What type of smart home project do you need?

A starter smart home setup (smart speaker, thermostat, a few smart bulbs, and a doorbell camera) costs $300–$700. A mid-range system (adding smart locks, security cameras, and smart plugs) runs $1,000–$2,500. Professionally installed whole-home automation costs $3,000–$15,000+.

Start with the three highest-impact devices: a smart thermostat ($100–$250, saves 10–15% on energy), a video doorbell ($100–$250, security + convenience), and smart lighting ($10–50 per bulb, automate daily routines). Add a smart speaker as the control hub.

Smart thermostats, video doorbells, and smart lighting are the most valued by buyers. A smart thermostat alone can add $1,000–$3,000 in perceived value. Overall, smart home features can increase sale price by 3–5%. Whole-home systems are increasingly expected in premium markets.

Smart devices are as secure as your network and habits. Best practices: use a separate Wi-Fi network for IoT devices, enable two-factor authentication, keep firmware updated, use strong unique passwords, and choose devices from reputable brands with regular security patches. Avoid off-brand devices with poor update track records.