Bay City

Traverse City

MENU

MENU

Lighting Control

Smart Devices & Lighting Control

Smart Switches, Dimmers & Lighting Systems

Ever wish you could control your home’s lights, shades, or switches from your phone, or just by asking Alexa?

Smart lighting control is one of the most affordable and effective ways to modernize your home, improve security, and save energy. Whether you want a few lights on timers or a whole-home automation system, BTE Electric can help you design and install a setup that fits your lifestyle.

What Is Smart Lighting Control?

Smart lighting control allows you to manage your lights with:

  • Smartphones or tablets
  • Voice assistants (like Alexa, Google Home, or Siri)
  • Wall-mounted keypads or dimmers
  • Custom schedules, scenes, and sensors


That means you can dim the dining room, turn off basement lights, or set the porch to turn on at sunset, all without flipping a switch.

Common Questions About Lighting Control

Q. Why Do Homeowners Love Smart Lighting?

ANSWER: We get a lot of calls from people looking to upgrade for convenience, but they often stay for the extras such as:

  • Hands-free control with voice or motion sensors
  • Remote access when you’re away from home
  • Scene setting for “Movie Night,” “Morning Routine,” or “Away Mode”
  • Dimming and automation that saves electricity
  • Security benefits, like lights that simulate occupancy
  • Integration with smart thermostats, shades, doorbells, and more


Whether you’re tech-savvy or brand new to smart home features, we’ll walk you through what’s possible, and what makes sense for your home.

ANSWER: There are dozens of smart switches and lighting systems on the market. We’ve worked with many of them. However, we consistently recommend and install Lutron for most of our customers.

Here’s why:

  • Reliable performance: They just work
  • Clean, elegant design: No clunky plastic buttons
  • Wireless and retrofit-friendly: Great for existing homes
  • Compatible with Alexa, Google, Apple HomeKit, Ring, Sonos, and more
  • Scalable: Start with one room or automate your entire home
  • Clear app interface that’s simple to use


From a single smart dimmer to a full-home Caséta system, BTE can install it right the first time, and help you get the most out of it.

ANSWER: Every home is different, but here’s a rough guide:

  • Smart dimmer installation: $150–$300 per switch
  • Single-room Lutron setup: $500–$1,200
  • Whole-home system: $2,500+ depending on layout and number of devices
  • Add-ons (shades, occupancy sensors, voice assistant setup): Varies


We can work within your budget to add smart control where it matters most, like your main living spaces, kitchen, entryway, or exterior lights.

ANSWER: Most smart lighting systems, including Lutron Caséta, require a Wi-Fi connection and a small hub (which we install and configure). If you’re already using other smart home devices, integration is simple.

Don’t worry. We’ll handle the tech setup so everything works smoothly, even if you’re not a gadget person.

ANSWER: We sometimes get calls from homeowners who try smart switches and find they:

  • Only work from one location in a 3-way setup
  • Flicker with LED bulbs
  • Drop their Wi-Fi connection
  • Don’t respond to voice commands


We know how to wire these properly, install neutral wires if needed, and verify compatibility with your existing lighting. We’ve fixed plenty of “DIY gone wrong” smart switch installs.

Ready to Take Control of Your Lighting?

Whether you’re adding a single smart dimmer or building out a full lighting control system with Lutron, BTE Electric can help you design and install it the right way, with no guesswork or hassle. Call us today to schedule a smart lighting consultation. We’ll answer your questions, help you choose the right devices, and install them to code. That way you can enjoy your lights, your way.