15 questions to ask a smart home installer before you commit
A smart home is a long-term relationship with the people who built it. These questions separate installers who design for your future from those who sell boxes.
A smart home is a long-term relationship with the people who built it. These questions separate installers who design for your future from those who sell boxes.
About design
- Will you survey the property before quoting? A firm quote for a whole home without a survey is a guess. Expect a discovery conversation, then a design and survey stage.
- Can I see a design before installation? You should receive a clear scope showing what is controlled in each room and how.
- How will you handle the network? Almost every smart home problem we are asked to fix starts with poor Wi-Fi. Good installers design the network first. See our network guide.
About the platform
- Which platform do you use, and why? Listen for reasons tied to your home, not just the brand they are tied to. Our comparisons of Home Assistant and Control4 and Home Assistant and Loxone may help.
- What happens if the internet goes down? Lights, heating and security should keep working locally. Read why in our local control guide.
- Am I tied to one manufacturer? Ask whether you can add devices from other brands later.
- Are there compulsory subscriptions or licence fees? Get every ongoing cost in writing.
About ownership
- Who owns the system and the passwords? You should. Ask for admin access and credentials at handover.
- Will I get documentation? A written record of devices, wiring and configuration means any competent engineer can support the system if needed.
- Can another installer take over if you stop trading? Proprietary platforms that only dealers can program make this harder.
About installation
- Who will be on site, and for how long? Ask whether work is subcontracted.
- Are your electricians registered for notifiable work? New circuits fall under Part P in England (Which? Trusted Traders).
- What training do we get at handover? Everyone in the house should be comfortable with the basics.
About aftercare and price
- What support do you offer afterwards, and what does it cost? Compare response times, remote support and annual servicing. Our aftercare guide explains what to look for.
- Can I see similar projects and speak to past clients? Real case studies with scope and price are a good sign. Ours are on our case studies page and reviewed on Trustpilot.
Red flags
- A whole-home price without seeing the property.
- Vague answers about passwords, ownership or ongoing fees.
- No plan for Wi-Fi.
- Pressure to decide quickly.
How we answer these
We start with a free 15-minute discovery call, then a paid design and survey visit and a detailed proposal. Our systems run locally on Home Assistant with no compulsory subscriptions, you own the system and its credentials, and we document every installation. Our credentials, including CEDIA certification, are on our credentials page.
Common questions
Should I get more than one quote?
Yes, but compare like for like: the same scope, the same network design and the same aftercare. Cheaper quotes often leave out the network or programming time.
Why charge for a design and survey?
Because a proper design takes real time and produces something you can use, even with another installer. It also means the proposal is based on your actual home.
Related services
Sources
Last reviewed 1 November 2026. Prices ex. VAT unless stated.
More guides
How much does a smart home cost in the UK?
Real figures from our own projects, what pushes the price up or down, and what you should budget for after installation.
Smart home technology in listed buildings and period properties
Older homes need a more careful approach. Here is how we add modern control while protecting the fabric and character of the building.
When should you plan a smart home in a new build or renovation?
Before first fix. Cabling decisions are cheap while walls are open and expensive afterwards, so the design should be settled before the electrician starts.
Ready to start your journey?
Tell us about your home and we will reply within one working day to arrange a free 15-minute discovery call.