Smart Home Installation Guide: What to DIY and What to Hire Out
Smart thermostats, security cameras, video doorbells, and smart lighting can all be installed without an electrician — but some upgrades genuinely require one. Here is how to tell the difference, and what each upgrade costs.
Smart home technology has become genuinely useful and genuinely affordable. A smart thermostat can reduce your cooling bill in an Arizona summer by 10–15%. A video doorbell lets you see who is at the door from anywhere. Smart lighting can be controlled from your phone and set to schedules that reduce energy use.
Most of these upgrades are straightforward DIY projects. Some require a licensed electrician. Knowing the difference saves you money and keeps you safe.
Smart Thermostats
DIY or hire out: Almost always DIY-friendly
Cost: $150–$350 for the device; $75–$150 for professional installation if preferred
Smart thermostats (Nest, Ecobee, Honeywell Home) replace your existing thermostat and connect to your home's Wi-Fi. Installation involves removing the old thermostat, photographing the wiring, connecting the same wires to the new unit, and following the app setup.
When you need an electrician:
- Your existing thermostat does not have a C-wire (common wire) and your HVAC system cannot support one — some smart thermostats require this wire for power
- You have a multi-stage HVAC system with complex wiring
- You are installing a thermostat in a new location that requires running new wire
Arizona-specific value: In Phoenix, Scottsdale, and the broader metro, smart thermostats pay for themselves quickly. The ability to pre-cool your home before you arrive (rather than running the AC all day) and to set schedules that match your actual occupancy patterns can reduce cooling costs by $200–$600 per year on a typical home.
Video Doorbells
DIY or hire out: DIY for wired replacements; hire for new wiring
Cost: $100–$300 for the device; $100–$200 for professional installation
If you have an existing wired doorbell, replacing it with a Ring, Nest Hello, or similar video doorbell is a straightforward swap — disconnect the two wires from the old doorbell, connect them to the new one, and follow the app setup.
When you need an electrician:
- You have no existing doorbell wiring (common in some Arizona homes)
- Your existing doorbell transformer does not provide enough voltage for the new device
- You want to add a second doorbell at a gate or side entrance
Battery-powered video doorbells (Ring Battery, Arlo) eliminate the wiring requirement entirely and are a good option for homes without existing doorbell wiring.
Smart Lighting
DIY or hire out: Smart bulbs are DIY; smart switches may require an electrician
Cost: $10–$50 per smart bulb; $30–$80 per smart switch; $75–$150 per switch for professional installation
Smart bulbs (Philips Hue, LIFX, Wyze) screw into existing fixtures and connect to Wi-Fi or a hub. No electrical work required.
Smart switches replace your existing wall switches and control all the bulbs in a circuit. They require a neutral wire in the switch box — older Arizona homes (pre-1990s) may not have this. An electrician can add a neutral wire if needed, typically for $100–$200 per switch location.
Smart switches are generally the better long-term choice because they work with any bulb (you are not locked into smart bulbs) and they look like normal switches to guests and family members.
Security Cameras
DIY or hire out: Wireless cameras are DIY; wired systems benefit from professional installation
Cost: $80–$300 per wireless camera; $200–$600 per wired camera installed
Wireless cameras (Ring, Arlo, Wyze, Google Nest) run on batteries or plug into an outlet. They connect to Wi-Fi and can be mounted anywhere with a screw. No electrician needed.
Wired cameras (PoE systems) run on ethernet cable that carries both data and power. They are more reliable (no battery changes, no Wi-Fi dependency) and are the professional standard for whole-home security. Running ethernet cable through walls and attics is a job for a low-voltage contractor or electrician.
Arizona consideration: Cameras mounted in direct sun in Arizona can overheat. Check the operating temperature range before purchasing — look for cameras rated to at least 113°F (45°C). Mount cameras in shaded locations where possible.
Smart Locks
DIY or hire out: DIY for deadbolt replacements
Cost: $150–$400 for the device; $75–$150 for professional installation if preferred
Smart locks (Schlage Encode, Yale Assure, August) replace your existing deadbolt. Most are designed for DIY installation and require only a screwdriver. They allow keypad entry, app control, and temporary access codes for guests or service providers.
When you need a locksmith or contractor:
- Your door frame is damaged or the deadbolt does not align properly
- You want a smart lock on a commercial-grade door with non-standard dimensions
Upgrades That Require a Licensed Electrician
Some smart home upgrades involve your home's electrical system and require a licensed electrician:
EV charger installation (Level 2): Requires a dedicated 240V circuit. See our EV Charger Installation Guide for full details.
Whole-home surge protection: Installed at the main panel, protects all devices in the home. Costs $200–$500 installed.
Smart panel upgrades (Span, Lumin): Next-generation electrical panels with circuit-level monitoring and control. Require full panel replacement — $3,000–$8,000 installed.
Outdoor lighting on new circuits: Adding landscape lighting, security lighting, or outlet circuits in the yard requires a licensed electrician if new wiring is needed.
Ceiling fan installation where no existing wiring exists: Requires an electrician to run wire and install a proper fan-rated box.
Whole-home audio/video wiring: Running in-wall speaker wire, HDMI, or ethernet throughout the home is best done by a low-voltage contractor.
What to Look for When Hiring an Electrician for Smart Home Work
Verify ROC licensing. All electrical work in Arizona requires a licensed contractor. Check at roc.az.gov.
Ask about experience with smart home systems. Not all electricians are equally familiar with smart home technology. Ask specifically about experience with the system you are installing.
Get a written quote that specifies the work. "Install EV charger" is not a complete scope. The quote should specify the circuit size, panel work required, conduit routing, and permit handling.
Find a Pro in Your City
- Electricians in Phoenix
- Electricians in Scottsdale
- Electricians in Gilbert
- Electricians in Chandler
- Electricians in Mesa
- Electricians in Tempe
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