Renovation is the best opportunity to integrate smart home technology. When walls are open and cables are running, the cost of installation is a fraction of what it would be later. This guide explains which systems are worth installing, what they cost and how to plan them correctly.
Which systems are worth installing during renovation?
During renovation, installing infrastructure (conduits, cables, channels) costs 5–15 times less than retrofitting later. Even if you have not decided exactly which systems you want, laying the infrastructure now is always a good decision.
Wired or wireless: which to choose?
Wired systems (KNX, Crestron, Control4) are more reliable, faster and do not depend on Wi-Fi. They cost more (€5,000–€30,000 for a full home) but performance is superior. Wireless systems (Philips Hue, Ikea Tradfri, Home Assistant) are much more affordable and easy to expand but depend on Wi-Fi and may have compatibility issues.
Lighting: the most impactful upgrade
Smart lighting completely transforms the feel of a space and reduces electricity consumption by 30–60%. During renovation, lay infrastructure for: dimmers in every room, separate circuits per zone (relaxation, focus, reading), in-ceiling recessed lighting (downlights) and LED strips in cabinets and under worktops.
Heating and cooling: intelligent climate control
Installing underfloor heating during renovation (€25–€50/sqm) combined with a smart thermostat per zone reduces heating costs by 20–35%. Air-to-air heat pump (mini-split) with inverter technology and a smart thermostat is the most widespread solution in Athens apartments in 2026.
Security: cameras, smart locks and alarms
During renovation, lay conduits for: indoor/outdoor cameras, motion sensors, smart door lock (keyless), indoor/outdoor siren and alarm terminal. The cost of installing a complete system during renovation is €800–€3,000 versus €2,500–€6,000 retrofitted.
Frequently asked questions
What is the first smart home upgrade to plan during renovation?
Start with electrical infrastructure: plan your circuit layout for zone-by-zone lighting, ensure adequate cable runs for future devices and install conduit in walls for camera and sensor cables. Electrical infrastructure is the hardest and most expensive to retrofit.
Is smart home technology reliable enough for daily use in Athens?
Wired systems (KNX) are extremely reliable. Wireless consumer-grade systems (Philips Hue, Apple HomeKit) are reliable enough for most households but require a stable router and occasional firmware updates. Choose systems with local processing (not cloud-only) for maximum reliability.
Can I control smart home systems remotely when travelling?
Yes. Most modern smart home systems offer remote access via smartphone app. This lets you monitor cameras, adjust heating, control lighting and receive security alerts from anywhere. A reliable internet connection at home is required.
What is the payback period for smart home investment?
For energy-related upgrades (smart thermostat, zoned heating), payback is typically 3–7 years depending on usage patterns and energy costs. Lighting upgrades typically pay back in 2–4 years. Security and entertainment upgrades have comfort/lifestyle value but no direct financial payback.
Which smart home platform works best in Greece?
Apple HomeKit, Google Home and Amazon Alexa all work in Greece. For maximum device compatibility and privacy, Home Assistant (open source, runs locally) is popular among technically-minded users. For the simplest setup, Apple HomeKit or Google Home with compatible devices is the easiest starting point.
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