Lutron lighting — the system most luxury Marin homes choose.
Lutron is the dominant residential lighting control brand in luxury Marin homes — Caséta for retrofit, RadioRA 3 for whole-home control, HomeWorks QSX for estate scale. We install all three tiers and handle the programming layer that matters most.
By Steven Lockhart · Reviewed by Alex Towery, C-10 #989290
Updated 2026-06-16
Lutron's residential lighting control products span entry-level Caséta (~$1,800-$4,200 install), mid-tier RadioRA 3 (~$4,800-$12,000), and estate-level HomeWorks QSX (~$18,000-$50,000+). All three are reliable, well-supported, and the dominant brand in luxury Marin homes. The right tier depends on home size, scene complexity needs, and integration scope.
01The three tiers explained.
Caséta (Pico remotes, wireless)
Entry-level retrofit system. Wireless wall-mount keypads (Pico) and in-wall dimmers. Smartphone app, voice integration. Best for small homes or single-room control. Limited scene complexity. $1,800-$4,200 typical Marin install.
RadioRA 3 (mid-tier)
Replaces Caséta-as-mainline and the older RadioRA 2. Wired or wireless keypads, more scene depth, processor-based for reliability. Best for mid-size homes wanting whole-home control without estate cost. $4,800-$12,000 typical.
HomeWorks QSX (estate)
Flagship system. Wired keypads with full programmability, motorized shades, deep integration (AV, security, HVAC). Requires Lutron-certified specialist for programming. Best for estates and luxury homes with integrator. $18,000-$50,000+ typical.
02Why Lutron dominates in Marin.
Lutron has the deepest installer/integrator network in the Bay Area luxury market — every Marin lighting designer, AV integrator, and high-end electrician has worked with Lutron systems for decades. This matters because lighting control is a long-term system; the installed base, replacement parts, and service support all favor the dominant brand.
Lutron's dimming quality is the technical reason designers prefer it. Their phase-control dimmers and 0-10V drivers handle modern LED loads more reliably than competing brands — fewer flicker, buzz, and minimum-dim issues. Their motorized shade systems (Sivoia, QS) integrate cleanly with the same keypads as lighting. For high-end homes where lighting design matters, Lutron is the safe answer.
03What we handle as a Lutron installer.
Our scope on Lutron projects spans the electrical work (replacing switches/dimmers, running wire for QSX wired systems, panel coordination for high-load circuits) and the basic programming layer (keypad button assignments, simple scenes, smartphone setup). For HomeWorks QSX projects, complex programming (advanced scenes, motorized shade timing, full automation rulesets) typically involves a Lutron-certified programmer working alongside us.
We've installed dozens of Lutron projects across Marin from Caséta retrofits in 1,500 sq ft cottages to HomeWorks QSX systems in 6,000+ sq ft estates. The recurring lesson: install quality matters more than product tier. A well-installed Caséta system that works flawlessly is better than a sloppily-programmed HomeWorks system that frustrates the homeowner.
Common questions.
Should I get Caséta or RadioRA 3?
Depends on home size and ambition. Caséta is right for homes under 2,500 sq ft, individual room control without house-wide scenes, and budgets under $4K for lighting control. RadioRA 3 is right for homes 2,500-5,000 sq ft, whole-home scene programming, and budgets $5K-$12K. Above that scope, HomeWorks QSX becomes the right answer. We walk through scope during the quote — the right tier becomes clear within 20-30 minutes.
Will Lutron systems work with my existing switches?
Existing switches get replaced with Lutron devices. No useful way to mix Lutron and non-Lutron switches in a controlled system. The existing wiring usually stays (Lutron devices work with standard romex). The dimmers swap out and the wall plates upgrade to Lutron keypads. For HomeWorks QSX, sometimes additional low-voltage wiring runs between keypads and processor — done cleanly during build or with selective wall opening for retrofits.
Can I program Lutron myself?
Caséta and basic RadioRA 3 programming can be DIY — the apps are user-friendly enough that homeowners successfully set up scenes themselves. HomeWorks QSX programming is professional-grade software (Lutron Designer) that's not really DIY-friendly. We handle initial programming and teach you the app for ongoing adjustments. Most customers manage day-to-day scene tweaks themselves after install.
How long do Lutron systems last?
Lutron hardware lifetime is typically 15-25 years for the dimmers and keypads, 8-12 years for processors before they typically get replaced (often due to firmware obsolescence rather than failure). Lutron supports older products well — RadioRA 2 systems from 2010 are still receiving firmware updates. Our oldest Marin Lutron install (RadioRA Classic from 2008) is still in active service with the original hardware. Strong long-term investment.
How do you handle pricing — flat fee or hourly?
Both, depending on scope. Routine service calls and predictable scope (panel replacement, EV charger install, transfer switch install, fixture replacement) are flat-fee quoted up front. Diagnostic visits and emergency scope are hourly because we don't know what we'll find. Either way, you get a written quote before work starts on anything significant, and we don't proceed beyond the quote without your sign-off.
How quickly can you schedule?
Depends on scope and season. Emergency dispatch: same-day across Marin County (1-3 hours business hours, 1-4 hours after-hours). Same-day standard service: 3-6 hours from call when capacity allows; otherwise next business day. Scheduled service work: 1-3 weeks typical. Larger projects requiring permits and PG&E coordination: 4-12 weeks depending on scope. We're upfront about timeline at the quote stage.
What warranty do you offer on work?
Our standard residential warranty: 2 years on labor, manufacturer warranty on parts (varies by product — typically 1-10 years). Major installs (panels, generators, EV chargers) often have longer manufacturer warranties (5-10 years). If there's an issue with our work in the warranty period, we come back and fix it at no cost. We also stand behind work past warranty — repeat customers and referrals matter more than a transactional fix.
Are you licensed and insured?
Yes. California State License Board C-10 Electrical Contractor #989290, in good standing. Carry general liability insurance and workers' compensation insurance as required by California law. Bondable on projects requiring it. Happy to provide proof of insurance to clients or property managers on request. License lookup: cslb.ca.gov.
Talk to a licensed electrician in Marin.
Family-run, C-10 #989290, 20+ years in the trade. Honest scoping, fair pricing, work that lasts.