Whole-home lighting control — one app, every light, every scene.
Centralized lighting control replaces wall switches throughout the house with a coordinated system — Lutron RadioRA 3, HomeWorks QSX, Crestron, or similar. Marin installs typically run $4,800 (entry-level retrofit) to $35,000+ (full estate scope with HomeWorks).
By Steven Lockhart · Reviewed by Alex Towery, C-10 #989290
Updated 2026-06-16
Whole-home lighting control means: every switch, dimmer, and lighting load coordinated through one system, controlled via wall keypads, smartphone, voice, and scene programming. Marin entry-level retrofit ~$4,800-$8,500 (Lutron RadioRA 3 on existing wiring), mid-range ~$12,000-$22,000 (RadioRA 3 with full keypads + shades), high-end $25,000-$80,000+ (HomeWorks QSX, Crestron with custom programming).
01What 'lighting control' actually means.
A lighting control system replaces the individual wall switches/dimmers throughout a home with networked devices that communicate through a central processor. The user-facing change: wall plates become 'keypads' (5-6 small buttons each), each programmed to activate scenes ('Welcome', 'Dinner', 'Evening', 'Goodnight') rather than individual circuits. Smartphone control, voice assistant integration (Alexa, Google, HomeKit), and automation (sunrise dim, away-mode random simulation) come standard.
The technical change: switches/dimmers are replaced with networked modules. Wall keypads communicate via RF (Lutron Clear Connect) or wired (Lutron QSX/Crestron systems). A central processor coordinates everything. Existing wiring usually stays in place — the dimmers swap out, keypads replace switches at the box.
02Marin tier options.
| System tier | Marin install cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Lutron Caséta (entry retrofit) | $1,800-$4,200 | Small homes, individual room control |
| Lutron RadioRA 3 | $4,800-$12,000 | Mid-size homes, 8-20 keypads, full scenes |
| Lutron HomeWorks QSX | $18,000-$50,000 | Estates, custom programming, integrators |
| Crestron / Savant integration | $25,000-$80,000+ | Estates with AV/security integration |
| Vantage / Control4 | $15,000-$45,000 | Mid-large estates, integrated AV preferred |
03What good install includes.
Site walk + scene design
We walk through with you and (if applicable) your lighting designer to map scenes per room. 'Morning kitchen' isn't the same as 'evening kitchen' — both need design.
Phased install if needed
Estate scope often phased: phase 1 main living areas (kitchen, family, primary bedroom), phase 2 secondary spaces, phase 3 exterior. Each phase stands alone.
Programming + ongoing tune-up
First 30 days post-install, scenes get adjusted based on real use. We include 2-3 follow-up visits in scope. After that, ongoing tune-ups are billable but rarely needed.
Common questions.
Do I need to rewire for lighting control?
Usually no — Lutron Caséta and RadioRA 3 work over existing wiring with switch-box-mounted modules. HomeWorks QSX and Crestron sometimes benefit from low-voltage keypad wiring (Cat5e from keypad to processor) which requires running new wire — done during build or remodel cleanly, after-the-fact requires opening walls. We assess wiring during quote.
Can I integrate with HomeKit, Alexa, or Google?
Yes for nearly any modern system. Lutron RadioRA 3 supports HomeKit, Alexa, Google, IFTTT natively. HomeWorks QSX supports all of the above plus deeper integrations (Sonos, Ring, etc). Voice control is reliable in 2026 — pause for a few seconds for response, but otherwise quite functional.
What happens if the system fails or loses power?
Lighting works fine without internet (RF and wired systems are local). If the processor fails (rare), individual dimmers continue working as normal dimmers; keypad scene programming is what's lost. Replacing the processor restores all programming from backup. Power loss: everything off until power restored; settings preserved in non-volatile memory.
How long does install take?
Entry Caséta retrofit: 4-8 hours for typical 6-10 room home. RadioRA 3 mid-range install: 2-3 days for 10-15 keypad scope. HomeWorks QSX estate scope: 1-3 weeks across phases. Programming and customer training happens after physical install — additional 4-8 hours typically. Total elapsed from contract to fully-programmed: 1-4 weeks depending on scope.
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.