Despite my knowledge of smart home devices, I still feel intimidated to build an automated, affordable smart home myself. So it is only natural that readers who are even less experienced than I am would look to a professionally installed system.

One reader did. After seeing my DIY Smart Home series, and being quoted $6,000 for a smart home control system, he asked what I thought.

The reader told me that he had been quoted a Control4 system, priced according to the amount of control panels and connected devices needed; Control4 is a high-end smart home platform that includes not only lights and locks, but also intercom, A/V systems, home theaters, and everything else in the home can be connected. In addition, Control4 will send a certified installer to set up a smart system for you.

There are several scenarios where it makes total sense to invest in a Control4 system. Homeowners with a large space and many devices, but no time or interest in connecting everything themselves, may appreciate Control4's services. Frequent businesses and busy offices are also prime candidates for a professional setup.

Based on the information you shared with me, it appears that readers are not Control4's target customers. They are interested in a "system for an easy smart home" for a new beachside property they plan to rent.

The reader even provides a short list of products they would like to connect in the home. They wanted a system that could manage smart door locks, smart thermostats, motion sensors, and "possibly" a couple of cameras for the driveway and ocean view.

No doubt, they wanted to see how much it would cost to create a Control4-type experience using commercially available smart home devices, not because they wanted to secure a summer beach rental.

The heart of Control4 and other professionally installed smart home systems is the control panel, which can manage everything in the house. The most appropriate DIY analog is the Brilliant Smart Home controller, a touchscreen smart switch that not only turns lights on and off, but can also be used to manage other smart devices in the house, such as smart speakers and smart plugs. 3-gang panel is $399, but you can get a single switch panel for $299. When I installed smart switches instead of smart lights, this was one of the things I splurged on.

By comparison, the Control4 entry-level wall panel and entry-level tablet are both $950, but if you only need one or the other, these are the only two available. Personally, I prefer the stationary wall-mounted screen, but may be attracted to the flexibility that Control4's tablet allows. Of course, the Brilliant app turns any smartphone into a kind of mobile smart home remote control.

If wiring is not your thing, you'll also need an electrician to replace your standard switches with the Brilliant panel, but you should still save at least $200.

Next, the reader specifically said he was familiar with the $250 Ecobee SmartThermostat. My Honeywell Home model costs $79 and is also compatible with the Brilliant, but has fewer features than the Ecobee; Control4 offers only one thermostat option, the Aprilea wireless thermostat for $345.

The reader also mentioned that he has used Schlage smart locks in the past. The Schlange Encode I use in my smart home costs $250; the Control4 "door station" is said to cost between $1,295 and $16,000.

However, the Control4 door station has an intercom feature that also works like a video doorbell. If readers want a video doorbell, they can buy Ring's; the Ring Video Doorbell Wired costs only $60; the $229 Ring Video Doorbell 3 Plus would have features comparable to the Control4 option.

As far as motion sensors go, the Ring Home Alarm Security Kit makes the most sense. It includes one pack of motion sensors, plus an alarm base station, alarm keypad, and indoor security camera for $299. Control4, on the other hand, is asking $108 per motion sensor.

Also, Brilliant's partnerships are a bit limited in the area of security cameras. Currently, only Ring cameras can be viewed through the Brilliant app or the Brilliant panel. Readers should be aware that the $250 Ring Floodlight Cam or $200 Ring Spotlight Cam is required to use the Brilliant Control Panel, and no other security cameras are required.

This Control4 price list I referenced does not include the cost of the security camera.

Total time: a DIY job with Brilliant would cost about $1,600, while the Control4 product would cost at least $3,000. This falls short of the reader's $6,000 estimate, but does not include the cost of security cameras and service fees.

I have identified many similarities between my smart home needs and the reader's needs. I do not intend to rent my home, but I do want to organize the numerous devices I have under one umbrella.

With Brilliant's platform, I don't have to be a smart home expert, but I also don't have to pay a smart home expert to set me up. At least that's how I feel. When I'm at home, I can use the physical panel to adjust lighting and sound. When I'm out and about, my Brilliant account is integrated with a compatible company smart home device, so I can use the Brilliant app (and only the Brilliant app) to make adjustments and create scenes.

Again, if you want less setup hassle and more automation, a system like Control4 is a great option. They are not cheap, so you have to ask yourself how much is a professionally installed smart home worth.

For more gadget recommendations, be sure to check out my guide to the best smart home devices (and the best inexpensive smart home devices). If there's anything you'd like me to cover about the connected space, please email me at [email protected] or leave a comment below.