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Kristen Cramer
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Recessed lighting cost
Recessed lighting costs$125 to $300 per downlightto install in an existing ceiling or$65 to $175 per pot lightfor new construction. The cost to install 6 can lights in a kitchen is$700 to $1,650. Adding a dimmer switch costs$55 to $150. Electricians charge$40 to $100 hourlyplus materials.
| Number of cans | Existing ceiling | New construction |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $125 – $300 | $65 – $175 |
| 2 | $250 – $600 | $130 – $350 |
| 4 | $450 – $1,100 | $260 – $700 |
| 6 | $700 – $1,650 | $390 – $1,000 |
| 8 | $850 – $2,100 | $500 – $1,350 |
| 10 | $900 – $2,700 | $620 – $1,700 |
| 12 | $1,020 – $3,000 | $750 – $2,000 |
*Total installation cost.
Recessed lights are also called can lights, downlights, pot lights, and high hats.
Can lights cost 40% to 50% less to install during new construction when the ceiling is still open.
Old recessed light fixtures can be updated with an LED retrofit kit for $5 to $40.
Average cost to install recessed lighting per light
| National average cost | $180 |
| Minimum cost | $65 |
| Maximum cost | $450 |
| Average range | $125 to $300 |
*Based on 764 project costs reported by HomeGuide members.
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Recessed lighting installation costs
Recessed lighting installation costs$125 to $300 per light, including$75 to $200for labor and$50 to $100for the can light fixture itself. Prices depend on the bulb, trim, and housing type selected, the ceiling style and material, and the amount of wiring required for the installation.
| Item | Cost per light |
|---|---|
| Can light fixture | $50 – $100 |
| Labor / installation | $75 – $200 |
| Total cost | $125 – $300 |
*Minimum labor fees may apply.
Labor costs increase by $200 per light if the electrician must wire around joists or ducts within the ceiling.
Drywall repairs cost $50 to $300 to fix areas where the electrician cuts into the ceiling or walls to run wiring.
Interior painting costs $1 to $3 per square foot to touch up the walls and ceiling after installing recessed lights.
Dimmer switches cost $55 to $150 for a standard switch plus installation or $85 to $200 to install a smart switch with Bluetooth or wi-fi capability.
Lighting designers charge $85 to $300 per hour for an in-home consultation to create a custom lighting plan.
*Minimum fees of $50 to $250 may apply for paint and drywall repairs.
Cost to install recessed lighting in existing ceiling
Installing recessed lighting in an existing ceiling costs$125 to $300 per lightand requires fixtures with remodel housings. The cost to install six can lights is$700 to $1,650on average, depending on whether the electrician runs new wiring through the ceiling and installs dimmer switches.
Cost to add recessed lighting in kitchen
Installing recessed lighting in a kitchen costs$700 to $1,650for six lights. High hats work well for task lighting when positioned directly over the sink and stovetop. Recessed LED lights installed under kitchen cabinets provide a wash of light for countertop work areas.
Use4" or 5"diameter can lights in the kitchen to provide enough light for meal preparation and cleanup.
Cost to install recessed lighting in new construction
Installing recessed lighting in new construction costs$65 to $175 per light fixture. Recessed lights designed for new construction can only be installed on joists in open ceilings before drywall is added.
Electrician cost to install recessed lighting
Electricians charge$125 to $300 per lightto install recessed lighting, including$75 to $200for labor plus$50 to $100for the fixture itself. Total costs depend on the ceiling height and type, if the room is prewired for lighting, and if the installation includes dimmer switches.
If the home's wiring is aluminum, ungrounded, or fabric insulated, it may need to be brought up to code before installing new can lights. Thecost to rewire a houseis$5 to $17 per square foot.
Can lights cost
Can lights cost$6 to $90for the trim,$6 to $130for the housing, plus$75 to $200for the installation labor. Prices depend on the type of recessed lighting, can size (3" to 6"), wiring requirements, and dimmer options.
| Factor | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Can light trim | $6 – $90 per light |
| Can light housing | $6 – $130 per light |
| Electrician labor | $75 – $200 per light |
| Wiring around joists and ducts | $200 per light |
| Drywall repair | $50 – $300 |
| Paint touch-up | $1 – $3 per square foot |
| Dimmer switch (standard) | $55 – $150 |
| Dimmer switch (smart/wi-fi) | $85 – $200 |
| Lighting designer consultation | $85 – $300 per hour |
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Can lights cost by trim options
Can light trim is the piece that's visible and flush with the ceiling. Trim comes in different styles, shapes, and finishes depending on the light's function:
Baffle and reflector trims cast a wide beam of light.
Eyeball, gimbal, and wall-wash trims are adjustable to direct light at a specific area or focal point.
Shower trims are watertight and work best in bathrooms or saunas.
| Type of trim | Cost | Appearance |
|---|---|---|
| Baffle | $6 – $60 |
|
| Eyeball | $11 – $70 |
|
| Gimbal | $15 – $90 |
|
| Reflector | $5 – $90 |
|
| Wall wash | $15 – $65 |
|
| Shower trim | $12 – $80 |
|
When purchasing recessed lighting trim and housings separately, confirm the pieces are compatible and sized to match each other. Not all components are compatible, especially when retrofitting older fixtures.
Can light housing prices by type
Can lights feature housings made specifically for new construction or remodels and come in styles designed for flat, shallow, sloped, or low ceilings and outdoor areas. Airtight housings are sealed to prevent airflow between floors, improving energy efficiency.
High hat light housings are rated forinsulation contact (IC)ornon-insulation contact (non-IC). IC-rated fixtures can come into direct contact with insulation without causing a fire. Some cities mandate the use of IC-rated fixtures for safety.
| Type of housing | Cost per can | Usage |
|---|---|---|
| New construction | $7 – $100 | Installed when the house is built. |
| Remodel | $10 – $130 | Installed in an existing ceiling. |
| IC-rated | $7 – $100 | For installation in ceilings where insulation will come in contact with the can. |
| Non-IC-rated | $6 – $90 | For installation in ceilings where insulation is at least 3" away from the can. |
| Airtight | $7 – $90 | Sealed to prevent airflow between floors, improving energy efficiency. |
| Shallow | $6 – $100 | Designed for ceilings with only 2" to 4" between the joists. |
| Slope | $20 – $120 | Angled housing allows lights to be placed inside a sloped ceiling. |
Can light sizes
Recessed lights come in 3", 4", 5", and 6" diameters:
3" and 4" can lights are cheaper, use less energy, and work well in small spaces like walk-in closets or laundry rooms or to accent artwork or a focal point.
5" and 6" can lights produce a wide, even wash of light and are recommended for larger rooms like living rooms and kitchens or rooms with higher ceilings.
LED recessed lighting installation cost
LED recessed lighting installation costs$135 to $310 per lightfor new LED downlights or$5 to $40 per lightfor a retrofit kit to update existing can lights with low-voltage LED or CFL bulbs. Installing a dimmer switch costs an additional$55 to $150on average.
Advantages of LED recessed lights:
Use less electricity
Produce little heat
Available in ultra-slim and color-changing models
Last 50,000 hours, 50 times longer than incandescent bulbs and 8 to 10 times longer than compact fluorescent bulbs
Some LED bulbs are dimmable. To use a dimmer switch, look for dimmable LED bulbs and an LED-compatible switch.
Cost to replace recessed lights
Retrofit kits to replace recessed lights cost$5 to $40. Retrofit kits feature clips that snap into the existing housing and an adapter that screws into the empty bulb socket to make old can lights compatible with energy-efficient LED bulbs.
For a quick and inexpensive way to update the look of old can lights, replace the trim piece with a new style.
Outdoor pot and soffit lighting cost
Outdoor soffit lighting installation costs$75 to $250 per light. Outdoor canister lights are installed under the eaves of a house and are rated to resist rain, storms, and extreme temperatures. Soffit lighting adds security and accentuates a home's architectural features.
RGB LED soffit lights include a color-changing feature, allowing homeowners to change the mood of the home's exterior.
What is recessed lighting?
Recessed lights – also called can lights, pot lights, high hats, or downlights – mount inside the ceiling with the housing hidden from view. Can lights are often used for task lighting or accent lighting but cast light over a wider area when paired with a baffle or reflector trim.
How much does it cost to install 6 can lights?
The average cost to install six can lights is$700 to $1,650for remodel housings or$390 to $1,000for recessed light housings designed for new construction.
How long does it take to install recessed lighting?
Recessed lighting installation takes30 minutes to 2 hours per can lightby a licensed electrician.
How many recessed lights do I need per square foot?
Recessed lighting designers recommend a minimum ofone pot light per 25 square feetof living space. Lights with deeply recessed bulbs instead of bulbs that are flush with the ceiling typically require more lights.
How far apart should recessed lights be?
Recessed lights should be placed4 to 6 feet apart, depending on the bulb size, ceiling height, and the location of ceiling joists.
Position can lights at least 2' to 3' away from walls to avoid creating shadows that make the ceiling look lower.
Divide the ceiling height by two to determine how far apart to place recessed lights. For example, if the ceiling is 8' high, place lights 4' apart.
Use the bulb diameter to calculate the ideal spacing between recessed lights. Place 4" bulbs at least 4' apart and 6" bulbs 6' apart.
Install task lights for reading areas, sinks, and stovetops directly overhead.
Does recessed lighting add value to a house?
Recessed lighting does not add monetary value to a home but brightening a room with can lights increases its appeal to potential buyers.
What is the difference between can lights and recessed lights?
There is no difference between can lights and recessed lights. Can lights and recessed lights are also called downlights, pot lights, high hats, and canister lights.
Do I need an electrician or can a handyman install recessed lighting?
Installing recessed lighting requires an electrician with wiring experience and knowledge of local building codes for IC-rated light fixtures. Handymen are typically not licensed and don't have the electrical experience required. Many cities also require a permit for lighting installations.
DIY recessed lighting costs and considerations
DIY recessed lighting costs$50 to $150 per lightfor materials. However, DIY projects requiringelectrical workare dangerous. Hiring a licensed electrician is the safest option for homeowners without extensive wiring and electrical experience.
Many cities require permits for all new electrical wiring. Check local regulations to find out if a permit is needed.
For safety, look for insulation-contact (IC) rated can lights. If insulation touches a non-IC rated fixture, it may cause a fire.
Confirm the recessed light housing and trim you selected are compatible.
Electricians obtain the necessary permits, advise about the best size and placement for lighting fixtures, and ensure the project is completed safely.
How to install recessed lighting
Sketch a lighting plan or consult with a lighting designer to decide where to position each fixture for the best light distribution.
Use a stud finder to identify the location of all ceiling joists so the lighting holes do not overlap the joists.
Turn off power to the room at the main circuit breaker box, then use a voltage tester to confirm the electricity is off.
Use the manufacturer's template or measure and draw a circle on the ceiling for each opening.
Drill a 1/4" hole in the ceiling at the center of each opening, then use a drywall saw to cut the holes.
Pull the cable from the power source to the switch box nearest the lights, then to the first hole.
If installing multiple lights, use fish tape to pull the cable from hole to hole.
Attach a cable connector to the light's junction box and insert the cable.
Strip a few inches of insulation from the end of the cable, then connect the wires by matching black wire to black wire, white to white, and ground to ground (copper or green).
(Video) Top 5 Best LED Recessed Lights Review In 2023Cap the connections, fold the wires carefully into the box, and replace the cover.
Mount the housing inside the hole according to the manufacturer's instructions. Most housings have four metal clips that clamp into the ceiling.
Add the trim piece and use the squeezable springs to snap it into position.
Install the light bulbs.
Turn the power back on and confirm the lights are working.
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Hiring a recessed lighting installer
Aresidential electricianensures recessed light fixtures are correctly sized and spaced to produce balanced lighting.
Before hiring a lighting installation contractor be sure to:
Get at least three in-person estimates to compare.
Search for licensed electricians with experience installing recessed lighting.
Look at their reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
Select companies that are insured, bonded, and have been in business for longer than five years.
Avoid selecting the lowest quote as quality may suffer.
Ask for a written contract and warranty.
Get a detailed estimate, contract, and warranty in writing before the work begins.
Never pay in full before the project starts. Follow a payment plan instead.
Questions to ask
Are you licensed, bonded, and insured?
How many recessed lighting installations have you handled?
How many lights do you recommend for my space, and where should they be placed?
Are the light fixtures UL listed?
Can you provide references of past work?
Does the estimate include all materials and labor fees? What additional costs can I expect?
Do I need a permit, and will you pull them?
(Video) Choosing Recessed LightingWhat are your payment terms and schedule?
Do you offer a warranty on your work?
How long will the installation take?
FAQs
How much does it cost to install 4 recessed lights? ›
According to Angi and HomeAdvisor, homeowners can expect to pay between $100 and $500 per light for recessed lighting, with the average cost to install recessed lighting in a typical-size room coming in around $330 per light.
How much does canned lighting cost? ›Professional Recessed Lighting Installation
It will cost you roughly $130 per light to get recessed lighting professionally installed. However, hiring a professional to do this job for you will give you peace of mind and you'll know that it was done correctly and up to code the first time.
Recess lights may be cheaper than a normal light fixture. But keep in mind most of the time, you will need several in a given location. Installation is kind of expensive but isn't most electrical work. Expect to pay anywhere between $125-$200 per for light and installation.
How much recessed lighting per square foot? ›A common rule of thumb is that you use one recessed light for every 4 to 6 square feet of ceiling space. Doing so provides even, overall illumination.
How much does it cost to install 12 recessed lights? ›According to HomeGuide, the average cost to install recessed lighting is between $125 to $300 per light in an existing home, but the price drops to between $65 to $175 in a new home where the lights can simply be built right into the ceiling as it's installed.
Are Can Lights expensive to install? ›Labor. The cost for an electrician to install recessed can or can less LED lights will generally be between $200 and $250 per fixture. Professionals charge at a rate of $85 to $105 per hour and each installation takes approximately two to three hours.
What is the difference between can lights and recessed lights? ›Recessed lights, also known as downlights or can lights, are a type of lighting fixture installed into the ceiling or wall. They are designed to sit flush with the surface for a sleek and polished finish. The housing and electrical wiring components are hidden, and the bulb appears to glow from within the opening.
How long do LED canned lights last? ›However, these lights don't burn out and leave you in the dark all of a sudden—the LEDs dim slowly over time. And since they're rated to last 50,000 hours, or for 45 years based on 3 hours a day usage, you won't have to worry about that anytime soon!
How Long Should LED canned lights last? ›One of the biggest advantages of LED light fixtures, is their extended lifespan. While incandescent light bulbs were built to last around 1,000 hours, the most enduring LED light fixtures have been tested to last as long as 100,000 hours. On average LED light bulbs will not have to be changed for at least 20 years.
How long does it take to install 4 recessed lights? ›Installing recessed lighting is fairly simple and should only take between 2-4 hours, depending on how many lighting fixtures you need.
How much does it cost for an electrician to install a ceiling light? ›
How much does it cost to install a light fixture? Installing most fixtures ranges from $75-$125. The cost will be affected by the type of fixture selected and the condition of your wiring. Your electrician will assess the location of your fixture and give you an accurate estimate of the cost involved.
How far should 4-inch recessed lights be? ›Generally, the 4-inch recessed light fixtures are placed 4 feet apart. Meanwhile, the 6-inch lighting is placed at a distance of 6 feet. Other than the distance, you should also consider the decor goals. If you want to go for simple yet uniform lighting, choose either 4 inches or 6 inches for the whole room.
Does adding recessed lighting add value to a house? ›LED recessed lighting is particularly appealing to prospective buyers and, according to research by Vonn, could add anything between 1% and 3% to your home's value – enough to pay some estate agent fees!