From smart doorbells and thermostats to full-home automation systems, the smart home market is expanding rapidly. Smart device ownership among U.S. households with internet reached 45% by 2024, and as homeowners grow more comfortable and confident using smart tech, many are tempted to take a DIY approach to integration. While some upgrades are perfect for a Saturday afternoon project, others require a level of technical and integration expertise that only a trained smart home professional can provide.
CEDIA, The Association for Smart Home Professionals, shares insights on when it makes sense to flex your DIY muscles—and which upgrades benefit most from expert help:
When to flex your DIY muscles
Plenty of smart home tech is designed with the average homeowner in mind. These upgrades are affordable, approachable, and don’t require much more than a Wi-Fi connection and a screwdriver:
- Smart bulbs, voice assistants, and basic cameras are simple to install and great for getting started with smart home tech. These 3 products usually only require plugging them in, connecting to your Wi-Fi network, and downloading a user-friendly app. These devices offer a low-stakes way to give home automation a try and can be up and running within minutes.
- Smart plugs are another great entry point into automation that allow users to control appliances or lighting without any rewiring required. This is especially useful for renters, or any homeowner that is not yet willing to commit to more permanent renovations. With built-in scheduling and energy monitoring and management features, they can also help to save on utility bills.
- Smart thermostats have become increasingly DIY friendly and are easy to control through user-friendly apps, making them a popular upgrade. If your home has a newer HVAC system that includes a clearly labeled C-wire (common wire), installation is often straightforward with basic tools. However, a December 2024 survey of more than 2,000 U.S. homeowners showed that 49% would most likely choose to use a professional, such as a local contractor or technician, to install a smart thermostat rather than attempting DIY installation. If your wiring is older, missing a C-wire, or if you’re unsure about handling thermostat wiring, it’s wise to call in a pro to ensure proper setup and long-term performance.
When to call in a pro
Some upgrades are great weekend projects that can be set up in minutes, but more advanced systems may require electrical knowledge, complex network integration, or security protocols that are best handled by a pro, including:
- HVAC systems are both complex and essential to a home’s functioning, making them best left to a licensed professional. Even if a smart thermostat is DIY-able, integrating that device with the broader HVAC system (for example, in a home with multiple climate zones) can be difficult without a professional. A smart home pro can optimize energy efficiency, troubleshoot for compatibility between devices, and help you get the most out of any energy-saving features through proper installation and integration.
- Security systems involve sensitive data and critical safety concerns, especially as multiple devices are integrated on one network. A pro can ensure all components—cameras, sensors, locks, and alarms—are installed securely, function reliably, and follow the latest cybersecurity best practices.
- Whole-home automation takes your smart home to the next level by connecting lighting, audio, climate, entertainment, security, and entertainment systems into a single seamless experience. Interwoven automations, such as thermostat temperatures adjusting when nobody is home, or lights dimming when a movie is started, require thoughtful planning, careful coordination, and an understanding of how smart devices work together. A smart home professional ensures that these systems are compatible, reliable, and optimized to work together. Smart home pros can also serve as a valuable resource throughout the entire upgrade process, offering scalable solutions designed around your lifestyle.
- Seamless integration, updates and security for DIY devices. Even when smart home devices are marketed as “easy to DIY,” homeowners often encounter issues that benefit from expert insight. Challenges like integrating devices across different platforms, keeping firmware up to date, and maintaining strong network security can limit the effectiveness of even the simplest upgrades. A smart home professional can help ensure your system is cohesive, secure and future-ready.
“Smart home technology should enhance homeowners’ lives, not complicate them,” added Daryl Friedman, Global President and CEO of CEDIA. “While many products are designed to be DIY-able, bringing in a smart home professional for more advanced or complicated projects can make the difference between a smart home that is adequate, and one that works seamlessly.”
