How much does downlight installation cost?

Downlights are an amazing choice for lighting up your home. They can brighten up your space, set the mood, and add a touch of elegance to any room. However, installing these lights can be complicated and dangerous if you don't have the right experience or tools. That's where an electrician comes in handy.

Hiring a licensed electrician to install downlights costs between £60 and £142, which also includes replacing your old pendant lights. It's a small price to pay for a job done right and importantly, safely.

Whether you're renovating your home or simply updating your lighting fixtures, downlights are a great option. Now that you know the rough cost estimate, you can set a budget accordingly and add some beautiful lighting.

Average cost to install downlights

Downlight installation may have different rates based on where you live in the UK. Here’s a breakdown of the different average costs in the top three locations for your downlight installation. 

Factors that affect downlight installation cost

Several factors affect the cost of downlights. Here are some of them.  

Type of bulb

You can opt to use different types of light bulbs depending on the function of the room where you want them installed. The bulb type greatly impacts the overall cost of downlights, as this will determine the job's complexity. The cost to install LED downlights and supplies is usually included in the overall rate of the electrician. 

The number of downlights 

Another factor that affects overall cost is the number of downlights you want to be installed. If you often find yourself debating over how many downlights you should have installed, the simple answer is that it will depend on the size of the room and the mood you want to go for. 

For instance, you can place 12 lights in a 14-square-metre bedroom. You can consult with your installer for their recommendation if you're unsure. 

Where you want them installed

The more inaccessible the area is, the more expensive your electrician's rate might be, especially if the electrician will need to make wiring adjustments or use different materials. 

You also have to consider if you want them installed indoors or outdoors as these would require different approaches. For instance, outdoor downlights need frequent inspections from an electrician, given the wear and tear due to weather. However, you may only need a few lights outdoors than indoors. 

Complexity of the job

Labour costs will vary depending on the complexity of the job. For example, the depth and material of the ceiling will dictate the duration to get the job done, and more hours mean extra labour costs. Moreover, the different types of bulbs might need different approaches. If you want a good number of downlights, your electrician may need an assistant. 

Downlight bulb types and their pros and cons

Choosing the type of downlight bulb is just as important as selecting where you want them installed. Here’s a list of the different types of downlights you can choose from to make your decision-making process easier. 

Incandescent

Incandescent are traditional light bulbs used in most households because they require a low initial investment. 

Pros: 

• Produces warmer light compared to fluorescent lamps
• Cheap and easy to install, so labour costs wouldn’t be as high

Cons: 

• Needs more wattage to operate
• Can easily break
• Multiple incandescent light bulbs are no longer available 

Compact fluorescent lamp (CFL) 

Compact fluorescent downlights are common in older homes and workplaces. 

Pros:

• Offers many colour variations
• More affordable than LED
• Can provide at least 10,000 hours of use

Cons: 

• May be incompatible with dimmer switches
• Recurrent switching can significantly reduce its lifespan
• Might contain mercury, which is a toxic substance to humans and animals

Halogen

Halogen bulbs are very much like traditional lighting - they emit a warm and yellowish glow as opposed to a blue one, so they make for great mood lights. 

Pros: 

• Cheaper than other bulbs

Cons: 

• Only offers a two-year lifespan
• Halogen bulbs are being phased out 

Led emitting diode (LED)

While they may be more costly upfront, LED downlights are a more energy-saving solution than incandescent bulbs. Quality LED bulbs can reduce your energy consumption in the long run. 

Pros:

• Requires less heat in producing high-quality light
• Helps you save on household cooling
• Can last up to 30,000 hours

Cons: 

• Initially more expensive
• Minimized wattage
• Can falter in extreme heat 

Post a task for downlight installation

Now that you have a good tell of the different factors influencing overall costs and a thorough look at the pros and cons of each type of bulb, the next step is to create a task and find trustworthy Taskers.

Posting a task is simple. Simply go to our platform and click “Post a task.” To get quick offers and reasonable quotations, include any essential details your Tasker should know, such as the following: 

• Your location
• Where you want the downlights installed
• The type of bulb you want
• Preferred schedule for your availability

It is important to have a professional install your downlights as this task involves electricity. Hiring a skilled downlights installer ensures your home gets the right mood lighting as they fix your bulbs properly.