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Last updated: 25 April 2023
Average cost of home automation
Smart home technology is everywhere these days, with a huge range of products and systems that can be linked together. You can buy connected lights, heating systems, doorbells, alarms, appliances, taps and much more.
It's easy to see why smart homes are so popular. Home automation enables savings on time and energy (both yours and the bill kind) and makes life generally easier.
You can automate household tasks like cleaning, cooking and shopping that would otherwise be a real-time drain. Smart home tech can even enhance the way you live through connected entertainment and multimedia systems.
In this guide, we’ll look at the average home automation cost, from simple DIY setups to custom, whole house installations.
Home automation system cost
| Type of home automation | Low cost | High cost | Average cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heating and lighting controls in one room. WiFi based (non-hardwired) smart bulbs etc, simple installation | £100 | £800 | £500 |
| Multi room, WiFi based (non-hardwired) system, simple installation | £2,000 | £4,000 | £3,000 |
| Hardwired based automation system instead of wireless system | £3,000 | £50,000 | £8,000 |
| A simple smart home that controls your lighting, heating and security alarm | £5,000 | £15,000 | £10,000 |
| Lighting, heating and security alarm plus door/intercom access | £8,000 | £18,000 | £13,000 |
| Lighting, heating and security alarm plus multi room audio control and blinds/curtains control | £15,000 | £25,000 | £20,000 |
| A professionally installed smart home system that controls all the above via one platform/interface | £25,000 | £50,000 | £35,000 |
| High end complex system professionally installed, i.e. Control4 | £50,000 | £100,000 | £75,000 |
| High end complex system professionally installed, i.e. Crestron | £75,000 | £150,000 | £100,000 |
| Fully automated rooms* | |||
| Kitchen | £6,000 | £16,000 | £11,000 |
| Living room | £3,500 | £12,000 | £7,500 |
| Bathroom | £2,500 | £7,000 | £5,000 |
| Bedroom | £1,000 | £3,500 | £2,500 |
| Home automation maintenance costs per year | £300 | £1,500 | £500 |
| *Just costs for supply and installation of smart appliances. Not fully refurbished rooms, i.e. new worktop in kitchen. | |||
| Last updated: May 2024 Our costs are ballpark averages - get a local tradesperson to quote now | |||
There are many different factors that can affect smart home costs. The first is obviously the size of your home. The larger the home and the more rooms it has, the more home automation equipment will need to be used. This can drive up the cost.
The quality of the finish will also play a part in the price. Smart home technology is quite advanced, so you’ll have lots of choice between everything from speakers to light switches. If you opt for expensive, top-of-the-range equipment and the costs can quickly shoot up.
Lastly, the level of customisation you want will affect the cost. You can buy off-the-shelf smart devices such as Google Home Hub controllers or Amazon Echo speakers and link them to Nest Hello video doorbells, Hive Active thermostats and smart tap controllers yourself. Alternatively, you can bring in a specialist to install a personalised custom system just for your home. Needless to say, this can be extremely costly.
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Cost of home automation in one room
Many people choose to get smart home technology in just one room. This is usually a well-used space where automation can save time and make life a little easier - such as the kitchen. The price of home automation in a kitchen can start at around £6,000, depending on what kind of system you go for.
Average cost of smart home technology for whole homes
Want to go all-out on a fully automated home, with smart technology in almost every room? You can get a simple smart home for between £5,000 - £15,000 . This includes basic lighting, heating and security controls.
Stepping up a level, a full smart home installation with additional door access and intercom controls can cost around £8,000 - £18,000 .
For larger homes and bespoke installations of advanced smart home systems, the cost could be as high as £150,000. You’ll need to speak to a specialist about what you want and get a custom quote.
Automation installation FAQs
Can I install home automation systems myself?
It depends on what products or systems you go for. Many types of basic smart home tech can be installed easily, and integrated with your home using apps. But for comprehensive or bespoke home automation systems covering the whole house, it’s recommended to bring in a professional.
Will I need an electrician?
Yes, you will need an electrician if you're having a home installation system installed. This will ensure that everything is working correctly and how you want it to.
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