Imagine controlling everything in the home with a smartphone. Today, smart devices make it easy to do so. You can start the sprinkler while at work or change the thermostat settings with a few clicks.
Certain smart devices are quick and easy to install, while others require the entire home to be rewired. How much will it cost to transform the home into a smart home? It depends on what the homeowner is looking for from this project.
The Cost of a Smart Home
When determining the cost of converting a residence into a Smart House, the first thing a homeowner must determine is whether they are going to do this work on their own or hire professionals to complete the tasks. Those who choose the DIY route can expect to pay anywhere from $250 to $7,000 or more for the project.
Call in the professionals for brand installations, and the price could easily exceed $10,000 or more. Every home is unique so that the project will vary in purpose and scope. How does a DIY installation differ from a brand installation?
DIY Installations
With a DIY installation, the homeowner installs and maintains the smart home system. They retain complete control over the cost of the system and will choose which brands to purchase, which devices to buy, and other features. The final price depends on the items they select.
A smart thermostat won’t cost much, but a smart refrigerator can run as much as $10,000. The final price depends on what the homeowner chooses to automate. For basic home automation, expect to pay anywhere from $2,000 to $4,000.
Brand Installations
Many homeowners choose to invest in brand installations. They may choose individual items to automate or select a brand package. When a specific package is selected, the homeowner may pay as little as a few hundred dollars. However, depending on the package selected, they could also end up spending $7,000 or more. Custom installations can run anywhere from $10,000 to over $100,000.
Three things determine how much the homeowner will pay: the devices selected, labor charges, and any wiring needed. The devices themselves will account for a large part of the bill. Labor costs typically run $80 to $100 an hour, depending on the project’s complexity. Rewiring the entire home could be as little as $5,000 or over $20,000, depending on the home’s size. The homeowner can adjust the purpose and scope of the project to remain within budget while still getting the features they most want and need.
Factors That Influence Smart House Costs
Several factors influence the cost of an intelligent house. Home size has a significant impact on the homeowner’s payment when upgrading their residence to a smart home. Larger homes cost more to upgrade because they will have more rooms, appliances, and devices to connect to the system.
The systems included in the upgrade and the devices selected also influence the price. Depending on their desires for the home, homeowners may choose from low-end, average, and high-end systems. When installing this system, compare brands to find those with the desired features at affordable prices.
Home automation is becoming the norm today. It will no longer be found only in books and movies set in the future. A homeowner can easily install specific devices, but others need the assistance of professionals. Thanks to the many products, services, and devices available today, every homeowner can find the right combination for their needs, one that transforms their house into a home.