Smart home technology can improve comfort, safety, and energy efficiency. But to get the most out of it, you need a plan. The way you install each device affects how well the system works, how much it costs, and how much disruption it creates during setup.
This guide explains two different paths to smart home integration: one for existing homes and one for new construction. It compares the order of installation for each, then walks through every major step, explaining what it does, an estimate of how much it costs, and when it should be installed based on your situation.
How Your Approach Will Differ Between Retrofit and New Build Smart Home Integration

When it comes to creating a smart home, the right approach depends on whether you’re working with an existing structure or starting from scratch.
Retrofit Smart Home Automation
In a retrofit scenario, you’re working within the constraints of a finished home, meaning your decisions are influenced by the location of outlets, existing wiring, and wall access. The goal is to integrate smart technology without tearing into the structure or requiring major electrical upgrades until they become necessary. Wireless devices, plug-and-play options, and cloud-connected systems tend to be the most practical and cost-effective starting points.
New Construction Smart Home Automation
With new construction, you have the opportunity to design with smart home integration in mind from the very beginning. This allows for hardwiring devices, running dedicated data cables, and building in future capacity through conduit access or extra panel space. It’s the best time to think about things like whole-home lighting control, embedded security systems, and smart energy management.
Smart Home Integration: Comparing Retrofit vs. New Construction

With these two scenarios in mind, let’s take a look at how we recommend you approach your smart home integration, whether you’re retrofitting your existing home or building a smart home from scratch. This table shows how the order of installation changes based on your starting point:
Step | Retrofit (Existing Home) | New Construction (New Build) |
1 | Smart hub & voice assistant | Electrical & network infrastructure |
2 | Smart plugs & outlets | Smart plugs & outlets |
3 | Smart lighting | Smart lighting |
4 | Smart thermostat | Smart thermostat |
5 | Smart security & locks | Smart security & locks |
6 | Electrical & network infrastructure | Smart appliances |
7 | Smart appliances | Smart hub & voice assistant |
8 | Automations & smart routines | Automations & smart routines |
Electrical Infrastructure
A smart home depends on a strong, safe electrical foundation, including installing a smart panel, setting up dedicated circuits for high-load devices, and adding surge protection. In new construction, this is also the time to plan for future expansion with conduit paths or low-voltage runs. In addition to electrical infrastructure, homeowners should consider their Wi-Fi and smart home network infrastructure as well.
Typical cost: $2,000-$5,000+, depending on the home’s size, age, and the extent of the upgrades.
Retrofit Automation: Step 6 | New Construction: Step 1 |
This is one of the most expensive parts of a smart home upgrade, so most homeowners wait until it’s absolutely necessary (device issues like tripped breakers, overloaded panels, or flickering lights) before replacing the panel or adding circuits. | If you’re building an electrical system from scratch, it makes sense to start with smart infrastructure. Installing a smart panel from the beginning, along with conduit and pre-wired locations for high-load circuits, gives your smart home long-term flexibility without costly rewiring later. |
Smart Hub & Voice Assistant
Voice assistants like Amazon Alexa, Google Home, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit, or another smart speaker allow you to control lighting, plugs, locks, thermostats, and more using voice commands or a mobile app. These smart hubs are the central control point for connected devices.
This is one of the most accessible and affordable ways to start building a smart home. Installing a hub early helps homeowners get comfortable with voice control, app-based automation, and integrating devices as they’re added over time.
Typical cost: $30-$150, depending on the system and model.
Retrofit Automation: Step 1 | New Construction: Step 7 |
Starting with a smart hub is one of the easiest ways to enter the world of home automation. Voice assistants let homeowners control new devices as they’re added, automate everyday tasks, build habits, and make future upgrades. | In new construction, the hub is added after most core systems are in place. By this point, the home is fully wired and ready for devices to connect, so the hub ties everything together into a single control system with routines, scenes, and app access. |
Smart Plugs & Outlets
Smart plugs and smart outlets allow you to automate power to everyday devices without changing any wiring. They plug directly into existing outlets or replace them entirely with a smart-controlled version and are ideal for controlling lamps, fans, smart TVs, coffee makers, and seasonal lighting through voice commands, mobile apps, or automated schedules.
These devices are one of the easiest ways to dip into smart home tech — no tools, no rewiring, and no commitment to permanent changes. Compared to smart lighting, they don’t control ceiling lighting. However, they’re great for plug-in lamps or electronics that don’t need dimming or color changes.
Typical cost: $10-$60 per plug or outlet
Retrofit Automation: Step 2 | New Construction: Step 2 |
Smart plugs are one of the fastest, cheapest ways to automate devices without a good electrician, giving homeowners voice or app control over lamps and small appliances right away. | In a newly built smart home, hardwired smart outlets offer amazing flexibility. They offer permanent, built-in control for portable devices without relying on plug-in adapters. |
Smart Lighting
Smart lighting gives you precise control over your home’s light levels, schedules, and ambiance. You can automate connected lights to turn on or off at set times, respond to voice commands, or adjust brightness and color depending on your needs.
These lighting systems typically use smart bulbs or smart switches. Smart bulbs are easier to install and offer advanced features like dimming and color control. Smart switches are more permanent, integrate better with traditional light controls, and are ideal for hardwired ceiling fixtures or multi-bulb setups.
Typical cost: $15-$250 per room, depending on the system and whether the installation is DIY or hardwired
Retrofit Automation: Step 3 | New Construction: Step 3 |
Starting with smart light bulbs allows homeowners to test different options without altering wiring. Smart switches can be added later with minimal wall work to gain more consistent control of overhead lights. | New homes can be wired from the beginning with smart switches or dimmers. Fixtures, circuits, and even low-voltage wiring can be designed around automation goals from day one. |
Smart Thermostats
Smart thermostats give you more control over your home’s heating and cooling. These devices learn your habits, adjust automatically based on schedules or motion, and can be controlled remotely through a phone or voice assistant. Many also help save energy and lower energy costs by reducing usage when you’re not home.
Some models require a C-wire (common wire) for power, which older homes may not have. If that’s the case, installation may require a power adapter or a professional wiring upgrade. Once installed, they’re one of the most practical smart home additions for comfort and long-term savings.
Typical cost: $100-$300, depending on model and installation needs
Retrofit Automation: Step 4 | New Construction: Step 4 |
Homeowners often upgrade to a smart thermostat after installing lighting or plugs, especially when they want to save on energy bills or control their home’s temperature remotely. | In a new build, smart thermostats can be installed with HVAC systems from the start. Planning for wiring, compatibility, and location during construction avoids the need for adapters or retrofits later. |
Smart Security & Locks
Smart security systems include devices like smart doorbells, motion sensors, window and door contact sensors, smart locks, and indoor or outdoor security cameras. These systems help monitor your home, alert you to unusual activity or break-ins, and give you control over entry points, whether you’re home or away. Many systems also integrate with your hub or home app, so you can create full-home routines (e.g., locking doors and arming sensors when you say “Goodnight”).
Typical cost: $80-$500+, depending on the number of other devices and whether they’re wired or battery-powered
Retrofit Automation: Step 5 | New Construction: Step 5 |
Homeowners typically add smart security once basic systems like lighting and thermostats are in place. Devices like video doorbells and battery-powered cameras are easy to install without wiring. Front door locks or powered sensor retrofitting may require minor adjustments. | In a new build, smart security wiring can be planned in advance for hardwired cameras, sensors, and integrated locks. This makes the system more stable and allows for a cleaner, tamper-resistant installation. |
Smart Appliances
Smart appliances are large household devices with built-in connectivity that allows remote monitoring, voice control, and automation. These include ovens, refrigerators, dishwashers, washers and dryers, water heaters, garage door openers, and more. Many can send alerts to your phone, run on schedules, or adjust operations based on usage patterns.
While they aren’t essential for every smart home, they offer convenience and long-term value-especially in high-use areas like the kitchen and laundry room. Some appliances require dedicated 240V circuits or heavy wiring, making professional installation important.
Typical cost: $800-$5,000+ depending on appliance and installation complexity
Retrofit Automation: Step 7 | New Construction: Step 6 |
Smart appliances can be added when homeowners are ready to replace outdated models. Some plug in like traditional units, but high-load appliances may require circuit upgrades, requiring an electrician to ensure the panel can support the new demand. | In a new build, wiring for high-load smart appliances can be included in the electrical plan from the start. That makes installation easier and ensures everything is sized properly for power-hungry devices like smart ovens or EV-ready garage systems. |
Automation & Smart Routines
Automation and routines are what tie a smart home together. These settings let your devices work in sync based on the time of day, voice commands, motion triggers, or whether you’re home or away. It’s like having a virtual assistant working for you 24/7. Common examples include turning lights off and on, locking and unlocking doors when you leave or arrive home, or creating a “Goodnight” routine that adjusts lighting, thermostat, and security all at once.
These features usually become available once you’ve connected several smart devices to your hub or app. They’re the final step that transforms a collection of devices into a coordinated system.
Typical cost: Free to set up (no extra hardware required)
Retrofit Automation: Step 8 | New Construction: Step 7 |
Automations come together as more devices are installed. Homeowners can create routines over time using their smart hub or app. This step helps make the home feel truly automated, building on everything that’s already been added. | Once most core systems are in place (lighting, security, thermostat, and appliances), automations can be programmed to run behind the scenes. A new build allows for more advanced routines from the start, especially when everything is hardwired and centrally controlled. |
The Importance of Professional Smart Home Integration Services

Smart home devices are only as reliable as the electrical systems behind them. A licensed electrician ensures that everything, from smart switches and outlets to thermostats and high-load appliances, is installed safely and correctly. This is especially important in older homes where outdated panels or limited circuits can’t handle modern demand.
Professional smart home integration also helps you think long-term. Electricians can design for scalability, run conduits for future expansion, and coordinate installations that avoid redundant work later. Whether you’re adding a single smart device or planning a whole-home system, expert support ensures every upgrade works as intended and doesn’t compromise safety or performance.
Ready to Make Smart Choices for Your Home?
There’s more than one way to build a smart home, but the right approach depends on your home’s layout, age, and your long-term goals. Starting with the right devices and installing them in the right order makes the process smoother and the results more reliable.
If you want to avoid guesswork and get it right the first time, it helps to work with someone who knows how to wire, plan, and integrate smart home systems from the ground up. Reach out to an expert when you’re ready to take the next step.