Submissions are now open for the 2026 Home of the Year Awards, so if you have a project you think might represent the best the custom integration (CI) industry has to offer, now’s the time to showcase your handiwork and seize the opportunity to have your work seen by partners and peers alike on the grand stage of CEDIA Expo/CIX 2026.
This year’s expanded categories span three core areas—Spaces, Functions, and Features—giving integrators more opportunities to showcase their work across the full scope of modern projects. Whether you’ve delivered a multimillion-dollar smart home, engineered a rock-solid infrastructure backbone or created a seamless, intuitive user experience, there’s a category built to recognize that achievement.
Entries are judged by an independent panel of industry experts, with Gold, Silver, and Bronze honors awarded in each category. Winners will be announced live at CEDIA Expo/CIX 2026 this September, putting your work in front of the industry’s most influential audience.
Got questions? We’ve got all the answers below, as well as on the 2026 Home of the Year Award registration site. You can also look at this guide on how to tailor your submission for success.
And if you’re already prepared for this year’s program, submit your project to the 2026 Home of the Year Awards now!
FAQ
What are the Home of the Year Awards?
The CE Pro Home of the Year Awards is an annual celebration of the best the custom integration (CI) channel has to offer, recognizing the projects that define excellence in smart home design, system performance and user experience.
How are the entries judged?
A number of industry experts, as well as the CE Pro editorial staff, will consider all aspects involved in an installation, such as project creativity, innovation, equipment incorporated, obstacles overcome, homeowner priorities met, aesthetics and lifestyle benefits.
What projects are eligible for the 2026 Home of the Year Awards?
Any home installation project that was completed between September 2025, and July 31 2026, is eligible for entry. The home must be completed and occupied with photographs available to show the results.Â
Who can enter?
Custom electronics installation firms, PR agencies, and manufacturers may enter, provided all of the project submission information is completed as required.
When are the winners announced?
- Winners will be announced during the CEDIA Expo 2026 from September 3-6 in Denver.
What will I need to enter CE Pro’s Home of the Year Awards?
To complete your submission, you will need the following information (* = Mandatory):
- Project Photos – Either upload up to 20 photos or provide a link to the photos
- Do you have permission from the homeowner to submit this project? * – Yes or No
- City where the project was completed
- State/Province where the project was completed *
- The country where the project was completed *
- Is the home currently occupied? * – Yes or No
- Is the homeowner willing to be mentioned by name in the article? * – Yes or No
- Is the homeowner willing to be interviewed? * – Yes or No
- Name(s) of Homeowner(s)
- Has this project been submitted to other magazines for potential publication? * – If yes, please name them
- Would you like to recognize a participant? * – Recognize an employee, trade partner or other parties in this project that made a special contribution. – Yes or No.
- If yes – Please provide the name of participant and relationship to the project
- Project Cost *
- Has this home been professionally photographed? * – Yes or No
- Yes – Please provide the photographer’s name, phone number, and email.
- No – If no, will the homeowner(s) allow us to send a photographer into their home? – Yes or No
- Equipment Used * – Write out or upload a list – Please provide a full equipment list of everything used in this installation. Everything! In addition to all of the controls, displays, and A/V equipment, don’t forget wire and cable, power management, lighting, A/V furniture, security, phones, networking, etc. Provide the quantity, manufacturer, and model number.
- Challenges and Compromises * – What were the biggest challenges and compromises on this project? Explain what the challenges were, how you overcame them and how the compromises were resolved with the client, trade partners, and other external forces. (up to 200 words)
- What makes this project stand out? * – Consider your technical prowess, product lines, special skills, special relationships, licensing, operations and processes, etc. (up to 200 words)
- Project description * – Please provide a promotional description to be used in print and online. (up to 200 words)
How much does it cost to enter the Home of the Year Awards?
-
$397 for the first project entered by June 11, 2026
-
$447 for the first project entered after June 11, 2026
-
$247 for each additional entry
What is the deadline for submissions?
- Early-Bird Deadline: June 11, 2026
-
Deadline: July 31, 2026
Where can I submit to the 2026 Home of the Year Awards?
Submit your product to the 2026 Home of the Year Awards by following the link to the awards’ entry portal.
When are the winners announced?
Winners of the 2026 CE Pro Home of the Year Awards will be announced at the CEDIA Expo 2026 on September 3, 2026.
Where can I look at previous winners of the Home of the Year Awards?
A full list of the winners from the 2026 Home of the Year Awards with accompanying product descriptions and photography can be found by following the link.
