Laqeeni guide · Riyadh

Before you hire a smart home installer in Riyadh

Want to control lights, ACs and the door from your phone? Before you buy or hire anyone, read this: what to check first, what you can set up yourself and what needs an installer, and the questions that keep everything in your name and secure.

Before you buy anything

Simple things that save you money and hassle.

Wi-Fi in every room

Check the internet strength on your phone in every room where you'll put a device.

What do you want first?

Start small: living-room lights and a video doorbell. If you like it, expand later.

One system

Choose devices that work with the same app, so you don't end up with 10 apps.

Smart switches?

They need an electrician to check the boxes and wiring before you buy, and to fit them.

⚠️ Smart switches, intercoms and anything connected to the home's wiring: leave them to an electrician or a qualified installer. Don't fit them yourself.

Common problems and their causes

You can avoid most of them before you buy.

Devices keep dropping off Wi-Fi

Usually weak Wi-Fi in some rooms. A booster or mesh network fixes it.

The smart switch won't work

Some switches need a neutral wire in the box. An electrician can check before you buy.

Too many apps

Every brand has its own app. Choose one system from the start, or a hub that brings them together.

Worried about hacking

Change default passwords, keep devices updated, and avoid unknown brands.

Bulbs flicker

Sometimes the smart bulb doesn't suit an old switch or dimmer.

The smart lock ran out of battery

Most locks warn you before the battery runs out. Always keep a spare key.

Devices you set up yourself, or ones that need an installer

Some devices are easy; others are electrical work.

Set up yourself

Smart bulbs, smart plugs, indoor cameras, an AC remote controller (IR).

  • They plug or screw in with no wiring.
  • You just need the app and Wi-Fi.
  • Start with these to try it out.

Needs an electrician or installer

Smart light switches, intercoms, wired doorbells and smart locks.

  • The electrician checks the boxes and wiring first.
  • Ask whether the price includes fitting and set-up.
  • Keep the accounts in your name.

Tips for a smart home that just works

Strong Wi-Fi

A smart home depends on the internet. Strengthen the network across the home first.

Update devices

Updates fix bugs and protect against hacking.

Keep a manual option

Lights and locks must still work by hand if the internet drops.

Strong passwords

A strong password for every app, and two-step verification where available.

Questions to ask a smart home installer

Ask before you agree. A good installer won't mind.

  1. Which system?

    Ask which system or app they use, and whether it works with other brands.

  2. Will you check the wiring first?

    Ask them to check the boxes and wiring before you buy smart switches.

  3. Does the price include fitting and set-up?

    And will they show you how to use the app?

  4. Will the accounts be in my name?

    Keep every account and app in your name and email, not the installer's.

  5. What warranty and support?

    If something stops working after a month, will they come back to fix it?

  6. Can I see past work?

    Look at past work and genuine reviews.

Warning signs

One sign on its own doesn't prove anything, but take care if you see them.

Accounts in the installer's name

If they disappear, you could lose control of your home. Keep them in your name from the start.

Leaves default passwords

Ask them to change them and give them to you.

No manual option

If the internet drops, lights and locks must still work.

Fits switches without checking the wiring

Ask whether they checked the neutral wire and the boxes first.

Rough guide

Rough prices (a guide only)

Rough device prices. Use them to spot a quote that's way off, not as fixed prices. Installation and set-up are usually extra, and a full system for a big home costs much more.

ServiceRough price
Smart bulbSAR 35 – 70
Smart light switchFrom SAR 90
Indoor smart cameraFrom about SAR 100
Video doorbellFrom SAR 300
Video intercomSAR 600 – 2,100
Full smart system for a mid-size homeSAR 20,000 – 100,000

💡 Start small: smart lights in the living room and a video doorbell. If you like it, expand later.

📶 Choose devices that work with the same app or system, so you don't end up with 10 different apps.

A rough guide from 4 sources in Saudi Arabia (October 2026), including well-known stores' prices and smart home companies' guides. We couldn't find reliable published prices for smart locks or installation. The final price is agreed between you and the installer. Laqeeni doesn't set prices or take commission.

Common questions

Can I make my old AC smart?

Usually yes, with a small device that controls the AC through its remote signal (IR) from your phone, at a low cost.

What's the best place to start?

Smart lighting where you use it most, and a video doorbell. Easy, and you notice the difference quickly.

Does Laqeeni take commission?

No. Laqeeni is a directory that connects you with the installer directly. You agree and pay between you.

Last updated: October 2026

Your smart home checklist

Print it, or save it on your phone for next time.

Before you buy

Before fitting

After fitting

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