Skip to main content
Hudson Smart HomesHudson.

FAQ

Questions, answered.

Everything you might want to know about smart-home installation, pricing, devices, warranty, and support.

General

What areas do you serve?

We serve the Greater Boston area — Boston, Cambridge, Somerville, Brookline, Newton, Quincy, Medford, Arlington, and surrounding communities.

Do I need Wi-Fi for a smart home?

Yes. Nearly all smart-home devices depend on a stable Wi-Fi network. If your network is weak, we offer whole-home Wi-Fi optimization as part of most installs.

Can I use my existing smart devices?

Absolutely. We integrate with Apple Home, Google Home, Alexa, SmartThings, Home Assistant, Lutron, and most major brands.

Do you offer free consultations?

Yes — every project starts with a free, no-obligation consultation to scope your goals, home, and budget.

Pricing & Packages

How much does a smart home cost?

Packages start at $999 for Smart Start and scale to $10,000+ for Ultimate Smart Home AI. Our Instant Estimate gives a personalized range in under two minutes.

Do you offer packages?

Yes — Smart Start, Safe & Connected, Secure Home, and Ultimate Smart Home AI. Every package can be tailored to your home and existing devices.

Do you require a deposit?

For projects over $1,500 we collect a 30% deposit at scheduling. Smaller jobs are paid on completion.

What payment methods do you accept?

We accept credit cards, ACH payments, checks, and cash.

Is the estimate my final price?

The Instant Estimate is a starting range. Your final quote is based on the free consultation, existing wiring, devices you already own, and what you choose to include.

Installation & Process

How long does a typical installation take?

Most Smart Start installs finish in a single day. Ultimate Smart Home AI projects typically run 2–4 days depending on scope.

Do you install devices I already own?

Yes. If you've purchased devices on your own, we can install, configure, and integrate them into a cohesive smart-home system.

Will you make a mess in my house?

No. Our installers use drop cloths, vacuums, and shoe covers. We leave every room cleaner than we found it.

Can existing 3-way and 4-way switches be upgraded?

Yes — we specialize in multi-way switch conversions using companion devices.

What does the process look like from start to finish?

Consultation → custom plan and quote → schedule install → professional installation → hands-on training → ongoing support.

Devices & Compatibility

Which smart-home ecosystems do you support?

Apple Home, Google Home, Amazon Alexa, Samsung SmartThings, Home Assistant, and Lutron — often several at once.

Will the lights still work if the internet goes out?

Yes. Physical switches always function locally, and most schedules keep running on-device.

Do I need to replace all my bulbs?

In most cases, no. Smart switches control existing bulbs. We only recommend smart bulbs where color-changing or lamp-level control matters.

Can I control everything from one app?

Yes. We consolidate control into a single primary app (usually Apple Home, Google Home, or SmartThings) so you don't juggle five apps.

Can the system grow over time?

Yes. Every system we design is built to expand — add rooms, sensors, cameras, or scenes whenever you're ready.

Security & Privacy

Are smart locks and cameras secure?

We only install hardware from vendors with strong security track records, keep firmware up to date, and configure encrypted local networks where possible.

Who has access to my camera footage?

You do. Cameras stream to your account and, where you choose, a local recorder. We don't retain access after install unless you request ongoing support.

Do you segment smart devices from my main network?

Yes. On networking projects we create a dedicated IoT network so smart devices can't reach sensitive traffic on your main network.

Support & Warranty

Is my installation warrantied?

Yes. Every installation includes a 1-year workmanship warranty. Devices carry their own manufacturer warranty (typically 1–5 years).

What if a device fails after install?

If a device fails under manufacturer warranty within our workmanship period, we handle the replacement and re-install at no labor cost.

Do you offer extended coverage?

Yes — our annual Care Plan extends both workmanship and priority support beyond the first year.

Is there ongoing support after install?

Every install includes 90 days of priority support. Annual Care Plans are available for continuous tuning and updates.

How do I contact support?

Email, phone, and text. Care Plan customers get a priority line answered within one business hour.

Still have questions?

Book a free consultation and we'll answer them personally.

Book Free Consultation