How to start a home automation business

What is home automation?

When you want to know how to start a home automation business you’ll need to know as much as possible about home automation to ensure that your business plan is as successful as possible.

So, what is home automation? Home automation involves setting up various devices and systems that are connected to the internet.

The devices can then be controlled remotely and automatically activated by timers, thermostats, light detectors etc.

Some popular home automation devices and systems include:

• Smart doors locks
• Automatic thermostats
• Smart heating systems
• Smart lighting
• Lawn sprinkler systems

This list is just an example of some of the most popular home automation options. There are many other areas of the home that can be automated from appliances to integral components of the building fabric.

What does a home automation installer do?

Home automation installers carry out any work involving smart home systems and appliances.

This may include:

• Setting up
• Configuring
• Maintaining a property’s smart tech

To become a home automation installer, you’ll need a good understanding of modern technology.

This will include setting up and configuring various network devices, wiring for the digital infrastructure, and mounting equipment including sensors at specific places around the home.

A home automation installer should have a good general knowledge of the construction and home improvement sector.

Their area of specialism will also be influenced by their existing skills.

Which tradespeople can offer smart services?

If you already work as an electrician or heating engineer, learning more about home automation services can help to propel your business into the modern age.

Some trades that are perfectly placed to embrace home automation include:

• HVAC engineers – offer upgrade with smart thermostats and integrated heating systems
• Electricians – smart lights, wi-fi controlled appliances, smart security
• Locksmiths – smart remote operated door locks
• Cleaners – using robotic cleaning devices
• Gardeners – smart automated sprinkler systems

When you offer your customers home automation devices, you can become an industry leader in your field.

This will help you to win new business and build your reputation as a home automation specialist.

How to start a home automation business in your sector

When you want to know how to start a home automation business, the best place to begin is by building on your existing skills.

Upskilling is a great way to boost business growth. It also ensures that you retain your existing customers and continue to offer all the services your already provide.

To find out what home automation systems are available in your area, you can start by doing some research.

Find out more about smart home devices

When you want to offer your customers smart home upgrades, you’ll need to know what’s available in the market right now.

Ensure that you do some research into the latest developments in your sector. You need to be able to showcase your home automation knowledge to all your customers.

For example, it is good to have a working knowledge of:

• Nest thermostats
• Smart light bulbs
• Integrating Alexa
• Google around the home

You should also be able to offer your customers professional advice on home automation.

Whether they want to know about the installation process, troubleshooting common problems, or information about the latest tech, you should have this knowledge at your disposal.

Upskill to get experienced and certified

Learning ‘on the job’ is a common and effective way to develop new skills. Many home automation devices do not need specific certification to install.

If you’re already a qualified electrician, for example, you do not need additional certification to install smart lighting.

You do, however, need some experience. Why not experiment installing smart devices in your own home or offer discounts to friends and family? This way you can gain the vital experience needed to offer your new skills to all your customers.

Many smart system manufacturers will offer installers training to install their products

This helps both you and them to promote their products while giving you the necessary installation skills.

You may even be awarded smart certification from a specific company. This will look great to any customers looking into home automation.

Offer your customers smart upgrades

When you’re starting out as a home automation installer, a great way to grow your business is by talking to your existing customers about home automation.

Understand more about the most popular areas of home automation by:

• Asking customers to complete questionnaires
• Checking reviews and trend articles
• Getting feedback from other tradespeople that have worked with home automation

Once you’ve got an idea of what homeowners are looking for, you can start to offer home automation upgrades to your customers.

You could consider offering discounts on smart tech. You could also think about promoting smart tech by showing your customers the potential energy saving and time saving benefits of home automation.

Focus on being a home automation specialist

When done correctly, you’ll soon have a steady stream of customers asking for your home automation skills.

Once you have established your company in the home automation sector, you’ll need to stay ahead of the trend.

We all know that technology develops at a super-fast pace. Therefore, you’ll need to keep your finger on the pulse and watch out for new developments in your sector.

You’ll also want to ensure that both new and existing team members receive the necessary training to install home automation systems.

Get your business ready for home automation with Checkatrade

If you’re not already a Checkatrade member, now is the time to join. In 2024 for example, we saw over 7,000 searches just for home automation jobs.* Plus a further 5,700 people looking for electric smart thermostats.*

Does that sound like interest you want to miss?

As an approved Checkatrade member, your home automation business has far more chance of becoming a real success.

That’s because customers trust the Checkatrade brand. When your home automation company displays the Checkatrade logo, they also become associated with a symbol that people trust.

Why not sign up today? Start your new home automation business with help from Checkatrade!

* Internal data from users of the checkatrade.com website between 1st January and 31st December 2024