Recessed lighting

[Klute]

I am doing so remodeling in my foyer stairs(to 2nd story) and hallway. I have scraped the 'cottage cheese' off the ceiling and beginning to prep the walls & ceiling for primer & paint.

There is a hallway connecting the foyer to the kitchen that includes a closet and bathroom. The lighting in the area has always been poor and I was thinking :thinker: about adding a recessed light or lights. Now I don't want huge amounts of light that would blind someone, just some soft light to help navigate that area as many guests use that 1/2 bath. :eek:

Since I am also recarpetting the room above the foyer and hall, I will have access to the ceiling. I will have to remove some sub floor and drill holes in 2 joists to connect the recessed light(s) to the light/switch for the foyer.

:confused: The first question is how many lights would be needed. Is the a rule of thumb or calculation that would tell me how many I would need. Does just one light look funny?

The second question, do I need a special recessed light from a code point of view? I am thinking that I will not, but it would be good to know at this time.

Also, can I install the fixture from below (thru the drywall ceiling) or will it be too big? I can remove the subfloor, but hey, if I don't really have to then why?

Thanks...

[nomind]

Hi Klute,
-There are new 'remodel' recessed lighting fixtures available in HD. They come as a unit with spreader bar and junction box. Best of all they are intended for installation from under the ceiling as long as you can reach wire.
As to how much light, you (or more likely, your wife :p ) are the best judge of that. The fittings I mention are for 60 w. bulbs. :cool:

Do it Right - Do it once.

[Klute]

Thanks...

Well, no wifey involved here, so I am on my own! Actually she would just tell me what to do and that was it. I was mindless about the looks etc, i could concetrate on getting the job done! I guess she did serve one purpose!

I have used the fixtures when I re-did a basement with a 'drop' ceiling, but those things where so damn bulky, I can't imagine getting them thru the whole...unless, of course I was an OB/GYN! ;)

[John Nelson]

Millions of people before you have installed remodel cans through the hole in the drywall. I'm sure you can too.