Before you bark commands at a virtual assistant, you need to know who to hire
We get it; you’ve had it. You’ve had it with your light switches, your garage door, and your thermostat. Just hearing the word “manual” makes you tired. As you start to think about upgrading your home to a smart home and investing in home automation installation, there are a few things to consider. Yes, home automation has come a long way in a short time, but going wireless is a pretty intricate process.
That’s why hiring an expert for home automation installation is important to avoid any possible hacking or security breaches in the system. Additionally, a proper installation ensures a well-working system for years to come. But who do you call for for a home automation system installation? Your best bet is a licensed home automation specialist.
Home automation allows you to control and manage various aspects of your home remotely and automatically. It integrates smart devices, sensors, and software to create a networked ecosystem controlled through a central hub or mobile app.
These devices can include smart thermostats, lighting systems, security cameras, door locks, and more. You can set up schedules, trigger events, or control devices manually via your smartphone or with voice commands through virtual assistants like Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant.
The key to home automation is connectivity. Devices communicate with each other and the central hub through wireless protocols like Wi-Fi, Zigbee, Z-Wave, or Bluetooth. Sensors provide input to the system, detecting changes in the environment or status of devices, which can then trigger automated actions. Home automation creates a more comfortable and responsive living environment, but the process involved in getting it set up is pretty complex.
Whether you are looking for a relatively simple smart home setup or you want to integrate dozens of appliances into an automation system, there are benefits to contacting a local home automation specialist for the job.
Modern smart home specialists boast accreditations and licenses for a wide variety of automation-adjacent categories, such as electronic network security, alarm security, and more. These licenses require both experience and testing, ensuring your pro can handle anything you throw at them.
Additionally, many qualified technicians belong to industry-wide associations like the Custom Electronic Design & Installation Association, which requires proper licensing.
There are a lot of potential problems when installing a home automation system, especially if your pro needs access to electrical systems. Reputable smart home specialists have multiple types of insurance to give you—and them—peace of mind. While many states require general liability insurance and workers comp, a pro is more likely to be professionally bonded should you encounter any issues with the contractors.
After all, installing a home automation system costs up to $1,400, so protect your investment with the proper insurance.
One of the best reasons to go with a legitimate home automation pro is that these companies offer service and support after the initial installation and setup. These pros offer advice on which materials won’t block home Wi-Fi signals, troubleshooting and security tips, and information on how best to save on utility bills by operating smart appliances.
Nobody knows your system better than the folks who installed it, so it feels good to know you have someone to call should something go wrong down the line. (Spoiler alert: It’s technology; Something always goes wrong down the line.)
Smart home specialists go far beyond setting up system hubs and connecting them to your Internet and appliances, though they also do that. Modern companies prewire homes so you won’t have to tear into walls, determine necessary power outlets for effective coverage, and offer advice on how to hide crucial technology with interior decorating. They also work with general contractors to leave room for speakers, various electronic devices, or anything else you want hidden inside walls.
In short, smart home installation experts design, plan, install, implement, and set up every facet of a smart home.
Now that you know who to call for professional home automation installation, let’s talk about whether it’s safe or easy for you to do it yourself.
If you have some wireless networking experience and your setup is on the simpler side, then, yes, go ahead and tackle this yourself. Adding a few smart plugs and outlets or hooking up cameras and smart door locks are usually pretty straightforward projects. But if you are building a whole-house smart home system, your best bet is with a professional. These systems have many moving parts and require massive amounts of experience for successful installations.
Smart home specialists charge an hourly rate for labor, typically anywhere from $40 to $80 per hour, so you’d save that money by going it alone. However, these same companies have increased purchase power for smart home systems, thanks to dealing in bulk. In other words, you’ll be on your own to buy the right tools and machines for the job.
Many specialists offer free at-home consultations to discuss options, since these systems can get pretty involved quickly. Here is a list of things to bring up during your initial talks as you collect bids.
Talk about individualized systems: Talk to your pro about your options, and don’t be afraid to bring up any specific requests. There are many ways to individualize and custom-build these systems to suit your specifications. Water systems, HVAC systems, and even systems designed to improve overall health are all modern candidates for automation.
Discuss any security concerns: No network security system is foolproof, especially when faced with a master hacker. Poorly designed systems offer easier access for hackers, so ask any potential technician their gameplan for beefing up your network security throughout your smart home.
Ask for references: Hiring a smart home specialist is no different from hiring any other type of contractor, so getting several bids and talking to their past clients is important. Find out whether or not the company met its budget, schedule, and expectations.
Ask about similar projects: Yes, each home is different, but many share commonalities. If your pro has successfully completed similar projects, you’re off to a great start.
Discuss the time commitment: Some systems, like surround sound audio, take a day or less, but more complex systems take multiple days or even weeks.
Be honest about your budget: Pick a maximum budget and stick to it as you discuss options and collect bids from companies. Home automation systems can run the gamut from fairly basic to extravagant and range from $2,000 to $200,000 or more.
Home automation systems come with a broad price range, typically from $180 to $1,700, but most projects tend to cluster around an average cost of $900. However, it's essential to note that the cost of home automation installation can vary significantly. Factors like location and service plan have an impact on what you’ll pay. Your total price will be based on regional differences in labor and material costs as well as the complexity of the system you want.
Lawrence Bonk contributed to this piece.
This depends on their overall level of experience and familiarity with the industry. For instance, any general contractor worth their salt can easily handle putting in a soundbar, but setting up an advanced system requires advanced experience. Smart home installers have an industry focus, meaning that they are always up to date with the latest and greatest pieces of relevant technology.
The value of home automation depends on individual needs and priorities. For many, the convenience and efficiency make it worth the investment. Home automation can enhance daily life by simplifying routine tasks like adjusting the thermostat, managing lighting, or monitoring security remotely. Optimized climate control and lighting management can also lead to energy savings. Enhanced security features, such as smart locks and security cameras, provide peace of mind.
One significant drawback of home automation is the increased risk of cybersecurity threats. With more connected devices in our homes, there's a greater chance that hackers might try to exploit vulnerabilities to access personal data or even control your devices. If you don't secure your smart gadgets properly, they can become entry points for cyberattacks, risking your privacy and safety. Moreover, technology isn't perfect. Sometimes, systems can malfunction or experience connectivity issues, disrupting your daily routines. The upfront cost of buying and installing smart devices can also be a hurdle for some people.
