Smart lighting — start with switches, not bulbs.
Smart lighting comes in three flavors: smart bulbs (Philips Hue, LIFX), smart switches/dimmers (Lutron Caséta, Leviton, Kasa), and full lighting control systems. For most Marin homes the right answer is smart switches — broader compatibility, cleaner aesthetics, lower per-fixture cost than bulbs.
By Steven Lockhart · Reviewed by Alex Towery, C-10 #989290
Updated 2026-06-16
Smart lighting installation usually means smart switches/dimmers replacing standard switches — works with any bulb, controls multiple fixtures per switch, integrates with HomeKit/Alexa/Google. Typical Marin install: $120-$220 per switch installed. Smart bulbs (Hue, LIFX) are right only for specific scenarios. Full lighting control systems (Lutron RadioRA 3, HomeWorks) are a separate tier covered in the whole-home guide.
01Three approaches to smart lighting.
| Approach | Cost | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Smart switches/dimmers | $120-$220/switch | Works any bulb, clean wall look, multi-fixture control | Requires electrician install |
| Smart bulbs (Hue, LIFX) | $45-$70/bulb | DIY install, color tunable | Per-bulb cost adds up, wall switch must stay on |
| Plug-in smart modules | $20-$40/module | DIY, easy to move | Only for lamps, ugly module visible |
| Whole-home control (Lutron RadioRA 3) | $4,800-$12,000 | Coordinated scenes, professional look | Cost, complexity |
02Why switches beat bulbs in most cases.
Smart bulbs sound simple — replace a bulb, get app control. The problem: bulbs only work when wall switch is ON. If anyone flips the wall switch off (visiting friends, kids, you forgetting), the smart bulb goes dark and 'forgets' the app. Plus per-bulb cost ($45-$70 for Hue color) gets expensive across a whole house — a typical 8-fixture kitchen costs $360-$560 in Hue bulbs vs $180-$220 for one smart dimmer that controls all of them.
Smart switches/dimmers replace the wall switch itself. The fixture still uses regular LED bulbs (cheaper, longer-lasting). The switch gets smart features. Anyone can use the wall switch normally; app/voice control adds on top. One switch handles the whole circuit. For 90% of households, smart switches are the right answer. Smart bulbs make sense in niche scenarios: rentals where you can't change switches, specific color/scene needs, or lamp-based lighting.
03Recommended switches by use case.
Best overall: Lutron Caséta
Reliable, wide bulb compatibility, integrates with HomeKit/Alexa/Google. Wireless Pico remotes pair with dimmers for 3-way control without rewiring. $60-$80 per dimmer + $30-$40 per Pico. Premium for the brand.
Best value: Kasa (TP-Link)
Solid app, reliable, much cheaper than Lutron. $20-$35 per switch/dimmer. Limited HomeKit support (works with most other ecosystems). Good entry point for selective smart-ifying.
Best for HomeKit households: Lutron Caséta or Aqara
Apple HomeKit users get the cleanest experience with Lutron Caséta or Aqara H1/H2 switches. Native Home app integration, fast response, secure ecosystem.
Common questions.
Do smart switches require a neutral wire?
Most modern smart switches require a neutral wire in the switch box. Older Marin homes (pre-1990s) sometimes have switch boxes without neutrals — switch loops powered by hot+traveler only. For these homes: either run new wire to bring neutral to the switch box, or use no-neutral-required switches (Lutron Caséta has options, Aqara H1 supports no-neutral). We check during the quote visit. Most Marin homes built since 1995 have neutrals in switch boxes.
Will smart switches work with my LED bulbs?
Mostly yes, with compatibility verification. LED dimming requires both the switch and the bulb to be compatible. Reputable smart dimmer brands (Lutron, Leviton, Kasa) publish compatibility lists for major LED brands. We verify before install — wrong combinations cause flicker, buzz, or limited dimming range. For trim-LED dimmers (most of these brands), well-known LED brands (Philips, Cree, GE Reveal) work cleanly.
What if my Wi-Fi goes down?
Switches still work locally as regular switches — flip them, light goes on/off, dim works manually. App control and voice commands stop until Wi-Fi returns. Lutron Caséta uses its own RF (Clear Connect) plus a hub that connects to Wi-Fi — internal RF works even without Wi-Fi, so local app control continues if you're on the same network. Pure Wi-Fi switches (Kasa, Leviton Wi-Fi) lose remote control during outages but keep manual function.
Can I do smart lighting myself or do I need an electrician?
Smart bulbs and plug-in modules are clearly DIY. Smart switch installation involves working with line-voltage wiring and is licensed-electrician work in California (technically owner-occupied homes can DIY in some scenarios, but most permits and inspections require a licensed contractor). We do smart switch installs efficiently — typically $120-$220 per switch fully installed including wall plate. Many customers do their own initial round of smart bulbs DIY, then hire us when they realize switches are the better answer.
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.