How much does it cost to install recessed lighting?

Recessed lighting is an excellent lighting fixture because it requires little space and can be adjusted based on your mood. Installing these lights yourself can get complicated and lead to potential danger if done improperly. That’s why it’s recommended to get an electrician to install it for you. 

It costs $50 to $250 on average for labor costs to have your recessed lighting installed for you. This fee also covers the replacement of old recessed lighting. 

Good lighting fixtures brighten up your place and make it more visually pleasing. If you want to put up some of these, this handy guide can help you calculate the cost to install recessed lighting. 

Average cost to install recessed lighting

Installation of recessed lighting may have different rates based on which state you’re in. Here’s a breakdown of the average costs per fixture.

Factors that affect recessed lighting installation cost

Several factors affect the average cost of installing recessed lighting. Here are some of them.  

The number of lights 

One important factor is the number of light fixtures you want to be installed, as the cost per recessed light installed can dictate the total price. If you often find yourself debating over how many fixtures 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. 

Type of bulb

You can 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 these lighting fixtures, as this will determine the job's complexity. The cost to install LED downlights and the price of supplies are usually included in the overall rate of the electrician. 

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 recessed lighting needs a regular inspection by 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

Labor costs will vary depending on the complexity of the job. For example, the depth and material of the ceiling will dictate the duration to complete the job, and more hours mean extra labor costs. 

Moreover, your electrician may need an assistant if you want many fixtures installed or if you need to replace multiple recessed lighting. 

Recessed lighting bulb types and their pros and cons

Choosing the type of light bulb is just as important as selecting where you want them installed. Here’s a list of the different types of bulbs 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 labor costs wouldn’t be as high

Cons: 

• Needs more wattage to operate
• Can easily break
• The US will soon phase out incandescent light bulbs 

Compact fluorescent lamp (CFL) 

Compact fluorescent lights are common in older homes and workplaces.

Pros:

• Offers many color 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. Halogen bulbs produce about 25 lumens per watt. 

Pros: 

• Cheaper than other bulbs

Cons: 

• Only offers a two-year lifespan
• Halogen bulbs will no longer be produced following the state’s minimum standard of 45 lumens per watt for light bulbs

Led emitting diode (LED)

While they may be more costly upfront, LED lights 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 recessed lights 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 skilled 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 to have the lights installed
• The type of bulb you want
• Preferred schedule for your availability

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