Recessed lighting can make a space feel brighter and more spacious. It is also great for adding an accent to your room. But, how long does it take to install recessed lighting? The answer may surprise you! There are many factors that play into the time frame of installing recessed lights, so let’s take a look at what they are before we give an estimate on how long it will take you.
Time Required for Installing Recessed Lighting
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It will take between two and four hours to install recessed lighting in a room that is around 150 square feet. The time required for installing recessed lighting will vary depending on the size of the room, the number of lights being installed, and your level of experience. However, if you are installing recessed lights in a larger room, or if this is your first time doing so, it is likely to take longer.
Time Required for an Electrician
If you are hiring an electrician to install your recessed lighting, plan on spending around four hours for the job. This includes the time it takes to run the necessary wiring and install the lights.
Time Required for DIY
When installing recessed lighting on your own, you can expect to spend a little more time on the project. You might need additional time to measure the room and plan the layout of the lights. Additionally, you will need to take time to install the wiring and mounting hardware. If you are inexperienced with electrical work, it is likely to take you around six hours to install recessed lighting yourself.
To speed up the installation process, consider using a pre-wired recessed lighting kit. These kits include all of the necessary wiring and hardware, so you can simply pop the lights into place.
How do you install recessed lighting?
There are a few basic steps that you need to follow when installing recessed lighting.
First, measure the room and plan the layout of the lights. Make sure to leave enough space between the lights so that they will shine evenly across the room.
Next, cut a hole in the ceiling for each light. You will need to measure the diameter of the light and use a hole saw that is slightly smaller than this measurement.
Once the holes are cut, you can begin to install the wiring. The wiring should be run from the light fixtures to a central location in the room, such as an electrical box.
Finally, mount the lights and connect them to the wiring. Make sure that all of the screws are tight so that the lights will be secure.
It makes sense that the time it takes to install recessed lighting can vary greatly depending on the individual and the room size. With that in mind, we’ve given a general estimate of how long it will take you to install this type of lighting. But, if you have any questions or need help with the installation, be sure to reach out to a professional electrician.
Hiring a Professional Vs DIY: 5 Things to Consider
When it comes time to install recessed lighting, one of the decisions you’ll have to make is whether to hire a professional or do it yourself. There are pros and cons to both options, so here are five things to consider before making your decision:
Time Required
Hiring a professional will take less time if you have the layout and design handy. When installing the lights yourself, factor in additional time needed for some trial and error. Also, buy a few spare lights, incase you need to replace one down the line, or mess up the dimensions during trials.
Cost
Hiring a professional will cost significantly more than doing it yourself. An electrician will charge by the hour, so the total cost of the job will depend on how long it takes them to complete it. If you are doing the job yourself, you will only need to purchase a recessed lighting kit, which is significantly less expensive than hiring a professional.
Skill Level
Installing recessed lighting is not a difficult task, but it does require some basic electrical knowledge. If you are comfortable with wiring and have installed light fixtures in the past, then you can most likely do it yourself. However, if you are unsure of your skills or uncomfortable working with electricity, it is best to hire a professional.
Safety
Working with electricity can be dangerous, so it is important to take precautions when installing recessed lighting. If you are not comfortable working with electricity, it is best to hire a professional who will know how to safely complete the job.
Peace of Mind
When you hire a professional to install your recessed lighting, you can rest assured knowing that the job will be done correctly. This peace of mind is worth the extra cost, especially if you are not comfortable working with electricity yourself.
In the end, the decision of whether to hire a professional or do it yourself comes down to personal preference. Consider your skill level, time constraints, and budget before making a decision. If you decide to hire a professional, be sure to ask for references and check their insurance coverage.
Factors Affecting Time Required for Installing Recessed Lighting
When it comes to installing recessed lighting, there are several factors that can affect the amount of time required for the job. Some of these factors include:
Room Size
The larger the room, the more lights will be needed and the longer it will take to install them. Additionally, wiring needs to be run from each light to a central location, such as an electrical box. This can add time to the installation process.
Number of Lights
The more lights that are being installed, the longer it will take to install them all. This is because each light needs to be measured, planned for, and wired individually.
Experience Level
If you are inexperienced with electrical work, it will take longer to install recessed lighting than if you have some experience. This is because you will likely need to take more time to measure and plan the layout of the lights.
Installation Location
The location of the installation can also affect how long it takes to install recessed lighting. If there are a lot of obstacles in the way, such as furniture or walls, it will take longer to install the lights. Additionally, if the ceiling is high or there are a lot of beams, this can also add time to the installation process.
Now that you know how long it takes to install recessed lighting, you can plan accordingly. If you are hiring an electrician, be sure to schedule the job well in advance. If you are doing the work yourself, make sure to allow plenty of time for the project.
