The Smart Money: Professional Installation Gains Ground

Parks Associates projects that the U.S. smart home device market will generate $15 billion in annual sales revenue by 2029. The forecast comes at a pivotal moment for the industry, with smart home adoption continuing to expand while consumers increasingly seek simplicity, reliability, and professional support to maximize the value of their investments.

While DIY remains the entry point for many households, Parks Associates’ research shows that 29% of consumers ultimately turn to professionals for help, even if they first attempt self-installation. This trend reflects the hybrid nature of today’s smart home market: 81% of device owners have attempted DIY installation for at least one device, yet 44% have relied on professional installation for at least one product. The interplay between professional and DIY installation underscores the complexity of the modern smart home.

Smart lighting represents a key category driving pro-install growth. Parks Associates data indicates year-over-year increases in professional installation across categories, but smart lighting in particular shows notable expansion. As consumers look for whole-home lighting control and integration with platforms like Amazon Alexa, Google Home, and Apple Home, many choose to involve integrators to ensure smooth performance.

Professional Installation Directly Impacts Satisfaction

Parks Associates reports that Net Promoter Scores (NPS) for smart cameras reach 49 when installed professionally, compared to 41 for self-installed units. These differences highlight how pro installation helps consumers achieve reliable outcomes while reinforcing trust in the ecosystem. Device returns are also tied to installation challenges, with difficulties in physical installation and configuration ranking among the top three reasons for product returns. By eliminating friction at setup, integrators help reduce churn and unlock long-term loyalty.

Demographics play a role as well. Younger consumers (ages 18-24) are twice as likely to struggle with installation compared to the general population (42% vs. 19%). For these digital natives, pro install or “do-it-with-me” solutions offer a way to overcome barriers and accelerate adoption. This finding is especially significant given younger consumers’ role in shaping long-term demand for connected home solutions.

Long-Term Value Creation

Commercial pro-install contracts provide recurring revenue opportunities through tiered maintenance, rapid-response service, and system refreshes. Companies such as ADT, Resideo, and Nice Group are investing heavily in expanding their service portfolios, ensuring that once installed, systems continue to generate revenue and satisfaction over time.

Resideo, for example, has paired its energy management and smart thermostat offerings with professional monitoring and service, while Nice has positioned its integrator ecosystem as a pathway to value-added services in lighting, shading, and access control.

Consumers are looking for more than just devices. They want connected solutions that are easy to implement and fit into their lifestyle. Professional integrators are uniquely positioned to deliver this value by making smart home and advanced home systems work together and offering ongoing service and support.

Taken together, these insights suggest that professional installers are emerging as trusted advisors for homeowners. They bridge the gap between expanding device ecosystems and consumer expectations for simplicity, performance, and long-term satisfaction. As the U.S. market advances toward $15 billion by 2029, the professional channel will play a central role in shaping the future of the connected home.