Hire a pro or do it yourself? A smart-home checklist
Most smart-home regret comes from two places: electrical work that wasn’t, and three apps that were supposed to be one. Use the checklist, then route the job to the right place.
Decision criteria
- Line voltage? Switches, dimmers, baseboard thermostats and anything behind a breaker. Licensing rules vary by state; many require a licensed electrician for permanent wiring.
- More than one ecosystem? Apple + Google/Alexa households need multi-admin or Joint-Fabric-era setup that platforms are still rolling out (see our Matter guide).
- Security liability? Locks, cameras, alarm integration — the install decisions (codes, batteries, Wi-Fi dependence) outlive the app.
- Warranty and support? Some makers tie warranty to professional installation; check the box.
- Your time. A “20-minute” thermostat swap on an unlabeled wire bundle is an afternoon plus a cold night.
Green / yellow / red
Cost honesty
DIY cost is the device plus your time. Pro cost depends on visit minimums, device count and wiring condition, and varies by market — we don’t publish price ranges we can’t source. Ask for a quote; a consult is free.
Where each job goes
- Device install, automation setup, platform cleanup → SmartHouse: request an install consult.
- Contractor-scale work (electrician, HVAC replacement, remodel with smart-home scope) → HouseIQ QuoteCheck: check the quote, lock the scope, pay by milestone, keep the record.
- DIY-friendly projects → our guides: Matter, thermostats, locks.
Last reviewed: 2026-10-02. Product facts come from the manufacturer pages linked in each row (SKU DB v2026-10-02); “unknown” means the page we checked did not state it. No ratings or review scores are used on SmartHouse. Nothing here is electrical, legal or safety advice for your specific home; licensing requirements vary by jurisdiction. See our disclosure & privacy page.