Lighting, Light Fixtures, Ceiling and Exhaust Fans - Reccess lighting
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bk4712
11-09-07, 01:29 PM
Hello,
We bought a home 10 yrs old. The living room is dark and we want to put reccess lighting but not sure where to start.
Is it possible to install reccess lighting as a DIY? or do I need to hire a contractor?
Also, I don't think there is wiring on the ceiling to install them.
How much would these projects typically cost (say adding 4 lights) if I were to hire a contractor?
Thanks.
We bought a home 10 yrs old. The living room is dark and we want to put reccess lighting but not sure where to start.
Is it possible to install reccess lighting as a DIY? or do I need to hire a contractor?
Also, I don't think there is wiring on the ceiling to install them.
How much would these projects typically cost (say adding 4 lights) if I were to hire a contractor?
Thanks.
chandler
11-10-07, 05:38 AM
Do you have access to the attic area above the room? If so, it should be fairly easy to do the install. If not, we may have to go to plan B. Let us know your situation on the attic.
fungku
11-10-07, 09:56 PM
Yeah, if it is not an attic, you'll be needing to patch some drywall :p
bk4712
11-12-07, 08:48 AM
no, the living room is on the first floor and we have a two storey home.
fungku
11-12-07, 05:38 PM
well, the first thing you need to figure out is where you are gonna take the hot feeder from for the lighting.
then you need to figure out where the switch(es) will go, and what way the joists run in the ceiling. all the lights that are not along the same joist will have to drill through. so:
do you have a basement or crawlspace?
you can run a wire from your panel and through the crawlspace or basement and up into the wall where you are putting the switch. then a hole above the switch near the ceiling that let's you drill through the header of that wall, putting you into the ceiling and can run a wire along that joist and to where the first light is going.
from there you just need to decide where you are gonna put the rest of the lights to figure out the best way to run wire.
then you need to figure out where the switch(es) will go, and what way the joists run in the ceiling. all the lights that are not along the same joist will have to drill through. so:
do you have a basement or crawlspace?
you can run a wire from your panel and through the crawlspace or basement and up into the wall where you are putting the switch. then a hole above the switch near the ceiling that let's you drill through the header of that wall, putting you into the ceiling and can run a wire along that joist and to where the first light is going.
from there you just need to decide where you are gonna put the rest of the lights to figure out the best way to run wire.