Housing isn’t the only major cost factor when installing recessed lighting. Labor, location, wiring, and customizations such as finishes and type of bulbs are all important things to consider when budgeting for your project.
Professional employment
Projects involving electrical work require professional labor. The cost of hiring an electrician ranges from $85 to $105 per hour, and installing recessed lighting in an existing home takes about two and a half hours per installation.
Including labor and materials, the cost to install recessed or unlit lighting ranges from $200 to $250 per unit. Labor costs vary depending on the complexity of the installation. For example, installing lights on a single circuit takes less time than running wires to different parts of the house.
Lamp type
There are a variety of recessed lighting bulbs available, each with a specific use and price.
Type of cut
The term trim refers to the material that covers the gap between the structure and the opening cut in the ceiling to create a sleek look. A variety of styles are available.
Finish color
You can choose from a variety of finish colors to customize your recessed ceiling lighting. While most homeowners choose a traditional white finish to match their white ceilings, other colors can complement different wall colors and decorative features.
For example, copper and bronze are popular colors in rustic designs, while black or gold provide a sleek aesthetic. Unconventional finishes tend to be more expensive.
Roofing materials
If you are interested in installing recessed lighting, it is important to know that the cost of installation is affected by the ceiling material. The more complex the ceiling, the more labor intensive the lighting installation will be.
For example, a standard drywall ceiling is simple, making recessed lighting installation more expensive. Meanwhile, suspended or dropped ceilings may involve additional steps, increasing labor costs. Concrete or vaulted ceilings are the most expensive due to their complex nature. Labor costs for recessed lighting installation are also affected by access to wiring, ceiling height, trim choices, and contractor experience.
Wire and fittings location
Unless you’re replacing existing lights, your recessed lighting project will require wiring. Wiring materials cost $0.20 to $2 per linear foot. Prices are higher for older homes with copper wiring, which costs twice as much as the aluminum wiring used in newer buildings. Obstacles to installation, such as HVAC ducts, rafters, or wiring from other appliances, can add about $200 in additional labor costs.
The location of the installation also affects the cost. Access to the attic or crawl space above the installation means lower prices than if your electrician had to cut through the ceiling to run the wiring. It also means that ground floor fixtures in two-story buildings often cost more. Bathroom lighting fixtures are also more expensive because they require moisture-resistant lighting.
