Discover what home automation will cost in 2026. Compare prices from smart lighting to complete smart home systems. Receive free quotes from specialists.
Average cost for a home automation specialist (average)
Home automation, also called smart home technology, makes your home smarter by connecting devices and systems and controlling them automatically. Think of lighting that automatically dims at sunset, a thermostat that learns when you are home, security cameras that you can view on your phone and curtains that open and close at fixed times.
Modern home automation works via wireless protocols such as Zigbee, Z-Wave or Wi-Fi and is controlled via an app or voice assistant (Google Home, Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit). The costs vary widely, from a few hundred euros for separate smart devices to more than 10,000 euros for a fully integrated smart home system.
A starter package with smart lighting (5-10 lamps) and a hub costs 200 to 500 euros. A smart thermostat such as Nest or Tado costs 200 to 350 euros including installation. Security cameras cost 80 to 300 euros each. A complete package with lighting, heating, cameras, locks and curtains costs 3,000 to 10,000 euros.
The installation costs for home automation vary widely. You can install many smart devices yourself (plug-and-play). More complex systems such as a KNX installation or complete home automation require a specialist. The labor costs then amount to 50 to 80 euros per hour.
The most requested home automation applications are smart lighting (control via app or voice, automatic schedules), smart heating (learning thermostat, room-by-room control), security (cameras, doorbell, motion detectors) and energy management (insight into consumption, smart switches). Smart smoke detectors, water leakage detectors and automatic sun blinds are also becoming increasingly popular.
A wired home automation system (KNX) is increasingly being chosen in new construction. This is more reliable and faster than wireless, but also more expensive (5,000 to 15,000 euros). For existing homes, a wireless system is more practical because no cables need to be drawn.
Many home automation products are designed for do-it-yourselfers. You can install smart lamps, plugs and cameras in minutes. For an integrated system with multiple protocols, automations and links, a home automation specialist is recommended. They can design, install and program the system based on your wishes.
A specialist charges an average of 50 to 80 euros per hour. For a complete installation with programming, you should count on 500 to 2,000 euros in labor costs, on top of the equipment. The advantage is that everything works together seamlessly and you have a central point of contact in case of problems.
Choose a system that supports the Matter protocol. This is the new universal standard for smart home devices, supported by Apple, Google, Amazon and Samsung. This prevents you from being tied to an ecosystem and allows you to combine devices from different brands. Also check whether the system runs locally (without cloud) for better privacy and speed.
| Service | From | To | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Smart lighting (starter package 5-10 lamps) | €200 | €500 | per set |
| Smart thermostat (incl. installation) | €200 | €350 | per piece |
| Security camera (per piece) | €80 | €300 | per piece |
| Smart door lock | €200 | €500 | per piece |
| Hub/controller | €50 | €200 | per piece |
| Complete smart home system | €3000 | €10000 | total |
| KNX installation (new construction) | €5000 | €15000 | total |
A few smart lamps cost a few hundred euros. A complete system with lighting, heating, security and sun blinds can cost more than 10,000 euros.
Wireless systems are cheaper and easier to install. Wired systems (KNX) are more expensive but more reliable and faster.
Installing it yourself saves 500 to 2,000 euros in labor costs, but requires technical knowledge for more complex systems.
Premium brands and professional protocols (KNX, Loxone) are more expensive than consumer brands (Philips Hue, IKEA).
A complete wireless smart home system with smart lighting, heating, cameras and a hub costs 2,000 to 5,000 euros. A wired KNX system for new construction costs 5,000 to 15,000 euros including installation.
Many smart devices are plug-and-play and you can install them yourself. A specialist is recommended for an integrated system with automation. This costs 500 to 2,000 euros in labor costs.
There is no best system for everyone. For beginners, Philips Hue (lighting) and Google Home or Apple HomeKit (control) are good choices. For advanced users, Home Assistant or Homey are popular hubs that support many protocols.
Yes, with smart thermostats and lighting you save an average of 10 to 25% on your energy bill. A learning thermostat alone saves 100 to 250 euros per year by heating efficiently.
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