I have used Fairview Consultants for three of my home inspections now and I will never use anyone else! Pamela and Mike are a husband and wife team who are both licensed inspectors with many years of experience, so you’re really getting two inspectors for the price of one! They are very...
Mike is a great guy to work with. Shows up on time, easy going, and flexible. He creatively adapted my existing sprinkler system (a home build one from the previous homeowner) to the new, automated system. He worked around many unique challenges on my lot without complaint or raising the...
Sun SprinklersI met up with Justin (I think he's the owner) at their Seattle office get a feel how this company goes about staging their homes. I have a few rental properties along the I-5 corridor that I've wanted to put on the market, but haven't the slightest eye for design. I was blown away by Justin's...
Spade and Archer Design AgencyWe would highly recommend Mike for anyone in the process of buying a home. Mike is knowledgable, professional, thorough, and easy to work with. We accompanied Mike during the inspections (which he recommends). He made sure we understood what he was inspecting and explained any deficiencies...
We have an older home with lots of challenges when it comes to renovations and we try to keep that in mind. Nevertheless, not the level of professionalism we had hoped for. Very pleasant, but scheduling and punctuality not great.
The Green Clean Team does a GREAT job every other week cleaning my home with non toxic cleaners. They arrive every other Thursday while I am at work and clean my home from top to bottom. The house always looks great when I come home. They do the floors, bathrooms, kitchen, make the bed,...
Link Home Security is a Mountain Alarm company and has been in business since 1952. We're 5-Star rated with Alarm.com--the highest rating possible! Our 5-Diamond-rated central station has redundant locations so you'll never be without service. Our 2Gig (cellular) and Z-Wave products are the highest quality on the market. Everything we sell is backed by a 30-day money back guarantee. Our customer support is unparalleled in the industry!
"Glad it's easy for some with no experience and I could save money along the way."
Jared C on September 2021
Link Home Security is a Mountain Alarm company and has been in business since 1952. We're 5-Star rated with Alarm.com--the highest rating possible! Our 5-Diamond-rated central station has redundant locations so you'll never be without service. Our 2Gig (cellular) and Z-Wave products are the highest quality on the market. Everything we sell is backed by a 30-day money back guarantee. Our customer support is unparalleled in the industry!
"Glad it's easy for some with no experience and I could save money along the way."
Jared C on September 2021
The difference between smart home and home automation technology is that home automation is a more comprehensive home control system. It requires more expertise and work to install and set up, but homeowners have greater control over the various areas and functions in the home via their smartphone. Smart home technology is generally easier to install and set up. But it typically needs an internet connection to work as intended, which can limit functionality if there’s a disruption in internet service.
Home automation systems offer a wide range of automation products and services. Some of the most popular options include:
Cameras: $35–$350
Door and window sensors: $20–$100
Doorbells: $100–$350
Locks: $150–$400
Garage door openers: $150–$500
Lighting: $20–$100
Speakers: $30–$300
Outlets and plugs: $20–$100
Thermostats: $150–$300
Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors: $50–$150
Smart home hubs: $200–$900
Blinds: $50–$75
Appliances: $50–$3,000
Vacuums: $200–$1,200
Lawn systems: $80–$300
Wi-Fi and Mesh systems: $200–$500
Water monitoring: $100–$1,000
Home automation can be worth it if you’re looking for ways to make everyday home operations more convenient and controllable from a single hub integrated with your smartphone. You can select the different features and services you want to automate, ranging from exterior cameras to thermostats, to make this investment worthwhile by only installing services that are relevant to your household’s lifestyle. Plus, home automation can improve home security and eliminate daily inconveniences.
An accredited, licensed smart home specialist should install your home automation system. For example, a qualified smart home specialist will belong to an organization like the Custom Electronic Design & Installation Association. Licenses for qualified technicians require the technician to demonstrate experience and pass state testing. If you’re ready to install a home automation system, consult multiple technicians in your area to compare services and prices and find the best fit for your job.
The average cost of a home automation system is around $950, but typically ranges from $200 to $1,700, depending on the brand, system features, system size, home size, and location. The highest-end home automation systems can cost anywhere from $10,000 to $150,000, including smart appliances like refrigerators, dishwashers, and ovens that require installing extensive wiring. Any subscriptions for maintenance services will also impact the cost of a home automation system.
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
Discover the average smart home system cost, including key price factors and tips to save on installation, devices, and ongoing expenses.
