If you are thinking about installing new light fixtures anywhere in your home, you are probably wondering about the detailed expenses and how much to install recessed lighting fixtures? There are a number of things that will affect the cost: from where you house is located, to the type of ceiling you want the recessed lights fitted into.
The national average cost to install recessed lighting professionally into existing drywall is about $162 per light. This may vary quite a bit, however, depending on where you live as electrical work gets pricier based on your location. In larger cities, that $162 may rise to anywhere from $175 to $250. Smaller cities and suburbs may receive reduced quotes in the $130 to $150 range. Having to wire a new electrical line to power the recessed lighting will also drive the cost up some. If you are more the hands-on DIY type, it will likely take you at least double the amount of time it would take a professional electrician, but it will only cost you about $40 a piece.
The Break Down To The Cost of Installing Recessed Lighting
Basic fixtures themselves are pretty inexpensive. Standard six-inch cans will run you less than $10 apiece. Specialty sizes cost a little more and so do low voltage alternatives. Trims are fitted around the hole in the ceiling, and will cost around $10 to $30 for each light. Whether your ceiling can be accessed from above also plays into the total cost. Remodel cans, which allow installation without tearing down the ceiling even if there is no above access, are more expensive at $20+.
The largest part of the cost comes down to electrical wiring and hiring an electrician to do it. The area in your house where you wish to have the lights installed must be evaluated and will heavily impact the recessed lighting cost and expenses. Remodeling a pre-existing light fixture or a very nearby electrical line makes the job much easier (perhaps even easy enough to do yourself if you have some electrical know-how and the right tools) and will keep the price down. If it is going to be necessary to add a new electrical line, it is best to hire an electrician if you are not experienced on a professional level. Also, remodeling older structures costs more than work on newer structures due to fishing of wires and potential complications.
So there are a number of factors that will determine the recessed lighting installation cost. It will be based on the location of your house as electrician prices vary in different areas, the type of ceiling you are installing the lights into, the existing wiring layout, and the quality of the light fixtures you buy.
image credits: Favaro JR. kellen_butler
Related Links:
L&L Design Guide: Cove Lighting Ideas
L&L Design Guide: 6 Bedroom Ceiling Lighting Ideas
How To Go About Lighting For High Ceilings
