13 May, 2025
Hi-Lite Electric Inc.
You may have been thinking about doing a renovation in your home for a while. Perhaps you want to make a space more functional, or simply change it up because you’re bored with the current room aesthetic.
You’ve planned everything from fixtures and fittings to the paint scheme, but what about the lighting? From colour-changing bulbs to recessed or pot lights, lighting in any space can quickly and easily change the ambiance and aesthetic with just the flick of a switch.
These modern lighting solutions can be used both inside and outside the home, providing a cozy outdoor feel that allows you to enjoy warm summer nights a bit longer. They can also be used on the porch to provide extra light while keeping costs down.
These small yet extremely functional lights can be money-savers in the long run, but the initial costs will depend on various factors. These factors include the complexity of the wiring required, compared to what is already in place, the total number of lights needed, and their location.
There are also different types of pot lights, such as LED and halogen bulbs. However, these have various installation costs, as the fittings into which they are recessed differ in order to withstand the output of light.
LED lights are the long-term cost-saving option, as they are highly energy-efficient and bright. Halogen lights are less economical in the long run and often require frequent replacement due to burnout, which can add to the overall cost.
Still, halogen lights offer a softer lighting option, so it depends on how often the room requires light, the desired ambiance, and how the lights will complement the rest of the design.
The installation of these lights is not as simple as cutting a hole in the ceiling and slotting them into place. In some cases, particularly in older homes, the wiring may need to be updated.
When it comes to pot light installation, you will require three wires: neutral, ground, and live. These wires need to be adequately insulated to prevent fires, and some may need a transformer to lower the voltage.
Retrofitting is the most cost-effective option, as it utilizes the existing wiring with minimal modifications. If your home is a new build, then the wiring won’t be a problem, as recessed lights are often installed during the construction process.
High ceilings or hard-to-access areas will also affect the cost, as more safety equipment and specialized tools (such as taller ladders) are required. Once all of that has been taken into consideration, you can then examine the different light options.
The brand type will likely have the most significant impact on the cost, but so will the housing choices, ranging from gimbal fittings (ones that can be rotated) to the size, which can vary from 3 to 6 inches.
The pot lights can be as decorative as you like, or they can be plain and discreet. The type of housing that you can choose for your pot lights is extensive. They come in many styles and colours, so you can find the light option of your dreams, but at a price, of course.
Pot light installation is growing in popularity—and for good reason. They are highly versatile, fantastic at creating the atmosphere you’re looking for, and pay for themselves quickly, saving you even more money in the future.
Alterations and repairs to the ceiling and drywall are necessary to access the wiring behind them and install the housing and the light fixture. However, it’s not just the ceiling and wall where the switch goes that may need to be repaired. Depending on the existing wiring or general location, there may be more drywall that needs to be removed to allow for the full installation.
Repainting and re-drywalling can be expensive and increase the overall installation costs. On the other hand, this can provide motivation for an overall renovation. You now have an even better reason to change the paint colour, trim, and other aspects of the room.
Labour costs can also increase if access to where the lights must be placed is blocked or difficult to reach in general, such as with high ceilings and dropped ceilings. Additionally, outdoor pot light installation can incur more expenses, as everything needs to be weather- and water-proofed.
There are also options, such as dimmer switches, to provide you with even more control over the feel of the room. Due to the nature of their operation, such as adjusting the voltage of the current, additional features may need to be installed in the existing wiring in order to handle the dimmer switch (such as a transformer).
Utilizing the current wiring that is in place is certainly the cheaper option. Retrofitting is cost-effective compared to rewiring the entire room, home, and breaker to prevent fires and overloading the circuits.
If you are looking to give your home a facelift, recessed lights or pot lights are popular and trendy choices. Their sleek and modern design can completely change a room’s atmosphere.
With so many factors influencing the overall cost of installation, it is best to call the experts at Hi-Lite Electric Inc. We keep your budget in mind, have no hidden fees, and provide honest, genuine work that is fully guaranteed.
For more information on our varied services, you can call us at 416-800-5536 or contact us online.
© 2025 Licensed Electrical Installation & Service – Hi-Liteelectricinc.ca. All Rights Reserved.
Leave A Comment