Home Automation Upgrades
Modernise your existing smart home
Breathe New Life Into Your Smart Home
Technology evolves rapidly, and even the most meticulously installed smart home systems eventually need refreshing. A system that felt cutting-edge five years ago may now struggle with modern devices, lack voice control integration or run on controllers that manufacturers no longer support. At Vertex AV, our upgrade service is designed to modernise your existing installation without the cost and disruption of a complete rebuild.
We begin every upgrade project with a thorough system assessment. Our engineers examine your current controllers, analyse network performance, test every programmed scene and identify devices that are obsolete, unsupported or underperforming. We then present a clear upgrade roadmap that prioritises essential improvements, suggests valuable enhancements and respects your budget. Whether you need a simple controller swap or a comprehensive system overhaul, we ensure the transition is smooth and your home remains operational throughout.
Control4 upgrades are among our most common requests. The migration from legacy HC-series controllers to modern EA-series hardware delivers dramatically faster response times, improved remote access reliability and compatibility with thousands of new device drivers. We can also upgrade your system to Control4 OS 3, which introduces a completely redesigned interface, enhanced voice control and native support for modern streaming services. The migration process preserves your existing scenes, schedules and programming logic while adding new capabilities that were not available when your system was originally installed.
Crestron upgrades demand a more nuanced approach due to the platform's bespoke nature. We regularly replace CP3 and MC3 processors with modern CP4 or VC4 units, migrate residential systems to Crestron Home OS 3, upgrade DM video distribution to DM NVX for 4K over IP and replace older TSW touchpanels with current capacitive glass models. Because every Crestron system is custom-programmed, upgrades require careful reprogramming to ensure the new hardware integrates seamlessly with your existing subsystems. Our certified Crestron programmers handle this transition with the same precision that characterised your original installation.
One of the most transformative upgrades we offer is adding voice control to existing systems. Many of our clients in Kensington, Hampstead and St Albans are amazed to discover that their 6-year-old Control4 system can be upgraded to respond to Alexa, Google Home or Siri commands without replacing any core hardware. We install compatible smart speakers, configure voice skill integrations and program custom commands that trigger your existing scenes. Saying "Alexa, good night" to turn off all lights, close the blinds, set the alarm and lower the temperature feels like living in the future, even if your system was installed a decade ago.
Network infrastructure upgrades are another area where significant improvements can be achieved with targeted investment. Many older smart homes were installed before WiFi 6, 10-gigabit Ethernet and mesh networking became standard. Upgrading to a modern Ubiquiti UniFi network can eliminate device dropouts, improve streaming quality and provide the bandwidth necessary for 4K video distribution and high-resolution multi-room audio. We also install PoE+ switches that power modern access points, cameras and intercoms without requiring separate power supplies at each location.
Video distribution upgrades are particularly relevant for home cinema and multi-room TV installations. If your system currently uses HDMI matrix switchers with dedicated cabling, upgrading to AV-over-IP solutions such as Crestron DM NVX or Control4's latest video distribution hardware enables 4K HDR content to reach every display in your home without running new video cables. This is especially valuable in period properties where additional cabling would be invasive or impossible.
We also specialise in upgrading systems originally installed by other companies. Many London properties contain smart home hardware installed by firms that have since ceased trading, leaving owners with no support path. We conduct comprehensive system audits, identify the installed equipment, assess what can be preserved and create upgrade plans that modernise the system while minimising waste. Our clients often tell us that their upgraded system performs better than it did when new, thanks to modern controllers, updated programming techniques and improved network infrastructure.
How We Modernise Your System
Controller Replacement
Swap legacy Control4 HC-series or Crestron CP3 processors for modern hardware with faster processing and broader device support.
Video Distribution Refresh
Upgrade HDMI matrix systems to 4K AV-over-IP with HDR, Dolby Vision and HDCP 2.2 compatibility throughout.
Network Infrastructure Modernisation
Replace ageing routers with WiFi 6/7 mesh networks, 10G switching and PoE+ for reliable smart device connectivity.
Voice Control Integration
Add Alexa, Siri and Google Home compatibility to existing Control4 and Crestron systems with custom voice commands.
App and Interface Modernisation
Update to OS 3 interfaces with improved design, faster response and new features such as native streaming service control.
Legacy System Migration
Migrate from discontinued platforms to modern Control4 or Crestron with programming that preserves your existing scenes and schedules.
Areas Where We Upgrade
Platforms We Upgrade
Upgrade FAQs
When should I upgrade my smart home system?
Most smart home systems benefit from a technology refresh every 5 to 7 years. Controllers become slower, new devices may not be compatible with older software, and newer platforms offer capabilities that did not exist when your system was installed. Signs that it is time to upgrade include slow app response, devices dropping offline, inability to add new products, discontinued manufacturer support and controllers that no longer receive firmware updates. We offer free system assessments that evaluate your current installation and provide a clear upgrade roadmap.
Can you upgrade my existing Control4 system?
Yes, we specialise in Control4 upgrades. The latest EA-series controllers are significantly faster than their HC-series predecessors, and the OS 3 software introduces entirely new interface designs, enhanced voice control and improved driver support. We can migrate your existing programming, scenes and schedules to the new controller while adding new capabilities such as enhanced voice integration with Alexa and Google Home, improved remote access and support for the latest device drivers. The migration is typically completed in 2 to 3 days with minimal disruption.
What is involved in a Crestron system upgrade?
Crestron upgrades range from simple controller replacements to full platform migrations. A common upgrade path involves replacing a CP3 or MC3 processor with a modern CP4 or VC4, migrating to Crestron Home OS 3 for residential properties, or upgrading DM video distribution to DM NVX for 4K over IP. We also upgrade touchpanels to the latest TSW series with capacitive glass displays, replace outdated lighting modules with current DIN-AP series units and modernise network infrastructure. Every upgrade includes reprogramming to ensure the new hardware delivers its full capability.
Will upgrading require rewiring my home?
In most cases, no. Smart home upgrades primarily involve replacing controllers, updating software and adding new devices that use existing cabling. If your original installation was performed to a high standard with quality structured cabling, the physical infrastructure typically supports new hardware for many years. However, if your property has outdated Cat5 cabling, insufficient HDMI bandwidth for 4K video or no PoE infrastructure for modern access points, we may recommend selective cable upgrades as part of the project. We always discuss this clearly during the assessment phase.
Can you add voice control to an existing system?
Yes, adding Alexa, Siri or Google Home voice control to an existing Control4 or Crestron system is one of our most popular upgrade services. The process involves installing compatible smart speakers or displays, configuring voice skill integrations with your automation platform and programming custom voice commands that trigger your existing scenes. You can say "Alexa, good morning" to activate your wake-up scene, or "Hey Google, movie time" to start the cinema sequence. We also configure voice control for individual devices such as lighting, temperature and music.
How much does a smart home upgrade cost?
Upgrade costs vary enormously based on what needs replacing. A simple controller swap might cost £2,000 to £5,000. Adding voice control to an existing system typically ranges from £800 to £2,500. A comprehensive system refresh with new controllers, updated touchpanels, modernised video distribution and expanded device support can range from £15,000 to £60,000. We provide itemised quotations that clearly distinguish essential upgrades from optional enhancements, allowing you to phase the investment according to your priorities and budget.
Do you upgrade systems installed by other companies?
Yes, we regularly upgrade smart home systems originally installed by other integrators, including discontinued or out-of-business firms. We begin with a comprehensive system audit to understand what was installed, how it was programmed and what documentation exists. We then create an upgrade plan that respects your existing infrastructure where possible while replacing obsolete components. This is particularly common in London properties where systems were installed 8 to 12 years ago by companies that have since ceased trading.
Time to Upgrade Your Smart Home?
Book a system assessment. We will evaluate your current installation and recommend upgrades that add real value.