The one thing to get right
Neutral wires at every switch box. Without one, your smart switch options shrink to Lutron Caséta (which uses the bulb's neutral path) or nothing. Plan ahead: any remodel touching switches should add 14/3 to every switch run.
Recommended ecosystems
- Lutron Caséta — best lighting control, no-neutral options, reliable bridge
- Lutron RA3 — whole-home professional system, scenes, keypads
- Apple Home / Matter — open standard, cross-vendor
- Smart panels (Span, Lumin) — monitor and control breakers from an app
Where to splurge
- Dimmers in primary rooms
- Smart panel if you plan EV + battery + solar
- Outdoor switches for lighting scenes
Where to skip
- "Smart bulbs" with regular dumb switches — they go dumb when someone hits the wall switch
- Off-brand wifi switches with no neutral — flicker, latency, app abandonment
Wiring during a remodel
- 14/3 to every switch box (neutral + traveler)
- Cat6 to every TV and office location
- Pre-wire EV charger circuit even if you're not buying yet
- Recessed lighting on 0–10V or ELV dimmable drivers
Contact a licensed electrician in Maryland, Washington DC, or Northern Virginia at (202) 926-7065 or request a free estimate for a planned electrical project. Estimates for planned installations and upgrades are free. For troubleshooting requests, our team will explain any applicable charges before confirming an appointment.
