smart home technology becoming more prevalent – and having positive implications for self build homes – it was unsurprising to see this reflected in the survey: almost 20% believe smart technology such as voice assistants and smart thermostats made it easier to control the home.
Furthermore, around half of those surveyed also believe that running a tight ship helped them save money, from lowering the cost of the weekly food shop to general household finances.