A home automation (HA) system may include HA operation devices within a structure. At least one of the HA operation devices may include a light dimmer for a given area. The HA system may also include HA user interface devices for respective users within the structure. Each HA user interface device may be configured to wirelessly communicate with at least one of the HA operation devices. A HA hub device within the structure may provide communications for the HA user interface and operation devices. The HA hub device may receive a light-off command from an HA user interface device for the light dimmer and send a sequence of partial dimming commands to the light dimmer to turn the light off, and determine whether the given area is occupied based upon at least one HA operation device, and when occupied, then send a light-on override command to the light dimmer.