Chat with us: 1-844-673-3256

Is It Cheaper To Hire an Electrician or Upgrade With Deako?

Electrician accepting payment.

Deako homeowners can easily upgrade switches at any time. With our modular system, you can remove an existing switch and plug in a new one in about 30 seconds for simple switches and 2 minutes for smart switches. You don’t have to call an electrician or even turn off the power.

But we’ve heard folks’ concerns about our prices. We do our best to keep our switches affordable, but we’re not as cheap as something you can pick up at a hardware store. Still, choosing Deako switches will save you from hidden costs like your time and effort—plus electrician fees.

Electrician

Deako

Table of contents

Hiring an electrician

If you choose an electrician to install new light switches, you’ll need to pay fees and schedule time to be present for the installation.

Electrician fees: $175–$300

Most electricians charge by the hour, with a high first-hour fee or a two-hour-minimum fee. Depending on where you live, an electrician may charge $175 for the first hour and $150 for every hour after. Some charge a two-hour minimum fee of $300 instead.

An expert electrician can install a switch in minutes. But they still charge a flat-rate fee because traveling to your home takes them away from higher-paying jobs.

“Most electricians I know don’t want jobs installing one to five dimmer switches,” says Nathan Weathers, Head of Deako’s Professional Channel and Journey Level Electrician. “They’re not making a lot of money and it disrupts their schedule.”

But if your electrician is installing a lot of switches, you get more value out of this flat rate fee. In two hours, an electrician can install 15 to 20 switches—as many switches as you’ll find in most starter homes.

Time costs: 2 hours, plus wait time

When you hire an electrician to install new light switches, you’ll first spend time researching for reputable, affordable, and experienced technicians. And with the high demand for skilled electricians, you may have to wait weeks—or even months—before someone can install your light switches.

When the big day finally comes, you’ll need to take time off work or work remotely.

Some technicians may give you a time window, rather than an exact time. If you’re anything like us, you’ll be waiting on edge for that knock on the door.

And if you have kids at home, scheduling around nap time and activities adds even more complications. Yikes.

Upgrading Deako

Deako switches take seconds to install:

  1. Pop off the faceplate
  2. Pull the blue tab and remove the existing switch
  3. Push in the new switch and push in the blue tab
  4. Connect new smart devices to your Deako app
  5. Pop on the faceplate
Smart Switch installation.

That’s easy compared to the long and expensive electrician visit, right? (Honestly, it’s easier than this writer’s daily coffee-making routine.)

Other light switch prices vs. Deako

Switch type Competitor prices Deako price Deako Shop
Simple switch $0.98–$83.03 $11.99 Included in your home
Simple dimmer $7.47–$168.16 $54.99 Buy now
Motion sensor $19.98–$154.44 $54.99 Buy now
Smart switch $18.52–$94.95 $89.99 Buy now
Smart dimmer $36.68–$119.95 $99.99 Buy now

Prices from Lowes.com, accessed on 4/19/2023.

Other light switches range from under a buck to over $150. Deako switches range from $54.99 to $99.99.

Sure, you could head to your local hardware store and get cheaper switches than Deako. But our switches install in seconds with the Deako system built into your house, saving you time and electrician fees.

Heads up—some smart switches require a Wi-Fi bridge or hub that connects to your router and costs about $75 more. Deako switches graduated from bridges years ago, so there’s no hidden fee for a clunky device.

Hey, longtime Deako pals!

Deako’s new generation of Smart Switches works as bridges. If you still have our old Wi-Fi bridge, the Deako Connect, contact us to replace it with a free Smart Switch.

Save time, energy, and cash with Deako

You can upgrade your Deako switches in seconds with our innovative, modular design. You won’t have to pay an electrician, take time off work, or even turn off the power.

While you might find cheaper switches than Deako’s, professional installation adds an extra fee. We hope you’ll opt to save time, energy, and cash with us.

Deako Smart Switch review

“Deako switches are the best! I was able to switch out to the new Smart Switch without tools or issues. Very easy to setup through the app to control by your phone. Works great! What a convenience!!”

—Debra

Share:

You might also enjoy
bathroom exhaust fan venting options deako

Breathe Better, Live Better: Deako’s Simple Ventilation Timer Switch

Tired of dealing with a stuffy, stale-smelling bathroom? The Simple Ventilation Timer Switch ensures your bathroom stays fresh and well-ventilated automatically. Unlike traditional exhaust fans that may run continuously, our ventilation timer ensures efficient ventilation. With adjustable timers and energy-efficient operation, you can easily maintain a clean, dry and odor-free bathroom.

home safety night

The True Value of Deako: Safety

Think saving a few dollars on light switches is worth the risk? Safety is priceless, and at Deako, we prioritize your well-being. Many homeowners underestimate the risks associated with installing light switches themselves or hiring the wrong electrician.

Improving Home Accessibility: Deako Specialty Lighting Solutions

Why Deako’s Specialty Lighting is Essential for Accessible Living

Deako’s smart and simple light switches empower people with disabilities to live safer, more independent lives. From mobility and cognitive impairments to sensory sensitivities, our innovative lighting solutions enhance everyday living for everyone. Learn more about our impact and the inspiring Cook family’s journey across the U.S.

Speak to a Deako Lighting Expert

Schedule a meeting to learn more about your upgrade options.

Related posts

bathroom exhaust fan venting options deako

Breathe Better, Live Better: Deako’s Simple Ventilation Timer Switch

Tired of dealing with a stuffy, stale-smelling bathroom? The Simple Ventilation Timer Switch ensures your bathroom stays fresh and well-ventilated automatically. Unlike traditional exhaust fans that may run continuously, our ventilation timer ensures efficient ventilation. With adjustable timers and energy-efficient operation, you can easily maintain a clean, dry and odor-free bathroom.

Read more »
home safety night

The True Value of Deako: Safety

Think saving a few dollars on light switches is worth the risk? Safety is priceless, and at Deako, we prioritize your well-being. Many homeowners underestimate the risks associated with installing light switches themselves or hiring the wrong electrician.

Read more »

Speak to a Deako Lighting Expert

Schedule a meeting to learn more about your upgrade options.

Looking for support?

No problem is too tough for our support super heroes!

Want to get in touch?

Have questions or want to hear more about Deako Lighting? Get in touch with us!

Simple Timer

Save energy and your peace of mind with a switch that turns off on its own.

Best for:
  • Bathroom –  Stop babysitting the bathroom fan or lights. Just choose a 10-, 30-, or 60-min timer and they’ll turn off automatically 
  • Hallways – move safely around the house at night or for a late snack without turning on the lights
  • Attic, Garage, Closets – Install it anywhere you or others in the family tend to forget to turn off the lights

Simple Nightlight

Add a subtle glow to a dark room for added safety and security with this easy-to-find switch.
Best for:
  • Children’s bedroom – ease kids’ worries with a warm LED light that would spook any bogeyman
  • Hallways – move safely around the house at night or for a late snack without turning on the lights
  • Bathrooms – subtle lighting is easy on groggy eyes during late night bathroom trips

Simple Dimmer

Adjust the brightness of your lights and create your desired ambiance with a simple, tactile slide dimmer.

Best for:
  • Dining Room – set the ambiance for a nice meal
  • Bedrooms – wind down with dim lighting before sleep
  • Multi-use spaces – set the tone depending on activity

Smart Switch

The utility player that sets your home up for safety and convenience.

Best for:
  • Outdoor Lights – sunrise/sunset schedule
  • Hallway/Stairs – schedules or timers so you don’t trip in the dark!
  • Kids Rooms – set timers so they don’t get left on.

Smart Dimmer

The luxury choice that combines smart lighting automation with remote and tactile dimming for ultimate control.
Best for:
  • Open concept living/dining/kitchen – you need them everywhere!
  • Bedroom – wind down or wake up gradually with adjustable lighting
  • Master bath – No aggressively bright lights for middle-of-the-night trips

Motion Sensor Switch

The simple switch with smart capabilities, this energy-saving and efficient switch detects motion to trigger lights for simple automation.

Best for:

  • Laundry room – lights come on automatically when hands are full
  • Garage – no fumbling for lights when taking out the garbage
  • Pantry – never forget to turn out the lights after grabbing a snack
Get Updates

Sign up below to stay updated

Product announcements, promotions, and more!