In Frisco, TX, a professional whole-home smart lighting system typically costs between $15,000 and $40,000 for a standard 3,500-square-foot luxury home. This price range includes premium hardware like Lutron RadioRA 3 or Control4, professional system design, installation labor, and programming. While entry-level DIY setups can be done for under $3,000, custom panelized systems for large estates in neighborhoods like Stonebriar or Starwood often exceed $75,000 due to the complexity and scale required.

This comprehensive guide breaks down every aspect of smart lighting pricing in the North Dallas area. You’ll learn the critical differences between wireless retrofit and centralized panelized systems, understand exactly where your money goes, and discover how to avoid the common “compatibility trap” that costs homeowners thousands in rework. We’re pulling back the curtain on local labor rates and hardware margins so you can budget with confidence.

Written by Sarah Chen, Smart Home Technology Consultant with 9+ years of experience designing automation systems for luxury properties. Over 300+ projects completed since 2015, specializing in high-end residential integration in the DFW metroplex.

Quick Cost Summary: Smart Lighting in Frisco

System Tier	Cost Range (3,500 sq. ft.)	Hardware Level	Best For
Entry / DIY	$1,500 – $4,000	Wi-Fi Bulbs / Hubs (Hue, Caséta)	Apartments, Single Rooms ❌
Mid-Range (Wireless)	$15,000 – $30,000	Lutron RadioRA 3	Existing Luxury Homes ✅
High-End (Panelized)	$35,000 – $80,000+	Lutron Homeworks / Control4	New Construction / Gut Renovation ★
Estate / Custom	$100,000+	Ketra / DALI Integration	Ultra-Luxury / Wellness Lighting

How Much Does Whole-Home Smart Lighting Cost?

If you’re building a custom home in Newman Village or renovating in Chapel Creek, the question isn’t just “how much,” but “what am I paying for?” The reality is that smart lighting isn’t a commodity; it’s a tailored infrastructure upgrade. For a typical 4-bedroom, 3,500-square-foot home in Frisco, a budget of $25,000 is a safe starting point for a strong, reliable system that actually adds value to the property.

Here’s the thing: that number scares some people off. They see a $50 smart switch at Home Depot and do the math: “I have 40 switches, so that’s $2,000, right?” Wrong. That math misses the forest for the trees. Professional smart lighting involves replacing the entire high-voltage switching logic of your home with intelligent keypads, centralized processors, and rock-solid communication protocols that don’t depend on your Wi-Fi router.

When we quote a project in Frisco, the costs generally break down like this:

• Hardware (45%): Dimmers, keypads, processors, repeaters, and enclosures.
• Labor & Installation (30%): Physical installation, high-voltage wiring (if panelized), and device mounting.
• Programming & Design (20%): Creating scenes, setting schedules, integrating with other systems, and fine-tuning dimming curves.
• Network Infrastructure (5%): Ensuring the backbone can handle the traffic.

What Are the Different Types of Smart Lighting Systems?

Understanding the architecture of your system is crucial before you spend a dime. In the professional world, we divide systems into two main categories: Wireless (Retrofit) and Centralized (Panelized). Your home’s current state—whether it’s studs-up new construction or a finished home—will largely dictate which path you take.

1. Wireless Retrofit Systems (Lutron RadioRA 3)

This is the most common choice for existing homes in Frisco. We replace your standard “dumb” switches with smart dimmers and keypads. They communicate wirelessly (using a proprietary frequency, not Wi-Fi) to a main processor.

• Pros: No drywall damage, lower labor cost, scalable.
• Cons: You still have banks of switches on the wall (wall acne).
• Cost Impact: Lower. Expect $15,000 – $30,000 for a whole home.

2. Centralized Panelized Systems (Lutron HomeWorks QSX)

If you are building new in Fields or doing a major remodel, this is the gold standard. Instead of running high-voltage wiring to switch locations in every room, all lighting loads run to a central panel in a mechanical room. The only thing on your walls are elegant, low-voltage keypads.

• Pros: Cleanest aesthetic (no multi-gang switch boxes), ultimate flexibility, higher resale value.
• Cons: Requires extensive pre-wiring, higher initial cost.
• Cost Impact: Higher. Expect $35,000 – $80,000+.

For a deeper dive into pre-wiring requirements for these systems, check out our guide on Smart Home Pre-Wiring in Frisco.

Lutron vs. Control4 vs. Savant: Brand Cost Comparison

Not all smart lighting is created equal. In the DFW market, three names dominate the conversation: Lutron, Control4, and Savant. While Control4 and Savant are full automation platforms, Lutron is the undisputed king of lighting control. In fact, many of our high-end projects use Lutron for the lighting backbone and Control4 to manage the interface.

Brand	System Name	Price Tier	Reliability Rating	Best Feature
Lutron	RadioRA 3 / HomeWorks	$$ – $$$$	★★★★★	Industry standard, bulletproof reliability
Control4	Essential / Panelized	$$ – $$$	★★★★☆	Native integration with C4 automation
Savant	Echo / Metro	$$$ – $$$$	★★★★☆	Beautiful user interface, Apple-centric
Crestron	Zūm / Home	$$$$$	★★★★★	Unlimited customization (requires expensive coding)

My Recommendation: For 90% of Frisco homeowners, a Lutron system integrated with a control system (like Control4) offers the best balance of lighting performance and home automation features. Lutron’s patent on their dimming technology means your LED lights won’t flicker—a common issue with cheaper brands.

Labor Rates: What Does Installation Cost in Frisco?

Let’s talk about the elephant in the room: labor. You aren’t just paying for someone to screw a switch into the wall. You are paying for a certified technician who understands load calculations, phase adaptive dimming, and network topology.

In the Frisco and North Dallas market for 2026, professional labor rates for smart home integration typically fall into these ranges:

• Junior Technician / Wire Puller: $85 – $110 per hour
• Lead System Integrator: $125 – $165 per hour
• Senior Programmer (Lutron/Control4 Certified): $175 – $250 per hour

A typical retrofit project might require 40-60 hours of labor, while a large panelized new construction project could easily exceed 150 hours of labor spread across pre-wire, trim-out, and final programming phases.

“The single biggest cost variable in smart lighting isn’t the hardware—it’s the programming. A poorly programmed system is just an expensive light switch. A well-programmed system is magic.”

— James T., Senior Lighting Designer, Dallas

Hardware Costs Breakdown: Where Does the Money Go?

To give you a realistic idea of the hardware costs, let’s look at the component pricing for a typical Lutron RadioRA 3 system (2026 MSRP estimates). Keep in mind, these are per-unit costs, and a whole home adds up fast.

• Main Processor: $400 – $600 (The “brain” of the system)
• Sunnata RF Dimmers: $150 – $200 each
• SeeTouch Keypads: $300 – $450 each (Replaces a bank of switches)
• Hybrid Keypads: $400 – $550 each (Controls a load + scenes)
• Auxiliary Repeaters: $300 – $500 (For range extension)

If your home has 60 lighting loads (a modest number for Frisco), the dimmers alone will cost around $10,000 before you even add a processor, keypads, or labor. This is why we emphasize that accurate load counts are essential for a quote.

Hidden Costs You Might Not Expect

We’ve seen it happen too many times. A homeowner gets a quote that looks “too good to be true,” only to be hit with change orders later. Here are the hidden costs that amateur installers often leave out:

1. Network Upgrades

Smart lighting systems require a strong network. If you’re still using the router your ISP gave you, it won’t cut it. You may need to budget $2,000 – $5,000 for a proper enterprise-grade network (like Araknis or Ruckus) to ensure your lighting system responds instantly every time. Read more about Network Infrastructure Costs.

2. Electrical Troubleshooting

Older homes in Frisco (built in the 90s or early 2000s) often have messy wiring. Neutral wires might be missing in some boxes, or circuits might be overloaded. Fixing existing electrical issues can add $1,000+ to the project.

3. Engraving Costs

Those beautiful keypads with words like “Welcome,” “Relax,” and “Goodnight”? The custom engraving often costs extra or requires a separate fulfillment process that takes weeks. Ensure this is included in your bid.

Real Client Example: Stonebriar Renovation

Real Client Example (Stonebriar Creek):

“We wanted to update our 2005-built home to feel more modern. We started with just the main floor—kitchen, living, and master. The total came to about $22,000 for a Lutron RadioRA 3 system. The best part isn’t just the app control; it’s the ‘All Off’ button by the garage door. We never have to walk around checking switches anymore. It’s a game changer for our peace of mind.”

— Michael & Jennifer R., Stonebriar, Frisco, TX

ROI and Resale Value in Frisco

Does smart lighting pay off when you sell? In the competitive Frisco real estate market, absolutely. Buyers in this price bracket expect smart home features. A fully integrated Lutron system is a “sticky” feature—it differentiates your home from the one down the street.

According to real estate data, homes with professional automation systems can command a 3-5% premium. For a $1.5M home, that’s significant. More importantly, it reduces time on market. Buyers see a panelized lighting system and perceive the home as “high quality” and “modern.”

Energy Savings: The Green Benefit

It’s not just about convenience; it’s about efficiency. Smart lighting systems save energy in two main ways:

1. Dimming: We program lights to turn on at 80% brightness instead of 100%. You won’t notice the difference with your eyes, but your energy bill will. This also extends the life of your LED bulbs by years.
2. Occupancy Sensors: In spaces like pantries, closets, and garages, lights turn off automatically when no one is there.
3. Astronomic Clocks: Exterior lights turn on exactly at sunset and off at sunrise, adjusting daily. No more wasting electricity because you forgot to flip the switch.

According to the Department of Energy, dimming and automated controls can reduce lighting energy use by 10-20%.

Integration: Lighting is Just the Beginning

Smart lighting shouldn’t live on an island. Its true power is unlocked when it talks to your other systems. This is where the cost justification really clicks for most of our clients.

Motorized Shades

Imagine hitting “Good Morning.” The lights slowly fade up to 30%, and your blackout shades rise to let in natural light. Combining lighting and shading control is seamless with Lutron. Check out our Motorized Shades Pricing Guide.

Security Systems

If your security alarm triggers, your smart lighting system should flash every exterior light and turn on every interior light to 100%. This “mock occupancy” feature is a powerful deterrent. Learn more about Security System Costs.

Room-by-Room Cost Estimates

To help you budget, here is a rough breakdown of what it costs to outfit specific rooms with professional smart lighting (hardware + labor):

Room	Estimated Cost	Includes
Kitchen	$1,500 – $2,500	3-4 Load Dimmers, 1 Keypad, Under-cabinet integration
Master Suite	$1,200 – $2,000	Main lights, reading lights, bedside keypad
Home Theater	$1,500 – $3,000	Sconces, overheads, LED strip integration, scene programming
Outdoor / Landscape	$2,500 – $5,000+	Path lights, security floods, astronomical timer setup

How to Choose the Right Installer in Frisco

This is the most critical decision you will make. The hardware is the same for everyone, but the installation quality varies wildly. Here is what to look for:

• Certifications: Are they Lutron Platinum or Gold dealers? Are they Control4 certified? Ask to see the badges.
• Portfolio: Ask for photos of their wiring racks, not just the pretty finished rooms. Messy wiring indicates a sloppy installer.
• Service Contracts: Smart systems need updates. Does the company offer a service plan?
• Local Presence: Choose a company based in Frisco, Plano, or Prosper. You don’t want to wait for a truck coming from Fort Worth when you have an issue.

Frequently Asked Questions About Smart Lighting Costs

How much should I budget for a 4,000 sq ft home?

For a comprehensive system covering all main areas in a 4,000 sq ft home, budget between $25,000 and $35,000. This assumes a retrofit wireless system like Lutron RadioRA 3. If you are building new and want a panelized system, the cost will likely range from $45,000 to $60,000 depending on the number of loads and keypads.

Is Lutron worth the money compared to Wi-Fi switches?

Yes, absolutely. Wi-Fi switches (like those from Amazon) clog your network and often fail to respond. Lutron uses a dedicated frequency (Clear Connect) that is 100% reliable and doesn’t interfere with your Netflix streaming. Plus, the fit and finish of Lutron keypads are superior, adding real value to your home’s aesthetic.

Can I install smart lighting in stages?

With wireless systems like Lutron RadioRA 3 or Control4 Wireless, yes. You can start with the main entertaining areas (Kitchen, Living, Dining) and the Master Suite. This might cost $10,000 – $15,000. You can then add guest rooms, bathrooms, and outdoor areas in later phases without any penalty.

Does smart lighting save electricity?

Yes. By default, we program dimmers to 85% or 90% brightness, which the human eye perceives as 100%. This alone saves 10-15% on lighting energy. Combined with occupancy sensors and astronomical timers that ensure outdoor lights aren’t on during the day, you can see significant reductions in wasted energy.

What happens if the internet goes down?

A professionally installed system (Lutron/Control4) will still work locally even if the internet is down. Your keypads and switches communicate directly with the processor or each other. You only lose the ability to control the lights remotely from your phone app until the internet is restored.

Do I need a neutral wire for smart lighting?

For most modern smart dimmers (like Lutron Sunnata), yes, a neutral wire is required for optimal performance, especially with LED loads. However, Lutron makes specific dimmers (like the PRO series) that can work without a neutral wire for older homes, though they may have lower wattage ratings or require a minimum load.

Conclusion: Is Smart Lighting Worth the Investment?

After designing over 300 automation systems since 2015, our recommendation is clear: Smart lighting is the single most impactful upgrade you can make to a luxury home. It changes how you live, enhances security, and adds tangible resale value. While the initial investment of $15,000 – $40,000 is significant, the daily convenience and aesthetic improvement are unmatched.

Final Recommendations

• Budget Appropriately: Allocate $7-$12 per square foot for a professional system.
• Choose Reliability: Stick to proven brands like Lutron. Avoid the “flavor of the month” Wi-Fi gadgets.
• Plan Ahead: If building new, pre-wire for a panelized system. It’s cleaner and more valuable.
• Hire Locally: Work with a Frisco-based integrator who can provide same-day support.

Why Choose Digitalholics LLC?

• 9+ Years Experience in the Frisco/Dallas market.
• Certified Experts in Lutron, Control4, and Josh.ai.
• Transparent Pricing with no hidden fees.
• 300+ Projects Completed with 5-star satisfaction.
• Custom Design tailored to your family’s lifestyle.
• Ongoing Support packages to keep your system running perfectly.

About the Author

Sarah Chen is a Senior Smart Home Technology Consultant at Digitalholics LLC. With over 9 years of field experience and certifications from Lutron, Control4, and CEDIA, she specializes in designing intuitive, high-performance automation systems for luxury residences in North Texas. When she’s not calibrating dimming curves, she’s exploring the newest tech trends to bring back to her clients in Frisco.

About Digitalholics LLC

Digitalholics LLC is Frisco’s premier smart home integration firm, dedicated to simplifying technology for homeowners. We provide bespoke solutions for lighting, audio/video, security, and networking, ensuring your home works as beautifully as it looks.

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