What this covers
Lighting installation covers everything from a single new fixture to a whole-house lighting plan: recessed lights, pendants and chandeliers, under-cabinet strips, vanity lights, closet and stair lighting, and exterior and landscape fixtures. The electrician lays out fixture locations to the room and the furniture, runs new circuits or extends existing ones, sets boxes rated for the fixture's weight, installs the fixtures, and wires dimmers and switches so each layer of light is controlled separately. The best work is planned around how the room is used, with task light where you work, ambient light for the room and accent light where you want attention.
When to call
- A kitchen, bath or workspace that is dim where you need to see.
- A remodel or ceiling repair with the ceiling open.
- Old fluorescent or builder-grade fixtures you want to replace.
- A heavy chandelier or fan with no rated box above it.
- Dark entries, steps or walkways outside.
What to expect
- PlanFixture types and locations are laid out with you, along with how each group will be switched or dimmed.
- Rough-inBoxes and cable are set, with housings cut into existing ceilings where there is no open access.
- FixturesFixtures are hung, leveled and set at equal heights, and lamps chosen for color and brightness.
- Controls and checkDimmers and switches are installed and every circuit is tested, then you walk the rooms at night.
Get a certified company
Look up a certified company by ZIP code. Every company's license, insurance and trades are verified before it is listed, and placement is never paid.
Questions people ask
Can recessed lights go in a finished ceiling?
Yes. Remodel housings and thin LED wafer lights clip into a hole cut in the drywall and are fed from the attic or an adjacent fixture, so most ceilings need no demolition.
What color temperature should I choose?
Warmer light, around 2700 to 3000 kelvin, suits living areas and bedrooms. Cooler light, 3500 to 4000, reads as crisper in kitchens, baths and work areas. The company can show samples before you decide.
Do dimmers work with LED fixtures?
Only when the dimmer and the fixture are compatible. The electrician matches the dimmer type to the fixture so there is no flicker or buzz at low settings.
Related: Ceiling fan installation · Outlet and switch installation · Kitchen remodeling · All electrical
This page describes what the service involves. The company you hire sets the scope, the schedule and the price, and your contract is with that company. We verify credentials and collect reviews from real jobs. We do not guarantee any company's workmanship. Safety steps are general guidance. When in doubt, leave the home and call 911.