More and more homes are turning into and being built as smart homes. If you’re looking into smart home installation for your home you might be wondering:
Should you go the DIY route, hire a professional installer, or invest in a full-fledged smart home system like Control4 or Crestron?
Each approach has its pros and cons, and the best choice depends on your needs, budget, and tech comfort level. Let’s break it down!
Table of Contents
DIY Smart Home Installation: A Hands-On Approach
DIY (Do-It-Yourself) smart home installation is all about choosing your own devices, installing them yourself, and managing your own automation. It is what many of the articles at HomeTechHacker are about.
Why DIY Might Be Right for You
✅ Cost Savings – Professional installation and high-end systems can be expensive. DIY lets you buy what you need and install it yourself, often saving thousands.
✅ Flexibility & Customization – Choose exactly the devices and platforms you want. Mix and match Google Home, Alexa, Apple HomeKit, SmartThings, Home Assistant—you’re in control.
✅ Easy for Many Devices – Smart speakers, plugs, bulbs, video doorbells, and many security cameras are designed for easy setup through user-friendly apps.
✅ Learning & Experimentation – If you love tinkering, DIY gives you the freedom to explore, upgrade, and modify your setup as technology evolves.
Why DIY Might NOT Be for You
❌ Time-Consuming – Setting up multiple devices, troubleshooting network issues, and learning automation software can take a lot of time.
❌ Limited Integration & Scalability – DIY systems often rely on cloud-based services and can struggle with advanced integrations between brands. Note, you can avoid this by using local control smart home device alternatives.
❌ Security & Reliability Risks – Incorrect setups, poor Wi-Fi coverage, and lack of professional-grade security features can leave gaps in your smart home.
Editor’s Note: You can learn more about the downsides of a DIY smart home as well as how to mitigate those downsides here.
Hiring a Professional for Smart Home Installation
Professional smart home installers handle device setup, configuration, and integration, ensuring your system runs smoothly. This includes companies like Geek Squad, HelloTech, and local home automation specialists.
Why Going Pro Might Be Right for You
✅ Time Savings & Convenience – Skip the frustration. Professionals handle installation and troubleshooting for you.
✅ Better Integration – Pros can ensure smooth operation between devices, especially if you have a mix of platforms (Alexa, Google, Apple, etc.).
✅ Complex Installations – Wiring smart light switches, setting up advanced security systems, or integrating in-ceiling speakers is best left to an expert.
✅ Ongoing Support – Many installers offer maintenance plans, so if something breaks, you don’t have to troubleshoot it yourself.
Why Professional Installation Might NOT Be for You
❌ High Cost – Labor costs can range from $100+ for simple installs to $10,000+ for whole-home automation.
❌ Less DIY Flexibility – Once installed, modifications might require another professional visit (or void your warranty).
❌ Some Companies Push Specific Ecosystems – Some installers favor brands they have partnerships with, limiting your choices.
Premium Smart Home Systems: Control4, Crestron, and Savant
For those looking for a fully integrated, high-end smart home, professional systems like Control4, Crestron, and Savant offer whole-home automation. These systems are installed by certified dealers and control everything from lighting and security to entertainment and climate.
Why a Premium System Might Be Right for You
✅ Seamless Whole-Home Automation – These systems unify lighting, security, entertainment, shades, HVAC, and more into one centralized control hub.
✅ Extremely Reliable – Unlike DIY systems that depend on Wi-Fi and cloud services, Control4 and Crestron run on local servers and professional-grade networking equipment.
✅ High-End Customization – You can get touchscreen controllers, custom wall keypads, voice commands, and remote access to every part of your home.
✅ Ideal for New Construction or Major Remodels – If you’re building a smart home from the ground up, professional systems ensure a future-proof, seamless setup.
Why a Premium System Might NOT Be for You
❌ Expensive – Full-home automation can cost anywhere from $10,000 to $100,000+, depending on the size and features.
❌ Dealer/Installer Lock-in – You can’t DIY updates or modifications—all changes require a professional installer, adding to long-term costs.
❌ Not Always Compatible with DIY Devices – While some integrate with Alexa, Google, and Apple, they are designed for their own proprietary ecosystem.
DIY vs. Professional vs. Premium Systems: Which One is Right for You?
Here’s a breakdown of what might work best for your situation:
| Your Needs | Best Choice |
|---|---|
| You want to save money and enjoy tinkering | DIY |
| You need simple smart devices like bulbs and cameras | DIY |
| You want an easy setup but don’t want to install it yourself | Professional Install |
| You want high reliability and advanced security | Professional Install |
| You need whole-home automation | Control4, Crestron, or Savant |
| You want to integrate smart home, security, and AV systems seamlessly | Control4, Crestron, or Savant |
| You’re building a new home and want future-proof automation | Control4, Crestron, or Savant |
Editor’s Note: If you decide to go DIY and find yourself looking for assistance, you should check out HomeTechHacker’s article on getting help with your smart home.
Final Thoughts: The Best Smart Home Setup for You
There’s no single best approach to smart home installation—it depends on your budget, technical skill, and how much control you want over your system.
- If you enjoy learning and experimenting, DIY smart home installation can be a rewarding and budget-friendly choice.
- If you want everything to work seamlessly without headaches, a professional installation can save time and frustration.
- If you want the most advanced automation and reliability, professional systems like Control4, Crestron, and Savant provide luxury, whole-home integration at a premium price.
Whichever route you choose, your smart home should make life easier—not more complicated. And, if you go the DIY route, HomeTechHacker is here to help you with the following resources and more:
- Creating The Perfect Smart Home: 10 Key Steps When Starting From Scratch
- HomeTechHacker Smart Home Starter Package Advisor
- Decoding the Jargon: A Beginner’s Guide to Smart Home Terms
- 6 Places To Get Smart Home Help
- Create Your First Smart Home In 5 Days (HomeTechHacker Academy free course)
Would you go DIY, hire a pro, or go all-in with Control4? Let us know in the comments!
