Cost To Install Recessed Lighting – What To Expect?

Recessed lighting is a popular choice for lighting up your home. Its modern and elegantly simple aesthetic blends in with many kinds of hosueholds. The cost to install recessed lighting will typically set you back $300 on average per fixture. With that said, the price range to install recessed lighting can go between $65 to $500.

This article will take you through all the costs that come with installing recessed lighting.

Factors That Affect the Cost of Installing Recessed Lighting

Several factors can affect the cost of installing recessed lighting. Here is a breakdown of the costs associated with buying and installing recessed lights.

Number Of Fixtures

Obviously, the more recessed lights you buy and install, the higher the cost will be. The cost of recessed light fixtures can vary significantly depending on the size, style, and material of the fixtures, as well as the brand and retailer. Expect to pay anywhere from $20 to $300 or more per fixture.

Type Of Bulb

Recessed lighting fixtures can use a variety of different types of bulbs, including incandescent, halogen, and LED. Incandescent bulbs are relatively inexpensive, with an average price of $3 to $10 per bulb. However, they are not as energy-efficient as other types of bulbs and have a shorter lifespan.

Halogen bulbs have an average price of $5 to $20 per bulb. They are more energy-efficient than regular incandescent bulbs and have a longer lifespan.

LED bulbs have an average price of $20 to $50 per bulb. LED bulbs are extremely energy-efficient and have a long lifespan, making them a cost-effective choice in the long run. However, they can be more expensive upfront than other types of bulbs.

Ceiling Type

The type of ceiling you have will also impact the cost of installation. For example, installing recessed lighting in a drywall ceiling may be less expensive than installing in a plaster ceiling, which requires more labor and materials.

Electrical Work

If your home doesn’t have existing wiring for recessed lighting, additional electrical work may be needed. Setting up the electricals is what typically bulks up your bill when installing recessed lights.

In addition to the fixtures, you will also need to purchase any necessary electrical supplies, such as wire connectors and wire strippers. These supplies can cost anywhere from $5 to $50 or more, depending on the quantity and type of supplies needed.

Accessibility

The accessibility of the ceiling where the fixtures will be installed can also affect the cost. If the ceiling is difficult to access or requires scaffolding or specialized equipment, the installation will be more costly.

Labor

If you hire a professional electrician to install the fixtures, you can expect to pay anywhere from $50 to $200 or more per hour for their services. The total cost of labor will depend on the number of fixtures being installed and the complexity of the installation process. The cost of labor for installing recessed lighting, whether by an electrician or a qualified contractor, can range from $75 to $200, while the cost of the fixtures themselves can be between $50 to $100.

How Finished The Home Is

Installing recessed lighting in a home that is being constructed is generally less expensive than in an existing home. The price for installation is usually between $65 to $175. This is because there is less work involved in the installation process as the light can be built into the ceiling during construction. The average cost to install recessed lighting in an existing home on the other hand usually goes between $125 to $300 per light.

Ways to Reduce the Cost of Installing Recessed Lighting

If you’re concerned about the cost of installing recessed lighting, there are a few ways you can reduce the overall cost:

Install The Fixtures Yourself

If you know your way around electricals, you can install the fixtures yourself. This can save you the cost of labor and only pay for the fixtures and any necessary materials to install your lights.

Purchase Fixtures In Bulk

If you need to install multiple fixtures, purchasing them in bulk can often result in a discounted price. Compare prices from different suppliers and retailers to find yourself the best deals.

Opt For LED Bulbs

While LED fixtures may be more expensive upfront, they are more energy-efficient and have a longer lifespan, resulting in long-term cost savings.

Only Install The Fixtures You Need

Instead of installing recessed lighting throughout your entire home, install them in areas where they are needed most and will have the most impact. Layering a mix of recessed lights with other types of light fixtures creates more interest and customization.

Is Installing Recessed Lighting Worth the Cost?

Recessed lighting offers a variety of benefits, including:

Aesthetic appeal

Space-saving design
Energy efficiency
Customization and versatility

Recessed lighting is a subtle and sleek lighting option that can add a modern touch to any space. Because the fixtures are installed into the ceiling, they do not take up any floor or table space, making them a good choice for smaller spaces.

Many recessed lighting fixtures are available in energy-efficient options, such as LED lights, which can help reduce energy consumption and save money on energy bills.

Additionally, recessed lighting can be customized to suit specific needs, with options for different sizes, shapes, and styles of fixtures. These fixtures can be used in a variety of settings covering indoor and outdoor spaces.

Recessed lighting is very much worth the cost on an aesthetic and functional level. Whether you want to use it as your main source of light or layer it with a variety of light fixtures, it’s hard to go wrong. With a range of $65 to $500 to buy and install, there are recessed lighting options to suit any home.

The Best Recessed Lights To Install At Your Home