Electrician for a smart home 2026: when to hire a pro and what it costs

Smart home tech has matured significantly, in 2026 it's no longer about toys but about everyday comfort that actually works. But the line between plug-and-play and 'call the electrician' is unclear to many.

What you can do yourself

Smart lighting via Philips Hue, IKEA Dirigera or Shelly Plug: swap the bulb, plug in the adapter, DIY.

Smart speakers (Google Nest, Sonos, Apple HomePod): pure plug-and-play.

Wi-Fi plug-in outlets: DIY.

Sensors for temperature, humidity, door/window: battery-powered, DIY.

When you need a licensed electrician

Smart wall switches (Shelly, Aqara, in-wall Zigbee switches): require a licensed electrician behind the existing switch.

Motorised blinds/curtains with 230V: licensed install required.

Smart main breakers, circuit-level smart metering: licensed electrician.

Any integration with EV charger, heat pump or solar: licensed electrician.

What does smart home installation cost?

Swap 5 regular switches for smart-compatible: 4,500–8,500 SEK after ROT.

Whole home converted to Zigbee/Matter (10–15 switches, 3 blinds, dimmer integration): 25,000–60,000 SEK after ROT.

Smart circuit metering (Shelly EM, Home Assistant integration): 3,500–8,000 SEK per fuse box.

Matter, Zigbee, Wi-Fi, which standard?

Matter (the de facto standard in 2026): works with Apple Home, Google Home, Amazon Alexa and SmartThings. Recommended for new installs.

Zigbee: reliable local network (no internet required); pick Aqara, Philips Hue or IKEA.

Wi-Fi: easy but taxes the network and depends on the cloud. Avoid for critical functions like switches.

Data security and privacy

Avoid devices that need constant cloud connectivity for basic function, they die if the vendor shuts down the service.

Local controllers (Home Assistant, Homey) give better privacy and faster response.

GDPR: check the vendor doesn't store more data than necessary, especially for cameras and voice.