Val Barnes
Recessed lighting is a perfect way to illuminate that dark, drab corner of your kitchen or brighten up your living room. Read on to learn the cost to add recessed lighting to your home.
There are several factors that affect the cost to install recessed lighting, including labor, wiring, and the type of bulb you choose. The electrical components, bulb socket, and mounting frame of a recessed light are all encased in what's called "housing."
The trim refers to the border area that covers the gap between the light's housing and the ceiling. The cost of a recessed light fixture typically ranges from $30 to $230, depending on which style you choose.
Electricians typically charge more to install recessed lighting in locations that are blocked by obstacles such as heat ducts, joists, or wires from other electronic devices. "Installing lights where there is access above the ceiling, like an attic or a crawl space, will be much easier compared to a lower level, where the ceiling needs to be cut into and then patched," says Salvatore Cutrona , Expert Review Member and Licensed Master Electrician. If you're installing any new circuits along with your new recessed lighting, then you'll need a permit since this requires altering your home's wiring.
Housing refers to the encasement of your recessed lighting's electrical components, bulb socket, and mounting frame.
In some cases, insulation can warp, melt, or emit VOCs when lighting is installed near it. IC-rated housing indicates that a light is safe to install near insulation, reducing fire and health hazards.
The following housing types might come in IC- or non-IC-rated versions depending on the manufacturer: Airtight housing creates a tight seal that stops air from flowing between different levels of the home, improving energy efficiency.
Standard housing cans are typically installed five to six inches into the ceiling. With this type, the housing is installed directly into the ceiling, which lets the light sit completely flush, offering a minimal, streamlined appearance.
This housing type should be used in any space that sees a lot of moisture or rain, like bathrooms, patios, and gazebos. These ceilings usually require recessed lighting to have vaulted housing for proper installation.
Recessed lights for vaulted ceilings typically range from $20 to $75. For instance, costs usually differ between lights installed indoors versus outdoors.
If this is your situation, expect to pay $200 to $300 to install each fixture and $800 to $2,160 for an entire project.
Building lights into a completely new ceiling usually costs a bit more in time and labor. Repairs due to recessed lighting installation will likely fall close to the lower end of that range. Dimmer switches allow you to control the brightness of your new recessed lighting depending on the ambiance you want to create.
If you choose to tack on a dimmer switch to your installation, you can expect to pay an extra $125, on average. The cost to DIY recessed lighting is about half as expensive as hiring a professional. DIYing this project means you can skip labor costs altogether.
You can also save money by installing recessed lighting in an area that already has existing light fixtures and wiring, since adding new electrical systems can considerably drive up costs.
