Over the last few decades, advancements in technology have literally put the world at our fingertips. Now, you can take things one step further and control certain aspects of your home with your voice. From turning off your security alarm to brewing a fresh cup of coffee, more and more tasks can be done through home automation. Using your home’s internet and the technology of your choice, you can turn your house into a smart home and control various appliances, lights, and other electronics all with the sound of your voice.
Depending on whether you want a complete smart home or just want to add a few specific automations, the cost of this project will vary. Additionally, the brand or company you choose for your home automation will impact the final cost. Technological companies such as Google, Amazon, Avario, KRU, SimpliSafe, Sonic Systems and Vivint are popular amongst Canadian homeowners. You can either hire an independent contractor to help you with your home automation needs or ask the company technicians to install it for you. This cost guide will help you understand the costs and other important details related to your home automation installation.
Cost to Install Different Home Automation Systems in Canada
| Task | Average | Minimum | Maximum |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cameras | $3,001 | $100 | $50,000 |
| Complete Home Entertainment | $8,211 | $100 | $37,300 |
| Doorbell | $384 | $100 | $1,000 |
| Garage Door Opener | $985 | $100 | $11,761 |
| Lawn Systems | $3,799 | $100 | $35,550 |
| Locks | $260 | $120 | $600 |
| Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Detectors | $970 | $105 | $5,000 |
| Speakers | $2,329 | $134 | $11,000 |
| Thermostat | $331 | $100 | $850 |
| Wi-Fi & Mesh Systems | $440 | $100 | $900 |
*Costs as of September 2021
Cameras
- Many Canadian homeowners install cameras on the exterior of their houses to ensure the safety and security of their families. A smart home is protected by motion sensor high range cameras that are an integral part of any home automation security system. Adding automated cameras and connecting them to your phone or any other external devices can cost you $3,001 on average.
Complete Home Entertainment
- Adding a voice command feature to your TV remote control, getting your favourite playlists going on smart speakers or managing the light in your home theatre from your phone is now possible with smart home automation. You can completely change the way you and your family consume entertainment at home. Talk to a local home automation expert to understand and adopt this new technology for an average cost of $8,211.
Doorbells
- Adding a signature tune to the doorbell or even a simple intercom is now considered outdated technology. You can add a small camera to the doorbell and manage who enters and exits your house whether you’re on the property or miles away from it. This revolutionary smart doorbell system adds a layer of security to your home. Adding a smart doorbell can cost you up to $1,000.
Garage Door Openers
- Imagine the moment you enter your driveway, your garage door automatically opens by sensing your car or by you clicking a small button on your wheel! You can drive in your garage swiftly just like a James Bond movie as the door closes behind you. This garage door automation can cost you anywhere from $100 to $11,761.
Lawn Systems
- Lawn care is essential throughout the year, specifically during the summer months. If not watered regularly, your lawn is at risk of turning brown or dying. If you can’t find time to water your lawn every day or are going on a long holiday and don’t want to rely on your neighbours for this task, you can try lawn automation. You can automate and time your water sprinklers to water your lawn every day. Your landscaper can also help you adapt this system costing you $3,799 on average.
Locks
- Smart lock technology has been around for a couple of decades now but many homeowners use it to secure a specific area of the house or for closets and safes. You can adapt this technology to secure each door of your home including the main door. You will get a notification every time someone uses a specific computer-generated code to enter any of the doors. Based on the number of doors and level of security you want to add, automated locks can cost you anywhere from $120 to $600.
Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Detectors
- Smoke detectors are a must for any home and in many cities, they are required by local laws. Whereas for carbon monoxide or CO detectors, we recommend you consider installing them if you use fuel-burning appliances like a furnace, water heater, cooktop or grill. These detectors instantly inform you if there is excessive smoke and alarm you of danger. Installing these detectors together on your own can be tricky as you have to consider the height, proper programming and wiring of these detectors. Based on the number of detectors that need to be installed, a professional can charge you up to $5,000.
Speakers
- Bluetooth or wireless speakers are the heart and soul of new home automation technology. Used for more than just playing music, you can ask smart speakers to do a number of tasks. For example, you can ask your smart speaker for a recipe, start a to-do list, or call a contractor. Think of smart speakers as modern butlers with eyes and ears in every corner of your house. You can treat these speakers as a one-stop home hub automation system. Given the complexity of the speaker of your choice, its installation and maintenance can cost you anywhere from $134 to $11,000.
Thermostats
- Thermostats help you control the indoor temperature of your home which is a necessity given the fluctuating temperatures in Canada. You can install a smart thermostat system that will automatically control the indoor temperature based on the outdoor temperature. Additionally, you can control it manually using a mobile app or voice commands. You can also add child protection to it so your kids don’t play with it, causing an increase in your energy bills. Based on the company you choose, a smart thermostat can cost you anywhere from $100 to $850.
Wi-Fi & Mesh Systems
- If you have multiple wi-fi systems in your home, you can try installing a wi-fi mesh system for better connectivity and range. You will be able to connect multiple devices with high-speed internet for better performance. Your local technician can help you with the setup of this system costing you a minimum of $100.
Home automation was invented to make our lives easier and more accessible. As many homeowners depend on technology to accomplish daily tasks, it’s important that they’re installed properly. A local pro can help you choose the best system, install it and assist with future maintenance. You can hire a pro from HomeStars by checking their Star Score, Verified status and homeowner reviews on their company profile. Get a custom quote today to build a smarter home with home automation.