🏗️ Smarter Lighting Without Rewiring – A Win for Developers
In modern property development, smart lighting is quickly becoming an expected feature — not a luxury extra. But for many developers, especially working on renovation, heritage or part-refurb projects, the assumption is:
“We can’t install smart lighting without chasing walls.”
That’s where retrofit smart lighting systems come in. At Pro Media Solutions, we work with two of the most developer-friendly platforms on the market — Rako and Control4 — both of which allow advanced smart lighting in homes without major rewiring or disruption.
Here’s why smart lighting is worth offering — and how you can implement it cleanly, quickly and profitably in your next project.
🔌 What Is Retrofit Smart Lighting?
Unlike traditional systems that rely on wired lighting circuits linked to a physical wall switch or dimmer, retrofit smart lighting systems allow wireless or bus-based control of lights using:
- Wireless keypads or scene controllers
- Remote app access
- Timers and automations
- Integration with other smart home functions
The wiring stays largely as-is — but the control system adds intelligence, flexibility, and wow factor.
🧱 Why This Matters for Developers
✅ No Need to Chase Walls
You can offer clients lighting control without running new cables or gutting plasterwork. This is ideal for:
- Prime refurbishments
- Listed properties
- Multi-phase developments with mixed construction ages
✅ No Electrician Learning Curve
Retrofit lighting systems like Rako and Control4 use standard dimming loads and wiring principles. Your electrician connects the lights — we handle the programming, scenes, and interface setup.
✅ Higher Sales Value + Differentiation
In competitive markets, homes that offer smart scenes, app control, and lighting that adjusts with the time of day sell faster and stand out.
🧠 Two Leading Platforms for Retrofit Lighting
- Rako – Wireless Scene Lighting That’s Installer-Friendly
Rako is the UK’s retrofit smart lighting go-to. It’s reliable, flexible, and affordable enough for developer-led projects — with a wireless backbone that avoids invasive works.
Key Benefits:
- Wireless dimmers and scene plates – surface or flush fit
- Flexible load control – works with LEDs, mains, 0-10V, DALI
- Control via app, timers, or buttons
- Cloud-connected gateway for remote access (optional)
- Compatible with Control4 for upgrades later
Developer Use Case:
A 4-bed house renovation in Richmond used Rako wireless dimmers and scene keypads to give buyers “All Off”, “Dinner”, and “Welcome Home” presets — no channelling, no fuss, and full Control4 upgrade path.
- Control4 Wireless Lighting – Full Integration, Minimal Disruption
If you’re already offering buyers AV, gate control, CCTV or smart thermostats, Control4’s wireless lighting system is the natural next step.
Key Benefits:
- Works over Zigbee mesh – no lighting rewiring needed
- Elegant keypads in multiple finishes (including screwless & custom)
- Scene and automation control (e.g. “Evening Mode”, “Night Lights”)
- Easily tied into audio, heating, intercom or security
- Fully upgradeable for premium buyers’ post-sale
Developer Use Case:
In a new mews development in Hertfordshire, Control4 wireless lighting allowed developers to offer “smart ready” homes without committing to full prewire. Buyers then chose upgrades via a digital sales pack.
💸 Why It’s a Commercial Win for Developers
🔨 Easy to Build In
- No special wiring needed
- Can be added late in the project
- Minimal coordination needed from site teams
🧲 Attractive to Buyers
- Scenes, app control and security lighting are now buyer expectations — particularly in family homes or premium city zones.
📦 Scalable by Unit Type
- Offer entry-level lighting in spec homes
- Provide Control4 upgrade paths in larger or higher-end properties
- Build smart lighting into optional extras packs to increase margin
🪟 What About Design and Interiors?
Both Rako and Control4 offer keypad finishes that appeal to designers and architects:
- Custom plate finishes (matt black, antique brass, brushed stainless, bronze etc..)
- Screwless faceplates
- Etched scene labels or dynamic button backlighting
You can match lighting controls to interiors — instead of clashing with them.
🔄 Smart Lighting Is Now a Must-Have, Not a Gimmick
Buyers expect more from their lighting. Whether that’s motion-sensing night lights, a scene for entertaining, or just the ability to control it from their phone — a standard white dimmer won’t cut it in premium property.
With Rako or Control4 wireless lighting, you can deliver that experience without complicating your build schedule.
🏁 Let’s Make Your Next Site Smarter
We help developers and site managers design scalable, non-invasive lighting control systems that add real value to properties. Whether you want to spec it into your base build or offer it as a high-margin upgrade, we’ll make it seamless.
We are intelligent lighting solution specialists in Surrey covering Berkshire, Hampshire, Buckinghamshire and London for residential and commercial installations. To find out more or discuss how we can help you with your next lighting design project please call us on 0345 505 1760 or use our contact form.
